A review by kinzo103
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

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

4.0

TLDR: If you want a moral descent into madness and futility with characters that you never feel like you really understand, this is your book. This entire book, from the writing to the story, is a delusion of grandeur.

In all honesty, I didn't know how I wanted to rate this book. It is so well written structure-wise, it is beautiful in a pretentious, academic way. The story... I don't even know how I feel. This book is *slow* and yet I couldn't put it down? I desperately wanted it to be over but I was never bored. It is truly an enigma, whether good or bad, I'm not sure. After what I thought was the big reveal and I was only 36% through the book, I wondered what could possibly fill the rest of this book?? And I continued feeling that way through every development, right through the very end. I both hate and love this book. This story successfully captures the idea that you never truly know any of the people around you, no matter what you think.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings