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A review by yooya15
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This books is an onion with iron layers — there’s so much to unpack in every line, every scene. I don’t think 5 rereads would be enough to understand the full depth of these characters, just as it’s not enough to understand the full depth of any person in the flesh. It was surprisingly satirical, but in a way where I sometimes felt like I was going to hell for laughing. Donna really did the damn thing!
I think it’s a 5 star quality book, but wildly uncomfortable read for its content (it reads like a modern Greek tragedy, ha). Just look at the content warnings to see what I mean!! My feelings can’t be squashed into a star rating, so I’m leaving it blank :D
I think it’s a 5 star quality book, but wildly uncomfortable read for its content (it reads like a modern Greek tragedy, ha). Just look at the content warnings to see what I mean!! My feelings can’t be squashed into a star rating, so I’m leaving it blank :D
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Incest, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Islamophobia, Suicide attempt, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Islamophobia, Grief, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Forced institutionalization