Summary & Study Guide The Secret History by Donna Tartt

by BookRags

The Secret History Study Guide by BookRags.com, consists of approx. 40 pages of summaries and analysis on The Secret History by Donna Tartt. This comprehensive study guide includes the following sections written by Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, and Topics for Discussion.

53 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2011

Reviews

[Bernadette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't see things from the main character's point of view. At one point he refers to himself as a bystander but, even as he never really seemed part of the story, his passive complicity made it difficult for me to worry about his outcome.

[Brat7432 · Rating 1 out of 5]

did not finish

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Lady can truly call herself a 'great writer' she paints with words and her characters are all really well fleshed out and have great personality. This particular novel has a tremendously well described plot, is a real page-turner filled with mystery and is mostly taking place at an upper-crust college in beautiful Vermont.

Something happens to a small group of somewhat eccentric students, whereby an age-old instinct is triggered deep within them, that has a need to rise to the surface in a most brutal fashion, un-restrained and savagely real.

It's as though our society that once made us behave far more civilized (so prim and proper in the fifties...) has lifted the veil on all its conventional behavioral ways and we are now let loose, having taken religion out of most schools and morals have gone largely by the wayside.
These young people are a prime example of education having failed them and they appear ethically rudderless, drifting towards the unspeakable, having murderous thoughts... with dire consequences.

[Pat Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing is for sure, the story is intriguingly weird which after the first 100 pages, you are hopelessly drawn in.
Donna Tartt is a master of interwoven stories. I consider this an incredible first novel. As always, with Donna Tartt, there are many answered questions and many unanswered questions at the end.
Of the three novels, I found this one to be my least favorite but I still consider this book a good read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I found the author's name as part of an article about female authors that must be read. So I picked Donna and boy I am glad I did. What a glorious plot peopled with thoroughly intriguing characters. I need to read more of her stuff and if anyone has a specific recommendation, I'll be glad to hear it.

[Kathleen Beaton]

I became immersed in this book from the beginning, but as by the end, found that what I felt were important details were brushed over and the level of boundary crossing became so over the top it was unbelievable. By the end, I had lost interest and didn't care about any of the characters.

[Avril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book characters well observed

[Julie Tessier seabright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost interest.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful. Gripping. You feel the evil not pity.

[Gail]

Excellent