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Baba's Reviews > The Secret History
The Secret History
by
by
Baba's review
bookshelves: modernclassic, literary-fiction, this-book-tho
Feb 08, 2020
bookshelves: modernclassic, literary-fiction, this-book-tho
Read 2 times. Last read July 11, 2017 to August 2, 2017.
A truly modern classic masterpiece - Tartt's first offering as a writer is this juggernaut - a descent into evil, unreliably narrated by the newest addition to a group of highly eccentric elitist misfits, who form a group around a just as eccentric classics professor at a small liberal arts college in Vermont. Within this microcosm, they are creating their own norms and in time, their own morality, which leads to a descent to evil.
A masterclass in scene setting and character development from a first person narrator's perspective; in beautifully paced suspense building; and in creating an atmosphere and plot that aptly illustrates the general complexity and confusion of relationships. The well drawn out character development by Tartt, brings the group to life, despite the at first glance, limited view of the narrator. One of those books you can read again and again, and again... and still be completely drawn in by the suspense and the mystery of it all.
Tart announces her talent to the world! 10 out of 12.
A masterclass in scene setting and character development from a first person narrator's perspective; in beautifully paced suspense building; and in creating an atmosphere and plot that aptly illustrates the general complexity and confusion of relationships. The well drawn out character development by Tartt, brings the group to life, despite the at first glance, limited view of the narrator. One of those books you can read again and again, and again... and still be completely drawn in by the suspense and the mystery of it all.
Tart announces her talent to the world! 10 out of 12.
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Reading Progress
September 29, 2006
–
Started Reading
October 6, 2006
–
Finished Reading
July 11, 2017
–
Started Reading
August 2, 2017
–
Finished Reading
February 8, 2020
– Shelved
February 8, 2020
– Shelved as:
modernclassic
June 23, 2020
– Shelved as:
literary-fiction
June 25, 2022
– Shelved as:
this-book-tho
Comments Showing 1-19 of 19 (19 new)
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by
Jennifer
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rated it 5 stars
Nov 14, 2020 04:59AM
One of my all-time favorites!
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Jennifer wrote: "One of my all-time favorites!"Good to hear... I think all of her books should be considered modern masterpieces :)
Labijose wrote: "Great review, Baba."Thank you Labijose :)
Her writing enchants and mesmerises me!
A cinematic book. In my top 20 books. Top review
Glad you enjoy Donna's writing style
Andy wrote: "A cinematic book. In my top 20 books. Top review"Cheers Andy... she is in my top 5 writers' list! I just get lost in her worlds.
Jonathan wrote: "Glad you enjoy Donna's writing style"Thanks Jonathan, it truly takes my breath away!
at the very top of my favorites list. I am so in love with this book and with the aesthetic and groups that it inspired. so glad you liked it!
Manda wrote: "at the very top of my favorites list. I am so in love with this book and with the aesthetic and groups that it inspired. so glad you liked it!"Thanks Manda. Yeah... it's a remarkable piece of work on so many levels :)
3 unique novels. Each brilliant. I picked this book up after reading the Goldfinch.
Blew me away. I read somewhere Brett Ellis Easton was influential in Donna Tartt career.
Killer review Baba
Your review is very deep and insightful, I must say!
Nilanjana wrote: "Your review is very deep and insightful, I must say!"Thank you so much Nilanjana :)
Steven wrote: "3 unique novels. Each brilliant. I picked this book up after reading the Goldfinch.
Blew me away. I read somewhere Brett Ellis Easton was influential in Donna Tartt career.
Killer review Baba"
Thank you Steven. Same here - three unique books, what a writer.
That is a great review, Baba. Sounds like a perfectly executed story.
Super agree! I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea but I was got so pulled in by the intrigue and the characters... Very true that the whole setting I'd a microcosm, detached from the rest of the world in a way that propels the disturbing events forward. Glad you enjoyed this one too ❤️
Brilliant review, Baba! I read this so many years ago and now you've brought it back, with deep insight and visuals!
