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A review by extraterrestrial_congregations
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
May contain some spoilers:)
Looking back on this book, I might just give it 4☆-s, purely for the enjoyment and good writing! But my gosh, the story had so much potential with the premise and characters, but at times it just kind of fell flat. The most frustrating part about this story was Julian, who was, as Richard said, a very important influencial figure to them. Richard mentioned how much he loves and respects him. But we only see Julian at the beginning, get one lesson from him and then he disappears for most of the book! And when he shows up at the end he is supposed to be this important character with a huge impact but we haven't seen him be that as the story developed; I was also really looking forward to seeing some more lessons from him but alas. I feel like this book could have already been a lot better if Julian was actually made out to be the man he was described to be; he just felt sort of empty and we didn't have time to get to know him. And while most of the characters were rather unlikable I did find myself caring for them, which was swell! Perhaps the mysterious four and the beginning of their relationship with Richard could have been developed a tad better than through plain descriptions, but in the end it didn't feel that lacking; just in the moment as I was reading about them becoming closer. I did really enjoy how well Henry seemed to be developed! And seeing Richard interact with other students outside his class; I think it would have been nice to see more of the academics they were learning though. Half of the book was still left after the- well the pain part of the story happened, but I didn't even mind it! I loved reading about the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts the remaining four went through after the murder! But when it was time for Bunny's funeral at his family's house...idk why but I was a bit bored by that point. And I barely remember what came after that; felt a bit pointless? Although the development of Charles was charmingly interesting to read!
All in all, an enjoyable book that could have been amazing with a bit of rewriting! I find myself thinking of this book as a more mild version of "Crime and Punishment".
Ah, also I did like the ending, But it could have come sooner.
Looking back on this book, I might just give it 4☆-s, purely for the enjoyment and good writing! But my gosh, the story had so much potential with the premise and characters, but at times it just kind of fell flat. The most frustrating part about this story was Julian, who was, as Richard said, a very important influencial figure to them. Richard mentioned how much he loves and respects him. But we only see Julian at the beginning, get one lesson from him and then he disappears for most of the book! And when he shows up at the end he is supposed to be this important character with a huge impact but we haven't seen him be that as the story developed; I was also really looking forward to seeing some more lessons from him but alas. I feel like this book could have already been a lot better if Julian was actually made out to be the man he was described to be; he just felt sort of empty and we didn't have time to get to know him. And while most of the characters were rather unlikable I did find myself caring for them, which was swell! Perhaps the mysterious four and the beginning of their relationship with Richard could have been developed a tad better than through plain descriptions, but in the end it didn't feel that lacking; just in the moment as I was reading about them becoming closer. I did really enjoy how well Henry seemed to be developed! And seeing Richard interact with other students outside his class; I think it would have been nice to see more of the academics they were learning though. Half of the book was still left after the- well the pain part of the story happened, but I didn't even mind it! I loved reading about the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts the remaining four went through after the murder! But when it was time for Bunny's funeral at his family's house...idk why but I was a bit bored by that point. And I barely remember what came after that; felt a bit pointless? Although the development of Charles was charmingly interesting to read!
All in all, an enjoyable book that could have been amazing with a bit of rewriting! I find myself thinking of this book as a more mild version of "Crime and Punishment".
Ah, also I did like the ending, But it could have come sooner.