A review by ceryswilliams
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

One of the most beautifully written and well crafted books I’ve read but oddly, I didn’t enjoy it. I felt that rather than being driven by horrible circumstance, the characters were repulsive all along. I suppose that was the point: “beauty is terror.”

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Classism, Alcoholism, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Blood, Violence, Death, Drug abuse, and Mental illness

Moderate: Homophobia and Incest

Minor: Eating disorder