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A review by mysticpagemage
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Book Review
The Secret History
Donna Tartt
4.5
CHARACTERS: 4.5/5
• The main group of six characters are so well entangled together that you get the sense that they are in a completely different time than the rest of the story. Their interactions and inside commentary within their group dynamic is so well done that you feel as though you have been granted a front row seat to something you should not be a part of. They are described so well that you can picture each one vividly in your head to where you can almost hear their voices. You begin to see them in many different lights: the snobby rich kids, the abandoned children, the lost souls, and the easily influenced. However, this does not absolve them of their wrong doings because at the basic level every person should know right from wrong and not be easily persuaded down a path of destruction.
SETTING & ATMOSPHERE: 5/5
• The atmosphere and setting are of superior quality. You find yourself getting lost in the novel feeling as though you are in Vermont at this isolated school among these students. Despite the fact the book is set in the 80s you also lose yourself with the Greek students to a very different time. I found myself being caught off guard when modern things were being discussed because I had the feeling I was in the 20s with the small group of Greek students and how they dress and speak. The small town and the people make it feel even more isolated and separated from the rest of the world.
WRITING STYLE & LANGUAGE: 4/5
• Donna Tartt has a way with her writing that pulls you in so much that at times you feel almost like you are in a confined room with the small group of students. I remember one scene where it felt like I was in a dark room lit only by a small oil with the two characters that were talking in rushed tones. Then suddenly a door opens and the moment is broken. I found myself staring at the book thinking wow I was there I was in it. I just don't find that in most books. The only fault I have with the novel was that it was paced a little slow for me personally.
THEMES & MOTIFS: 5/5
• There were so many themes that could be found within this novel: envy, guilt, isolation, manipulation, social class, and the link between beauty and terror. The social class theme is explored in throwing money around as well as thinking that one with high standing can get away with most anything. Guilt is seen in almost a tell-tell heart way with characters seeing and dreaming of those that they have wronged. This novel explores most of these themes well but also leaves plenty of room for the reader to make their own interpretations.
READING EXPERIENCE: 4.5/5
• Overall my experience reading The Secret History was amazing. I did have an issue with how slow the pacing was but I was able to push through that due to the writing style and the story itself. The atmosphere and the characters really were fleshed out so well. You will find yourself in a love hate relationship with the characters so be prepared to ask yourself many time why you sympathize with them while at the same time being infuriated with their choices.
The Secret History
Donna Tartt
4.5
CHARACTERS: 4.5/5
• The main group of six characters are so well entangled together that you get the sense that they are in a completely different time than the rest of the story. Their interactions and inside commentary within their group dynamic is so well done that you feel as though you have been granted a front row seat to something you should not be a part of. They are described so well that you can picture each one vividly in your head to where you can almost hear their voices. You begin to see them in many different lights: the snobby rich kids, the abandoned children, the lost souls, and the easily influenced. However, this does not absolve them of their wrong doings because at the basic level every person should know right from wrong and not be easily persuaded down a path of destruction.
SETTING & ATMOSPHERE: 5/5
• The atmosphere and setting are of superior quality. You find yourself getting lost in the novel feeling as though you are in Vermont at this isolated school among these students. Despite the fact the book is set in the 80s you also lose yourself with the Greek students to a very different time. I found myself being caught off guard when modern things were being discussed because I had the feeling I was in the 20s with the small group of Greek students and how they dress and speak. The small town and the people make it feel even more isolated and separated from the rest of the world.
WRITING STYLE & LANGUAGE: 4/5
• Donna Tartt has a way with her writing that pulls you in so much that at times you feel almost like you are in a confined room with the small group of students. I remember one scene where it felt like I was in a dark room lit only by a small oil with the two characters that were talking in rushed tones. Then suddenly a door opens and the moment is broken. I found myself staring at the book thinking wow I was there I was in it. I just don't find that in most books. The only fault I have with the novel was that it was paced a little slow for me personally.
THEMES & MOTIFS: 5/5
• There were so many themes that could be found within this novel: envy, guilt, isolation, manipulation, social class, and the link between beauty and terror. The social class theme is explored in throwing money around as well as thinking that one with high standing can get away with most anything. Guilt is seen in almost a tell-tell heart way with characters seeing and dreaming of those that they have wronged. This novel explores most of these themes well but also leaves plenty of room for the reader to make their own interpretations.
READING EXPERIENCE: 4.5/5
• Overall my experience reading The Secret History was amazing. I did have an issue with how slow the pacing was but I was able to push through that due to the writing style and the story itself. The atmosphere and the characters really were fleshed out so well. You will find yourself in a love hate relationship with the characters so be prepared to ask yourself many time why you sympathize with them while at the same time being infuriated with their choices.