The Goldfinch in DC Public Library

Sep 14, 2014 Mara rated it really liked it

Shelves: topic-family, location-usa, genre-thriller, topic-art, topic-grief

I was unprepared for the sheer volume of drama and intrigue Tartt would employ within the span of the coming of age of her main character, Theo. Not only does he face adversity, he faces edge-of-unbelievable amounts of fate, both good and bad, that seem to steer his life wildly beyond his ability to control, or cope. I found the middle section of the book particularly difficult to get through, watching Theo lose himself in doses of drugs and alcohol so large and frequent they too become hard to ...more

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Dec 12, 2013 Sarah rated it it was ok

This book has won awards and critical acclaim. Tartt has created a work of art. Her writing is detailed and direct. She is able to create scenes and settings that are clear and memorable for the reader. Because of the writing is so well done, I got through the 800 pages of this book.

Theo Decker survives the terrorist attack that kills his mother. From this sad beginning we follow the chaos of Theo's life. After a brief stay with the family of an eccentric classmate, his estranged father is locat ...more

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Feb 26, 2017 Catherine Andrews rated it really liked it

I liked this book so much more than I expected given that most of my friends totally loathed it! I'd stayed away from it for that reason and also because it's like 2,000 pages long. But I really enjoyed it and tore through it. As always Tartt's prose is excellent and her sense of plot and abilities to capture small moments and relationships. I also read a lot of reviews that called it Dickensian, which is totally accurate. I can see where people got disgusted with it, though - the last quarter g ...more

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Feb 22, 2014 Cynthia rated it really liked it

Shelves: dcpl-reads, fiction, 2014-reads

I waited about 3 and half months to get this book from the library, and it was definitely worth the wait. Be warned: this is not a lighthearted read. I was pretty anxious for most of the book. I've read reviews that describe this book as Dickensian, and I would say that's pretty apt. Characters face tragedy and hardship, and its a sprawling tale (maybe a bit too sprawling), but with much more drug use. But even though its 771 pages (!) the ride is worth it.

Though if I can complain a bit, I stil ...more

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Dec 03, 2013 Rebecca rated it it was ok

The first part of this book is great! But the story line became less compelling and when I finally reached the end I was really disappointed and kind of depressed by the whole thing! I agree with many of the other reviews- where was her editor?!

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