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A review by elisabeth_with_an_ess
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
My first impulse when I started reading this book was to tell all the characters to drink some water and take a nap. That impulse strengthened all the way to the final page. Never have I been so irritated by a cast of characters, and also so compelled to see what they would do next.
The Secret History is a story about murder, but the who and what are revealed right from the start. What remains is a fascinating, twisted exploration of the why and how. The writing is brilliant, at times making me feel as if I myself had committed the crime.
The Secret History is a story about murder, but the who and what are revealed right from the start. What remains is a fascinating, twisted exploration of the why and how. The writing is brilliant, at times making me feel as if I myself had committed the crime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Drug abuse, Incest, Suicide attempt, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, and Death of parent