A review by liaandersson
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

I really enjoyed reading this book. I had heard great reviews and plenty of recommendations from friends with similar taste to mine. I can not claim to be disappointed in the least. I listened to the audiobook and was completely submerged into this world, this life. I truly understand the common sentiment that this is considered a dark academia classic.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Physical abuse, Blood, Confinement, Grief, Homophobia, Incest, Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Abandonment, Antisemitism, Classism, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, Racism, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Sexism, Stalking, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Violence

Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Medical content, Murder, Abandonment, Addiction, Confinement, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Incest, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Misogyny, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Emotional abuse