The Secret History by Donna Tartt Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Secret History
Book Review: Better than ICE CREAM in June!
Summary: 5 Stars
While the story primarily takes place in the winter, it's a great read anywhere anytime! I was captivated by the narrator's simple yet elegant narrative style, that hooked me from the very beginning. And if you've ever been to New England (and even if you haven't), Tarrt does an excellent job of submersing you in that world all over again. A wonderful thrill full of the twists and turns that real life should have.Book Review: Bit pompous
Summary: 2 Stars
A friend who usually makes excellent referrals suggested this book to me. I found that while the writer was able to create some suspense and had a good plot, the writing was stuffy and pompous. The characters were all unrealistic and one-dimensional -- they were very sterotypical "wealthy elitists" with no depth of character or intrigue. References to culture were confusing, often leading one to believe that the story was set in the late 60's, then refering to CDs. After a while, the story seemed to ramble on, going nowhere for far too long. At the end, I was left with a feeling of "Oh, what was the fuss about?"Book Review: Boy, am I confused!
Summary: 2 Stars
I haven't even finished this book yet (so I'm at 2 stars so far) - but I'm about halfway through and I think I have the "year" the story takes place FINALLY figured out. After reading at least a dozen references to "hippies", then movies like "Beach Blanket Bingo", and dinners with 20-somethings dressed in tuxedos, and 20-somethings that wear knife pressed trousers and double starched shirts I was thinking - maybe the 60's? Could possibly be the 50's?? I keep looking back to see if I missed the obvious.But THEN there was a reference to magazines from the 1970's and I was all confused. Are people in Vermont in some sort of timewarp? I know its just a story but all points of reference to time point to a different time altogether. I'm GUESSING this story is taking place in the 80's or 90's - but I'm still not at all certain.
So if you're about to read this book, which is interesting (so far), albeit a bit self-indulgent, remember: it's taking place in modern times. With that in mind you won't end up totally frustrated.
Book Review: Boy, am I confused!
Summary: 2 Stars
I haven't even finished this book yet (so I'm at 2 stars so far) - but I'm about halfway through and I think I have the "year" the story takes place FINALLY figured out. After reading at least a dozen references to "hippies", then movies like "Beach Blanket Bingo", and dinners with 20-somethings dressed in tuxedos, and 20-somethings that wear knife pressed trousers and double starched shirts I was thinking - maybe the 60's? Could possibly be the 50's?? I keep looking back to see if I missed the obvious.But THEN there was a reference to magazines from the 1970's and I was all confused. Are people in Vermont in some sort of timewarp? I know its just a story but all points of reference to time point to a different time altogether. I'm GUESSING this story is taking place in the 80's or 90's - but I'm still not at all certain.
So if you're about to read this book, which is interesting (so far), albeit a bit self-indulgent, remember: it's taking place in modern times. With that in mind you won't end up totally frustrated.
Book Review: CHALEPA TA KALA
Summary: 5 Stars
Beauty is indeed harsh in Tartt's dark masterpiece. As a student of Classical Greek, I was initially enamored of her group of erudite young scholars and fascinated by the way the novel mirrored my thoughts and feelings regarding our shared language. But I find that, like any solid work of art, The Secret History stands up to read after read, unearthing layers of literary skill and character. This book has meant a lot to me, and I hope that, unlike narrator Richard Papen, this is not "the only story" Tartt will ever have to tell.
XAIPETE, Emily