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A review by nuii
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Im on the fence between 4.25 and 4.5. I like Book 1 a bit better, Book 2 felt like it dragged on a bit too slow sometimes. However, it's still worth the read.
The pacing is quite slow but I enjoyed the details and how most things would eventually fall into places to make a bigger picture. Although the ending almost felt too abrupt to me (there isnt really a climax, or maybe it's just too slowpaced), I could understand it.
Character-wise, it's a love-hate relationship. I like and dislike them, at times even despise their actions or the lack thereof. Still, they are believable (though somewhat exaggerated but that serves the commentary purpose) and that's enough for me.
I dont think the book glorifies the snobbish dark academia too much, if anything, it has the opposite affect on me as I really dont want to be like them. However, it might not be the case for younger readers. The narrator has some self-awareness, which I applause, but it has virtually no effects.
The book smells like smoke and booze though. That's all i would say to it.
The pacing is quite slow but I enjoyed the details and how most things would eventually fall into places to make a bigger picture. Although the ending almost felt too abrupt to me (there isnt really a climax, or maybe it's just too slowpaced), I could understand it.
Character-wise, it's a love-hate relationship. I like and dislike them, at times even despise their actions or the lack thereof. Still, they are believable (though somewhat exaggerated but that serves the commentary purpose) and that's enough for me.
I dont think the book glorifies the snobbish dark academia too much, if anything, it has the opposite affect on me as I really dont want to be like them. However, it might not be the case for younger readers. The narrator has some self-awareness, which I applause, but it has virtually no effects.
The book smells like smoke and booze though. That's all i would say to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia and Incest