FEBRUARY & MARCH ENJOYMENT READING
The Secret History By Donna Tartt
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
Psychological Fiction Novel
524 pages
4 out of 4 stars recommendation ★★★★
“Does such a thing as "the fatal flaw," that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature?” pg. 7
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt, will definitely cause you to delve into your darker side of thinking. Set in a small college in Vermont, called Hampden, Richard Papen is the newest member of the enigmatic and small group of students studying Greek and ancient civilizations under the uncharacteristic and unorthodox professor, Julian Morrow. The novel depicts the experiences Richard has when associating with this peculiar clan of rich Classics, which leads to a murder within the group of six. As they continue to study the human nature of ancient civilizations, they are drawn away from the reality around them causing them to make immoral decisions. With the murder of their friend, Edmund “Bunny” Corcoran, who had been blackmailing them, they are unable to avoid the guilt and it leads the group into a downward spiral of destruction. Taking you on a twisted and cinematic-like journey through the aftermath of a murder, the young group learns about friendship, “duty, piety, loyalty, and sacrifice”. Set as a reverse murder mystery, dragging you along to figure out what happens, The Secret History will not disappoint. In fact there are several plot-twists and surprises packed in just the last forty pages. Definitely a great read, I enjoyed the fact that the author never pushed a single theme; instead scattering ideas and leaving the meaning of the story ambiguous and that gave it a natural and real essence. I recommend this book to anyone, who is looking for a well told story, as it satisfies everything from suspense, adventure, relationship tension, history, and culture.
by Donna Tartt
Psychological Fiction Novel
524 pages
4 out of 4 stars recommendation ★★★★
“Does such a thing as "the fatal flaw," that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature?” pg. 7
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt, will definitely cause you to delve into your darker side of thinking. Set in a small college in Vermont, called Hampden, Richard Papen is the newest member of the enigmatic and small group of students studying Greek and ancient civilizations under the uncharacteristic and unorthodox professor, Julian Morrow. The novel depicts the experiences Richard has when associating with this peculiar clan of rich Classics, which leads to a murder within the group of six. As they continue to study the human nature of ancient civilizations, they are drawn away from the reality around them causing them to make immoral decisions. With the murder of their friend, Edmund “Bunny” Corcoran, who had been blackmailing them, they are unable to avoid the guilt and it leads the group into a downward spiral of destruction. Taking you on a twisted and cinematic-like journey through the aftermath of a murder, the young group learns about friendship, “duty, piety, loyalty, and sacrifice”. Set as a reverse murder mystery, dragging you along to figure out what happens, The Secret History will not disappoint. In fact there are several plot-twists and surprises packed in just the last forty pages. Definitely a great read, I enjoyed the fact that the author never pushed a single theme; instead scattering ideas and leaving the meaning of the story ambiguous and that gave it a natural and real essence. I recommend this book to anyone, who is looking for a well told story, as it satisfies everything from suspense, adventure, relationship tension, history, and culture.