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A review by booksandbabies
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I finished 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt today (5th January). This means I finished both my books I still had going on from December.
I definitely liked it a lot. I loved the writing style and the characters, eventhough they are all horrible people. Somehow I did feel like they were real people making horrible, but in a way natural given the context, mistakes one after the other. Everybody is so freaking flawed in this book, it can't help but make you feel sad by the end.
The book was written in 2004 and was an instant hit. I am however kind of glad it took me so long to read because it gave me that same feeling I get from newer books that take place in the recent past. Not quite nostalgia, but like historical fiction about a time you remember vividly. No cellphones means no sure way to contact your friends even in emergencies and this felt like a very real and essential element, especially in the second part of the book.
I loved all the snobish references to Latin, Greek and Classic English literature. I understand thi is meant to underline the characters' obnoxiousness, but I kind of liked them for it.
In the end the pacing was a bit off for me. After the main event at the end of part one, I definitely had some 'where are we going with this'feelings. It felt like most of the book were vibes over plot, witnessing the main characters' descent into paranoia and madness.
I definitely liked it a lot. I loved the writing style and the characters, eventhough they are all horrible people. Somehow I did feel like they were real people making horrible, but in a way natural given the context, mistakes one after the other. Everybody is so freaking flawed in this book, it can't help but make you feel sad by the end.
The book was written in 2004 and was an instant hit. I am however kind of glad it took me so long to read because it gave me that same feeling I get from newer books that take place in the recent past. Not quite nostalgia, but like historical fiction about a time you remember vividly. No cellphones means no sure way to contact your friends even in emergencies and this felt like a very real and essential element, especially in the second part of the book.
I loved all the snobish references to Latin, Greek and Classic English literature. I understand thi is meant to underline the characters' obnoxiousness, but I kind of liked them for it.
In the end the pacing was a bit off for me. After the main event at the end of part one, I definitely had some 'where are we going with this'feelings. It felt like most of the book were vibes over plot, witnessing the main characters' descent into paranoia and madness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, Suicide, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, and Physical abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Death of parent