The Secret History: From The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

The Secret History: From The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Of The Goldfinch Reviews

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  Suhair

  I’m mentally attached to this beautiful piece of art
• 
  Ami

  متى يتوفر 😔
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  ساره

  وفروه ضروووري
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  Rebekah B

  I read this book on a recommendation, and have to admit that after reading a few pages I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I do not generally like books that are overly descriptive and feature 'pretentious' prose, in fact I detest classical literature, yet the description and classical language, is what gives The Secret History it's charm.This book was published in 1992, but harks back to a time reminiscent of the early 1900's in style. The language used by some of the characters, namely Bunny, is reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. The characters are proper, intelligent, well spoken,well dressed, apparently wealthy young people, yet their lives are fueled by drink, drugs, and cigarettes. The drug abuse in this book is merely an undertone of the main story and therefore not as striking, especially considering the characters go about their addictions as though they are of no importance at all. This however, creates an air of mystery building a world that few of us could ever know. A secret world of intoxication and prose. Of fine restaurants and best suits.***spoilers***The story is better described as a 'whydunnit' opening with the death of a main character, with Book 1 of the story describing the events leading to the death, and Book 2 describing the events after the death. Our narrator, Richard, arrives at the fictional Hampden College with the intention of continuing his studies in Greek, and there has his first encounter with enigmatic tutor Julian, who eventually permits him to study in his small selective class of only six students. Previously fascinated with these students, Richard soon finds himself drawn into their world of bygone time splendor. Richard struggles to open himself up to the group, especially as they are all of discernible wealth, and he has entered the school on Financial Aid to the horror of his Californian parents, but soon finds that they are keeping a far bigger secret from him.The relationships between the main characters throughout the book are extremely interesting. At times it seems like everyone is sleeping with everyone, everyone hates everyone, everyone loves everyone. These friends are as family members, and move only together. As events unfold and some characters begin to lose themselves to either love, alcohol, murderous intentions, or drugs, the plot moves fantastically, with barely a dull paragraph. As previously mentioned, the use of such ornate and graceful language builds both atmosphere and suspense. It was a pleasure to read and I have even noticed Donna Tartt's use of language sneaking into my day to day writing and speech.This book is a dark and classical masterpiece, the plot points of which you will never expect until they happen. I look forward to reading of Tartt's work.
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  Caroline

  At the time of its publication, the publishers opted for an initial print run of 75,000 copies. When we compare this to the usual amount of 10,000 for a debut, literary novel then it's apparent that the publishers knew they had something exciting on their hands. The novel has been described as an 'inverted detective story' as we start the novel aware of the death of a student, Bunny, at Hampden College. Our narrator is Richard Papen, who has started studying Ancient Greek at Hampden with an unusual group of people including Bunny. The group are taught by enigmatic professor Julian and include the unofficial leader Henry, the twins Charles and Camilla, Francis and Bunny. Aware of this group within a group, Richard can only sit and observe until one weekend tragedy occurs and Richard becomes entwined in their complicated, unhealthy web before the novel reaches its climax with the death of Bunny.I have so much I want to share with you about this novel. The first thing to say is that nothing much really happens despite the fantastic plot. Richard's narrative, at times, seems to be dry and a little dull. But there is true magic in this. He encompasses beautifully the drinking, drugging and debauchery that forms the basis of the novel, until it becomes almost passé.His words also highlight beautifully the isolation of the Ancient Greek group and their professor. Richard, himself, becomes remote from the rest of the University. His French tutor describes the group as unusual, Julian chooses not to socialise with the rest of the faculty and the group live, study and socialise exclusively away from the rest of the College. Richard manages to maintain some links, choosing to work for a psychology Professor and maintain his friendship with fellow Californian Judy Poovey. But Richard still appears at a halfway house not quite ingratiated into Henry's group and never quite bothered enough to maintain new friendships. His role is that of observer. Aspects of his personality change as he strives to join Henry's group; he dresses in old fashioned suit jackets, he smokes excessively. It is a fascinating transformation.The characters are a wonderful mix of light and day. Julian is a marvellous study, as delicate as glass; witty, charming and with the most wonderful life experiences as he befriends celebrity and ex presidents. He is an inspiration for the group and it is only at the end we see how shallow he actually is. Henry is very interesting. Old mannish, tall, rich, not particularly handsome and a genius. The group follow him slavishly. At first you wonder why, but then as Donna Tartt's narrative unfolds you understand and by the end no longer question this. The twins, Charles and Camilla are unusual. Charles is friendly but on a path of self destruction and there is something other worldly about Camilla. At one time or another, most of the group are in love with her. Francis is probably the one that Richard feels closest to; foppish, insanely rich, out of everyone he can see what Henry is doing and goes along with it.It's wonderful and brilliant. I loved the biting cold of Vermont, of the powerful writing, the self destructive nature of the characters and the looming darkness. Each word is carefully and precisely chosen, it evokes emotion and feeling and truly a modern classic in every sense of the word. Do not be put off by the theorisations or perceived intellectual qualities it is accessible. I love this book and in my opinion this should be a lot higher in the BBC Big Read list.
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  Londongirl

  This book was far too long. I couldn’t relate to the characters and it just lacks something. I wouldn’t describe it as a thriller. I almost gave up but did finish it begrudgingly. I kept hoping there’d be a big twist but *spoiler alert* there wasn’t. I had read The Little Friend and, although also very long winded, really enjoyed it. Oh well. Don’t think I’ll be reading another Donna Tartt book anytime soon. The reason I still have three stars is she is a good writer in so many ways. The ways she describes even the mundane is amazing. Just a shame she describes the mundane so often 😫
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  Moira M

