A review by jasminn_perez
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I think I would love to reread this book. I just know its gonna take another pass through for anything to really stick. I have so much appreciation for the character writing and just the writing in general. donna tart is the most genius like actually. I at this point in time don't believe I truly grasped a lot of what was going on in this book. but that might be the point ? idk I might come back to add to this review later bc I literally just finished it. I loved how much of an unreliable narrator Richard was. it truly was his story and his side of it and I know he liiiiied. the main hype for this book was the vibes and TRUST they are there. it did invent dark academia. its dark and mysterious and eerie and I felt so uncomfortable throughout so much of it. the way that Richard was kind of always on the outside of the group until he wasn't translated so so well onto the reader. it really felt like I was there with them but only on the level that he was. because even after they killed bunny it still felt like he was on the outside in a way. idk anyway it was good I will def be rereading and maybe ill grasp it better then.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings