A review by abbeerambles
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Very good book. I am now concerned for the people who romanticize these characters or want to live this kind of "elite" academia life. The entire point of the book, the WHOLE POINT is to warn readers off of wanting to be like them. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Murder, and Suicide

Moderate: Antisemitism, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Classism, Drug use, Incest, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, and Racial slurs

Minor: Medical content, Sexism, Death of parent, Car accident, and Animal cruelty

The N-slur is used, specifically directed toward a middle eastern man. There are many generally racist statements made throughout the book, toward many groups of people. Particularly several antisemitic comments. The F-slur is used several times at the beginning of the book. The characters, including the POV character, use drugs and alcohol gratuitously throughout the book.

The twins are incestuous. It's implied that the male twin Charles is abusive toward the female twin Camilla.