A review by elonzo
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

this book was A Time. the first half captivated me, the 1/2-3/4 mark kinda dragged on in my opinion, and then it was interesting again from 3/4 to the end. i hated all of the characters but i was incredibly invested in them which was a weird feeling. 

things i have to remember to watch out for in my eventual reread:
- cigarettes as a symbol
- weather as a symbol
- julian as a representation of god 
- the outside perspective of the classics students versus the reality of them 
- henry's arc  
Expand filter menu Content Warnings