A review by benidamika
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? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Reading a modern classic is always daunting. When I began TSH, I was intimidated by how thick the book was. It did take me 2 months to finish it, but I really enjoyed diving back into the dark academic atmosphere everytime I picked it up. I admit, it was a little slow for me. I wish I read it at a faster pace, maybe I could connect the lines and dots better that way because I felt like such an outsider through Richard's narration. I'm sure there are many tiny secrets I have missed, but I plan to reread it again someday. 

I think humans sympathize better with the dead. I felt drawn towards Bunny after he died. I loathe him and felt frustrated everytime I had to read him. The murder made sense. Even though recollections of him trickled as the book progressed, I felt a deep regret for the way his life was cut short. 

After Bunny's death, I felt like the entire friend group experienced a hurricane that never subsided until
Henry's
death. As long as he was alive, nobody felt safe. Everyone spiralled in their own way and his was the most unexpected.
His emotions were very difficult to read because of his stoicism.


But the ending definitely surprised me. I never would have predicted it would unfold the way it did. I thought I was satisfied with the summation of the characters' lives but Tartt had to hit me with that last line! 😩😭

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