abbeerambles 's review for:

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

5.0

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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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, Suicide, Murder

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

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

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.