malice332's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
blanca7's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
meeemeeemoomoo's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
lindseyhall44's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I am a huge fan of Donna Tartt’s debut novel, The Secret History, so I was extremely exited to pick up her latest work The Goldfinch! This novel seemed even more up my alley than the former, since I love literature regarding art and character studies. However, this book turned out to be one of my least favorite reads of the year, though for differing reasons than critics.
Why is it that I have seen review after review calling Tartt’s writing childish (it’s not), but none discussing the blatant racism surrounding this novel?
Boris, a character extremely close to Theo, uses the n slur multiple times, as well as depicts black people in cruel stereotypes. There are no repercussions for him saying these things, he is simply saying it to say it. In addition, the lack of diversity overall is painfully obvious, as well as the prejudice in Theo’s narrative towards people of color. Tartt has done similar things in her past works, and while I had originally chalked it up to a satirical tale on elitism in higher institution, I now wonder if it is a harmful pattern.
Why is it that I have seen review after review calling Tartt’s writing childish (it’s not), but none discussing the blatant racism surrounding this novel?
Boris, a character extremely close to Theo, uses the n slur multiple times, as well as depicts black people in cruel stereotypes. There are no repercussions for him saying these things, he is simply saying it to say it. In addition, the lack of diversity overall is painfully obvious, as well as the prejudice in Theo’s narrative towards people of color. Tartt has done similar things in her past works, and while I had originally chalked it up to a satirical tale on elitism in higher institution, I now wonder if it is a harmful pattern.
moonwaltz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
5.0
i cant even say anything of substance here.
i have no real reason why but it took me 3 1/2 years to read this book so it’s actually become a part of my soul, how am i supposed to review a piece of myself.
i have no real reason why but it took me 3 1/2 years to read this book so it’s actually become a part of my soul, how am i supposed to review a piece of myself.
sbattaglia2's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
meowsloudlyinyourear's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ambers0511's review
5.0
This was so brilliant and it made me reflect on so mmany things in my life. I really want to reread this every few years or so, because I feel like it's the type of book that I will get different things out of as I get older.
emilyemiller11's review
5.0
Realizing I read this FIVE years ago?!? Definitely need to read it again, an absolute gem.