A review by pennedpaper
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-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

The Secret history is a far too overhyped book. The premise of the book was interesting, but the execution could have been better done. I loved the idea of a dark academic book focused on greek literature. The book was possibly ruined for me because of Babel. Whereas Babel touched on themes such as colonialism and racism in a poor light, The Secret History is much more pretentious and classist. It does raise an interesting question though would you do something just because you can get away with it? The plot was a little confusing, especially because the narrator is not ever fully aware of what is going on. Richard, the narrator, usually pieces together the plot with the little bit of information he has. I didn’t find the characters all too loveable, and I found the plot quite lacking. I think that the main issue with The Secret History is that it was trying to criticize the idea of the classism and elitism that takes place in academia, but it failed to miss the mark and instead read as the opposite of what was intended.

I would give this book a 2/5. I think it was an interesting experience to read once, but I wouldn’t read it again.
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