Scan barcode
A review by lybrarie
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
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
4.5
Since I've been loving dark academia books so much recently, I thought it was about time I read one of the most popular dark academia books.
This was certainly a long and slow book. The multiple chapters each over 100 pages were not easy to get through, but overall it was a pretty enjoyable experience. I really enjoyed Tartt's writing and though the book was very slow-paced, that was not a drawback for me. The characters were unlikable and the narrator was unreliable - telling a very romanticized story - but those all made a great story for me.
There were certainly negatives to the story. There was a lot of homophobia and racism amongst others, so definitely check the content warnings before reading. But overall I had a good time reading this.
This was certainly a long and slow book. The multiple chapters each over 100 pages were not easy to get through, but overall it was a pretty enjoyable experience. I really enjoyed Tartt's writing and though the book was very slow-paced, that was not a drawback for me. The characters were unlikable and the narrator was unreliable - telling a very romanticized story - but those all made a great story for me.
There were certainly negatives to the story. There was a lot of homophobia and racism amongst others, so definitely check the content warnings before reading. But overall I had a good time reading this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Incest, Racism, Rape, Suicide, Antisemitism, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Toxic friendship