A review by jnestwd
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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? Yes

5.0

HOW did Donna Tartt write this at just 29 years old?! 

 

“Donna Tartt's The Secret History is the original American campus novel. When Richard Papen joins an elite group of clever misfits at his New England college, it seems he can finally become the person he wants to be. But the moral boundaries he will cross with his new friends - and the deaths they are responsible for - will change all of their lives forever. The Secret History recounts the terrible price we pay for mistakes made on the dark journey to adulthood.” 

 

Never before have I read a novel where the world is painted so vividly, that it feels like rather than reading the story as an outsider, you’re actually inside the book watching each scene play out. 

 

I felt I could almost reach out and touch Richard, and he feverishly slept off the effects of alcohol and narcotics combined. Or smell the earthy, wet mud, caked into the knees of Henry’s pants. 

 

The writing is truly exquisite. 

 

Nothing in this book is there without a reason. Every single word exists to move the story along. 

 

There’s not a ton of dialogue, but Donna Tartt so expertly designs each scene that the characters are already leaping off the page and those careful, curated moments of dialogue only further reinforce each character’s motivations and desires. 

 

I can see why people don’t like this book. It’s a slow burn from start to end. But I do believe that those that don’t like it are (I’m sorry to offend but it’s true) missing the point entirely, as well as missing out on a true modern masterpiece. 

 

Donna Tartt is an artist and words are her medium. 

 

I have not read a book so expertly crafted,  perhaps ever, and I want to climb inside these pages and live within this book. 

 

Five stars. No notes. Sheer perfection.