Review of Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" - SHELF CARE Episode#1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- Thanks for tuning in to the first video in my new book review series, Shelf Care. In this video, I cover my review of Donna Tartt's "The Secret History".
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Noooo...!!! The first half of the book tells you how to come to their decision to, y'know, do what they did, and the second half shows the fall-out of their evil deed. The effect it has on them. You see how these characters, who were kind, intellectual, urbane and quirky, have a 'dark side' underneath, which was always there, which we saw was always there, but now it's all they can be and it's like a Greek tragedy! Example: there are the twins, Charles and Camilla. Charles is described and shown as a sweet, kind boy, even though we see constant glimpses of him drinking too much. In the second half, he develops into a full-blown alcoholic, complete with jealous rages and a bit of a mean streak. Before, he never needed to jealously guard what he considered his. Before, it didn't matter he drank a bit too much - hey! It's college, right? Afterwards, when the guilt and horror kicks in, he completely loses it. It's like he's the outlet of their collective guilt. The way the group's complete breakdown is described in the second half is exactly which makes it such a genius work.
are you forgetting the incest?
@@archangel6174 that’s literally one of the most haunting facts, we wanna forget
Exactly! It doesn't matter we know by half the book what happened, because the novel is NOT just a mystery thriller! I fell in love with those characters even the ones i didn't like jaja. I wanted to know whats next and hoping everything will be alright...oh well...I read The Secret History at 44 or 45, am 49 now, it became one of my top ten favorite novels. Wonderful book. I;m finishing The Goldfinch pretty soon, excellent novel as well.
Well most very rich privileged ppl are very fucked up, also the incest between Charles and Camilla should be mentioned more
When I finished the first part of the book where the murder situation was explained, I was left with so many questions and wanted to know what happened to the characters next, it sort of gave me the AND THEN?? type of feeling, so I was thrilled there was a lot to read ahead. Plus, the characters continue to change and develop throughout the second half, it's not static, it's even more intriguing.
A lot has been said about this book but that scene when Richard is in winter with no heating could be part of the best horror novel jaja. I felt that cold in my bones while reading...
Agreed, I feel like I was Richard having a horribly cold and lonely winter break
I haven’t found a booktuber who has listed my recommendations of what I think might also compliment good dark academia. TSH gave me a TERRIBLE book hangover it was so good! I recommend The Starless Sea and I cannot help but argue that Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events absolutely hits this aesthetic on the head (nose?), which I think is super impressive for a YA book!
Ahhh I’ve just finished this book, I loved it - great review, will be reading the goldfinch next 😂🙌
Thanks so much for watching, friend! I’m glad you enjoyed it the book (and the video)!
DEFINITELY check out the Goldfinch next. It’s just as dark in its own way... but with a whole new brand of class and intrigue. You’ll love it!
WHY ISNT THIS VIDEO LIKE BLOWN UP! 😳 you're awesome! Keep going!
Thanks for your encouragement, man! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I am uploading a new Shelf Care video tomorrow covering a new book review, so you should check that out, too!
@@bateswhitaker819 yes definitely!!! :) I'll check it out for sure!
I liked the structure of this video, author, book and recs, perfect!
Why doesn't this video have much views?? Great content!!🙏🏻
Thanks so much, friend!! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
Great mini-biog for Donna Tartt at the start of the review.
Some books need a soundtrack and a wine recommendation.
really condensely put, great work!
Thanks so much!! I appreciate your feedback! Stay tuned for more 😊
I'd like to hear your opinion on "Bright Lights, Big City" by Jay McInerney.
The Goldfinch is one of my favorite books of all time. Should I read this next? Great review!
I'm just in the last 100 pages or so of The Goldfinch. It is excellent but The SEcret History is another thing, just one of my fav of all time. You will love it am sure
It's NOT a whodunit. The very first line: "The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation."
It's a WHYDUNIT.
As someone who loves Donna tartt, I feel content warnings need to be used more on it, like the incest, alcoholism etc, also this book is amazing to me because it really talks about aesthetics and the cult of beauty and the dangers of only valuing aesthetic as well as the dangers of being over privileged and wealthy
I think these content warnings (or spoilers) would hurt the story, because they are little signs, little scenes that you pick up along the way, they never fully leave the back of your mind, they seem strange, but it is only much later that you realize that they were the horrifying truth and you just brushed them aside because, just like the narrator, you were so in awe of these flawed characters... I think that going in blindly was the best option for myself personally, I was shocked and at the edge of my seat for every twist and turn.
@@camila_f_ I mean some scenes are just strange, Richard fantasying about raping camilla multiple times after her brother has just beaten her up and done the same to her
@@camila_f_ Camilla is the only good person in that story tbh and Francis
The phrase "dark acamedia " was not coined till Aprox 2007 still ty for this
Great review. Please make a video on goldfinch
I just may do that! Keep your eyes open for it in the semi-near future. Thanks so much for the encouragement.
I've loved this book for thirty years- odd to see that a cult has popped up around it. I live under a rock.
Honestly, I thought Tartt was from the northeast I didn't think she was southern
I'm on page 10 🥺
Keep it going!! It really picks up towards the middle of the book.
The book has nothing to do with good and evil. The Ancient Greeks had never conceived this sort of distinction which is mostly judeo-christian. The drama revolves around the destructive power of unchained irrationality (the rite to Dionysus), and the dangerous consequences that ancient and elitist ideas can lead to when applied to our modern world. You have understood nothing of the book.
I appreciate your take on the book! I always appreciate feedback, even the negative stuff.
I would argue that the description on the back of the book itself says “.... they slip gradually from obsession to corruption and betrayal, and at last - inexorably - into evil.” So take that as you will, I’ll take it as I will. That’s the nature of a book review.
Have a nice day!
@@bateswhitaker819 I didn't mean to come over as rude as I did. Sorry about that. That book meant a lot to me and that's why I voiced my opinion in such negative terms.
@@amoreazione3563 understood! No problem. The book means a lot to me as well. One of the beauties of literature is that it’s not cut and dry with the same meanings for everyone. It’s okay to disagree! We’re dabbling in gray material. I sincerely do appreciate your feedback!
... where did you get the idea that the Ancient Greeks didn't know 'good' and 'evil'?
@@Smallpotato1965 I meant as in the Christian dichotomy of good/evil
GUYS WHATS YOUR FAV LINE FROM THE BOOK? MINE IS WHEN DONNA TARTT STRAIGHT UP DROPS THE HARD R. WHEN SHE WROTE "SAND NIGGERS" I INSTANTLY KNEW THIS WOMAN IS A LITERARY GENIUS. ISNT IT SO COOL HOW SHE SAYS SLURS IN HER ENTIRE COLLECTION OF WORKS?