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A review by swatswatwhat
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
2.5
I was surprised about how unmemorable this was for me. Tartt tried to put a lot of ancient Greek in here but it came off shallow and did nothing for the story. What was the point?!?!?! You can tell what the authors intention was. The book started off moody, atmospheric and eerie but Tartt was unable to hold on to that - where was the character development for these pretentious students. This could have easily been a 300 page book instead 600 pages of nonsense. 2.5 is for the first 1/3 of the book.
I can’t believe this is written by a woman .. the only main female character was flat with a personality of a door knob. A few more thoughts…
1. Why did the professor seem like he’d be a significant character but barely appeared in the story beyond the introduction with chunks of greek lessons. I was waiting to see the tie in from the lessons
2. All the characters blend into one except Richard and Bunny.
3. The first half of the book was good and lots anticipation but once the murder happened, the rest was such a drag.
4. Terribly written Camilla character.
I can’t believe this is written by a woman .. the only main female character was flat with a personality of a door knob. A few more thoughts…
1. Why did the professor seem like he’d be a significant character but barely appeared in the story beyond the introduction with chunks of greek lessons. I was waiting to see the tie in from the lessons
2. All the characters blend into one except Richard and Bunny.
3. The first half of the book was good and lots anticipation but once the murder happened, the rest was such a drag.
4. Terribly written Camilla character.