A review by katiefour
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The ending, to me, holds this book back from perfection. Tartt's normal level of detail evaporates during any high-action scene, and the plot resolves in such a way that I felt that Theo did not have to suffer the consequences that would realistically surface for his actions.
Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the first 600 or so pages. I have had a deep admiration for Tartt's prose since reading The Secret History a year ago; therefore, the high page count never wore on me, and I progressed relatively quickly throughout the novel. Dynamic characters and effective pacing made this an easy read for me, but I understand this writing style and subject matter does not work for everyone.