The Secret History - Donna Tartt

Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality they slip gradually from obsession to corruption and betrayal, and at last—inexorably—into evil. (link)

Review: 5/5

I’m starting off strong with a declaration of love for this book; I might even think it’s my favorite read of this year so far! As much as I grunted when I reminded myself how long this book was, I couldn’t put it down; and in hindsight, I am appreciative for the length! In my reflection, I don’t think the intensity of this character study could have been conducted in a shorter span of writing, so I’m extremely thankful.

First, I didn’t realize that this book was published in the 90’s, so being shrouded in the dark academia fog of the setting of American North East 1980’s with the energy of grunge was comforting in a way I didn’t realize I needed.

I loved the consistent moral battle of Richard lying about his class placement and his struggle to find community, and placing himself in the wrong one, like most college and high school students do (in my experience). Ohhhh yadda yadda I never had friends I felt liked me for me Wahhhh Wahhhh call the wambulance! Anyways… That being said, I loved reading from his mindset that he changed to fit in, even though you knew it would blow up, as lying does most of the time.

Like I’ve said before, I rarely read the synopsis of books before diving in, so for this book I was in for the RIDE of a lifetime. Multiple murders? Basically occult? Greek literature obsession? Dark academia? Sorry, my cheeks are heating up and my spine is tingling just re-reading that list… I got serious Saltburn vibes from this book, and that’s saying something. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book, even now.

The first part: I had a hard time getting into this book just because I didn’t know what to expect, and I am glad I stuck it out! Right before this book, I started to read A Little Life, and I was like hmmm no, I can’t commit to that. I’m not emotionally ready to read something that intense; so I DNF’ed and lookie what I got myself into instead…

I loved reading the transition from pure skepticism to Richard still joining the class with the cult vibe because I was like YESSS we all ignore our instincts every once in a while! And look where it got him: accomplice to a murder!

I don’t want to say much about this book because I am still digesting it weeks later, and honestly I loved it so much that I want to re-read it (I never do that!). I think I’ll do a second review for it and write more about my thoughts and feelings, while deeper analyzing the characters because of my knowledge of what will happen.

Anyways, cry me a river if you are mad about how short this review is. I know, so disappointing even though I get one view on each review and I know for a fact it’s me checking the formatting after it publishes. So here’s to my one loyal reader (me).

This playlist is a grunge 80’s dream, and what better to set it off than The Cure and Nine Inch Nails? Can’t you imagine The grunge of dark academia to Down In It? Well now you should. Here it is!

Spotify: LINK