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A review by leepc
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is the first contemporary book I’ve read in quite some time, and the writing is equal to the classics I usually stick to. It’s incredibly unique and intriguing, and the accurate and realistic description of daily life at a liberal arts college as a language student was amazing- critical and pastoral in equal and appropriate terms. My one criticism (and reason for not giving the book a full 5-stars) is the treatment of Francis. As a queer reader, it was disheartening to see him guided so heavily into tropes, especially in his relationship with Charles, in his promiscuity, and in his ultimate forced marriage. The latter especially seemed unnecessary and forced, an oddly cruel fate for a character that could have found some sort of redemption like the others<spoiler/>
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Incest, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Animal cruelty
Minor: Body horror, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Vomit, Grief, and Outing
Expect every possible trigger you could associate with a story about college students with access to alcohol, drugs, and money.