Scan barcode
A review by lotties_corner
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I don’t think that I have ever encountered a piece of art or literature that makes murder seem excusable based purely on aesthetic and convenience grounds. Donna Tartt not only encircles the reader in a richly descriptive corner of her creation, but encapsulates the very art of being human through her characters.
This book is clearly also a critique of the hyper-intellectual complacency and arrogance of many classics students and other members of academia who consider themselves above the rules of society on account of their own perceived superior intelligence and judgment. It is a slippery slope when one believes that their own intelligence and judgment outweighs that of common morals and societal standards and Tartt portrays this ‘fatal flaw’ impeccably.
With such an unreliable narrator but such an enthralling plot, one cannot help but be dragged into the complicated dynamics of this dysfunctional friend group. It also helps that Henry, the glue of the group is such an intriguing character himself.
I was worried that this book would not live up to my expectations, created by such raving reviews from family and friends. However, I knew I would love The Secret History from before I even finished it. It is almost sad to me that this was not Tartt’s second work as I do believe that had it been, she would’ve won the Pulitzer as having read the Goldfinch, I now believe The Secret History to be her superior work.
This book is clearly also a critique of the hyper-intellectual complacency and arrogance of many classics students and other members of academia who consider themselves above the rules of society on account of their own perceived superior intelligence and judgment. It is a slippery slope when one believes that their own intelligence and judgment outweighs that of common morals and societal standards and Tartt portrays this ‘fatal flaw’ impeccably.
With such an unreliable narrator but such an enthralling plot, one cannot help but be dragged into the complicated dynamics of this dysfunctional friend group. It also helps that Henry, the glue of the group is such an intriguing character himself.
I was worried that this book would not live up to my expectations, created by such raving reviews from family and friends. However, I knew I would love The Secret History from before I even finished it. It is almost sad to me that this was not Tartt’s second work as I do believe that had it been, she would’ve won the Pulitzer as having read the Goldfinch, I now believe The Secret History to be her superior work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Incest, Alcohol, and Drug use