A review by jackie10024
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

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

4.0

This book was engaging. As crazy as the story was, you could understand how the facts unfolded. What I didn’t understand as readily was how the core six characters put up with each others’ insufferable qualities for so long, and under such complex conditions. Having said that, the character development was rich and interesting, and the plot kept you engaged. It was also a time capsule of the ‘80’s, which is kind of a black hole as far as important times in history, but is when I went to college, so that was fun for me. Didn’t love the author’s narration. Her southern accent was discordant for the New England context of the book, and some of her voicing, particularly of the male characters, was unintentionally comic. Very good book overall, though. Would definitely recommend. 
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