A review by orangebeanreads
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.75

A slow burn type read, the constant stress of the characters is palpable- making it feel as though you MUST read more just to ease the tension. But that release never really comes. Some uncomfortable topics that are employed very intentionally by the author, and when paired with her writing style give the entire book a sense of fantasy despite taking place grounded in the real world. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Death, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

Minor: Cursing, Eating disorder, Incest, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment