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The Secret History

Donna Tartt

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Apr 20, 2020 Missyjohnson1 rated it liked it · review of another edition

I enjoyed this story but it was often difficult to place it in time. References to culture set it in the 80's but the main characters often seemed to be from the early 1900's. Maybe this was exactly what Donna Tartt was trying to portray. Interesting psychological device. The portrayal of college life and the influences of friends and authority figures was interesting and well done. I did find some of the story tedious and a chapter that covers one or two days but is 20-25% of the book was a bit ...more

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Mar 29, 2020 Traci rated it liked it

While I enjoyed this book I didn't love it. In many ways it reminded me of John Knowles A Separate Peace. Similar premise of an event at a school with a flashback story telling style. While Tartt's writing is good, it feels like it is too long at times. I had a similar reaction to Goldfinch when I read it a few years ago. Basically, I neither love nor hate the book. I'm just somewhat indifferent to it.

Be aware the book is full of drug and alcohol references so if this is not appropriate for the ...more

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