The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

believe that it is better to know one book intimately that a hundred superficially,”

“Death is the mother of beauty,” said Henry. “And what is beauty?” “Terror.” “Well said,” said Julian. “Beauty is rarely soft or consolatory. Quite the contrary. Genuine beauty is always quite alarming.”

Then again, the Athenians think death to be merely sleep. Soon I will know for myself.