A review by stierwood
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-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

4.0

Lots of highlights and low points, including but not limited to the 2 dimensionality of the only female character, the page-turning aspect, the dialogue & prose being both incredibly descriptive/beautiful/smart & pretentious/awkward at the same time, the sharp and interesting (except for camilla) and highly dislikeable characters, and the incest 😟 much to unpack. Deeply disturbed

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Incest, Medical content, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Suicide, Addiction, Drug use, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Mental illness, Murder, Racial slurs, Torture, Violence, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Classism, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Grief