  I don’t know. I am conflicted. I have feelings. The writing was sublime, so sharp, engaging and entertaining. Perfection. The setting was moody and atmospheric with a group of pretentious, arrogant, intellectual misfits at the centre of it all. The first half of the book, or Book 1 as the story is set as 2 books or parts. The first half the book being absolutely the best thing since chocolate. I adored it the dark, gothic backdrop of the this private liberal arts college in Vermont, our eccentric characters, the nostalgic feel to all of it (the way it was written and the dialogue that the characters used) The dark undertones and foreshadowing of the things to come. I also think it important to mention that this was first published in 1992 so I personally think it will strike a chord with those of us that remember life before the internet, home computers and mobile phones. Also, there were some problematic elements that were all in the opinion of the characters and everyone is allowed their own opinions of course, but there were some things that I came across where it didn’t surprise me at all that this book was written before and then published in 1992.But a lot of that is written in to add context to characters and their situations, in particular to highlight the perverse nature of power, affluence like the main characters being elitist and feeling they were untouchable because they were so smart.So, that said. The first half/part of the book was incredible. The second half.it went places that I wasn’t expecting. Which is good, I like to be taken outside of my normal thinking patterns and comfort zone but I felt it veered off for a bit and the whole funeral thing at the families house I think we could have done without as it was just filler nothing particularly poignant happened, other than characters being introduced that had no bearing on the plot or the main characters. So, it was pointless. Also, there was excessive drug and alcohol abuse going on (TW) and smoking which I get adds to the characters state of mind and personality traits but I found it hard to reconcile the amounts consumed. The average mortal human being wouldn’t be able to function, let alone study or have any kind of clear cognitive ability. (And on this score I can honestly say that I know I was a big party girl when I was backpacking) so all the smoking, drinking and drugs felt a bit ‘try hard’ to me & used as plot device unnecessarily. It also went off on wild tangents of taboo topics like incest and suicide. (TW) It’s all very cleverly written so it keeps you engaged which is great, but this book could have been shorter and still a great book worthy of the ‘modern classic’ title.And the ending?! Not a fan. And maybe it was a cheap trick to pull that last twist at the end and maybe it wasn’t. Just like the epilogue maybe that ending was a trick and maybe it wasn’t.Personally, I hate open endings & variables. I much prefer an ending. Doesn’t always have to be happy, but a conclusion to the story. Not some vague attempt at being speculative.But all in all, it’s a book that you can reread and get get different things from each time you read it and that is the Mark of a fantastic book. That’s why this is a 5 star and now an all time favourite. While the content was good, the writing & atmosphere was amazing and made reading this book such an enjoyable and immersive experience.
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  Adnan Soysal

  It is such a pleasure to read this book, particularly, first section.It is surprising, and hard to believe this novel is written by an modern contemporary author.Because it is like an old classic in new times.Novel earns this praise with it's plot, with it's in depth character exposure, with it's psychology analysis , with it's narration style, with it's the dialogues, with the suspense, particularly in the first section.Another surprising point was that this is Donna Tartt's first novel. It is too good to be true as the first novel at such a young age.First thing that strikes the reader is the language.It is a clear, enjoyable, simple, yet complex language. And story is narrated beautifully, making it difficult to give a break.I think in these modern times it is fashion among modern contemporary writings to construct a language and narration style that has no concern for reader's enjoyment.(Maybe with a lot of concern for book critics, award/prize commissions)Donna Tartt is away from these concerns and poor style.She does not need need show off about her talents on language by constructing obscure sentences using weird words.She is already immersed in the beauty and power of language and she delivers it for the pleasure of reader.This novel is a story of five students studying Greek Classics under an eccentric Professor in a College in Vermont.Narrator is one of the students, Richard, the poorest one among all and he is trying to hide his background.Under influence of Greek tragedy, and problems with the attitude of the one of them, events will lead to a murder of one them by the charismatic, intellectual leader of the group.Book is made up of two sections. First one is to the pre murder and Murder part, and next one is post murder.I love the first part a lot, particularly continues never ending suspense under every dialogue, every scene.This is primary triggered by the early announcement of the coming up murder in the narration.But in any case, Donna Tarrt has a style that suspense is ordinary and is always in the air, underneath every dialogue, in the surrounding.In the second part, all of a sudden sudden entire mystery, suspense disappear. Story is bit dispersed. New side characters pop up with shallow descriptions.This part gives a sad tragic feeling of how everyone is deceptive, and everything is fake.What strikes in the second part is that how life can just go on as if nothing has happened.It feels like second part has a strong moral message than the first one.There is substantial psychology in every dialogue.It feels like Donna Tarrt used her college year experiences, engagements very well in this novel.Dialogues are so real, characters are deep, vivid, real, natural.One feels like a fly on the wall listening the real thing.This is like standard for every dialogue.Narration reminded me Nick Carraway in the 2013 movie The Great Gatsby.Its is done by innocent, reliable , emphatic Richard.Dialogues and narration are very well balanced of wonderful SHOW and TELL style.Most of the modern SHOW styles feels repulsive, annoying for me. But Donna Tarrt drags the reader into the scene so smoothly.