leepc 's review for:

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

4.75

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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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/>

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Incest, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Toxic friendship

Moderate: Animal cruelty

Minor: Body horror, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Outing

Expect every possible trigger you could associate with a story about college students with access to alcohol, drugs, and money.