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A review by tits_mcgee
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rich with atmosphere and lyrical as hell.
The Secret History is saturated with a dark academic tone, it nourished me with the kind of world building I would love to live in, among people who I would love to hate.
With a cast of scumbag privileged characters wielding no sympathy for people they deem beneath them, we are taken on a slowly unfolding twisty plot that although not wholly original, is written with a melancholy charm that enriches the experience. I recommend the audio book narrated by Donna herself, as her voice is perfect for setting the tone. Myself and Mrs Dork both read this along with the audio to keep us at the same pace, and Mrs Dork wants me to mention that this is her favourite book of all time.
Overall a wonderful example of slow, atmospheric prose with a garnish of interesting classic Greek references to boot. I loved living in Tartt’s world and miss it already. I will be re-reading this some time again in the not too distant future I’m sure.
10/10
The Secret History is saturated with a dark academic tone, it nourished me with the kind of world building I would love to live in, among people who I would love to hate.
With a cast of scumbag privileged characters wielding no sympathy for people they deem beneath them, we are taken on a slowly unfolding twisty plot that although not wholly original, is written with a melancholy charm that enriches the experience. I recommend the audio book narrated by Donna herself, as her voice is perfect for setting the tone. Myself and Mrs Dork both read this along with the audio to keep us at the same pace, and Mrs Dork wants me to mention that this is her favourite book of all time.
Overall a wonderful example of slow, atmospheric prose with a garnish of interesting classic Greek references to boot. I loved living in Tartt’s world and miss it already. I will be re-reading this some time again in the not too distant future I’m sure.
10/10