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A review by hefftbundle
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
2.75
It wasn't at all what I expected, and probably not something I'd revisit. Well-written, to be sure.
It is an excruciatingly slow book, but hard to put down. You want to know how it will end, even when you can guess at some parts. If you can hang on until the second half, it picks up in interest, but it still moves just as slow. Until about the last 50 pages, when it picks you up, spins you around, slaps you for good measure, and then gently sits you down and bids you a pleasant evening.
It has all the academic atmosphere and intrigue of Dead Poet's Society, and all the self-absorption and drudgery of Catcher in the Rye. If you like Salinger, you'll probably like this.
It is an excruciatingly slow book, but hard to put down. You want to know how it will end, even when you can guess at some parts. If you can hang on until the second half, it picks up in interest, but it still moves just as slow. Until about the last 50 pages, when it picks you up, spins you around, slaps you for good measure, and then gently sits you down and bids you a pleasant evening.
It has all the academic atmosphere and intrigue of Dead Poet's Society, and all the self-absorption and drudgery of Catcher in the Rye. If you like Salinger, you'll probably like this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic friendship, Death, Gaslighting, Gore, Homophobia, Incest, Islamophobia, Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, Grief, Classism, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Antisemitism, Blood, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Addiction, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Racial slurs, Sexual content, and Suicide
Minor: Rape