The Secret History audiobook really showed me a new side to my favorite story. Tartt’s intonation on some of the dialogue really brought out new subtext and subtle double meaning. It gives a much deeper look into the way the author meant her work to be understood.
i am doing that literally right after finishing the book XD right after i put it down i randomly discovered that she narrated it herself and i just lost my shit and started listening all over again immediately haha
This book has irreversibly changed the nature of my mind it’s unbelievable what Donna tartt did to my brain. I’m a young author and I’m so deeply inspired by her that I even began writing a tartt-esque novel myself, because it’s so difficult to find anything remotely resembling the aesthetics and the skills of the secret history.
yeah, I read it and I couldn't put it down. I read it every night until my eyes closed and then picked it up the next morning and read it again. again i cannot describe my love for it with any words, all i can do is pass it into the hands of those who ask me about it.
Just finished this book and it’s now in my top 3 favorite books of all time. The complex characters, the atmosphere, the beautiful, lyrical writing, the profound ideas and meaning to this incredible literary fiction. I really felt what you said about “sensory experiences” completely. This story will be with me forever and I can’t wait to eventually reread it!
I waited 25 years to read The Secret History, even though I was immediately intrigued when it first came out. What I love about TSH, among many things, is it was written in and takes place in the last pre-digital decade. I may be the oldest commenter here, but most of my life was lived before "devices" and the internet. I wondered, and watched a review by someone who also wondered, how is it they left zero DNA at the first crime scene, given the orgiastic activities going on? A few thoughts: this all takes place in the 1980's, when forensic analysis was not what it is now; the FBI and the cops are so fixated on the drug dealer angle that they miss the signs; there is a "circle the wagons" mentality at Hampden that allows the perpetrators to hide behind privilege, entitlement, and parental influence. A plot point left dangling, however, is when Bunny comes to Richard's room and tells him a story (just before he is murdered) but I don't think Tartt ever tells us what that story is, other than Richard has heard it before. If I missed this, please enlighten me. Thank you for this "non-review."
When Bunny comes into Richard’s room, he tells him this story of what happened with the murder of the farmer. This is why Richard so frantically tries to get into contact with Henry immediately following his departure, saying that he told him what happened. This is the ultimate impetus for the remaining events of the book.
Hi! I finished "The Secret History" a few days ago, and I consumed it! Donna Tartt's writing style really captivated me that I felt like I was watching and feeling everything happening in this book. The characters are very problematic, but I think it's their mystery and secrets that drew me into their story enough to stick around until the very end. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!
Finally, someone gets what I feel about the Secret History! If I were to read just one book for the rest of my life, I'd choose this one. That's how much I love this book. This was a fantastic review Juan!
Donna Tartt is QUEEN of literary fiction. To bad we have to wait another 10 years for her to release a new novel. Well maybe not 10 being the Goldfinch has been out for several years now. I just recently DNF Red Clocks at 70 pages I just really disliked it. I started The City of Brass and so fare its fantastic!
By the way I love those glasses! They really compliment your face. For myself I don't like glasses, and have been a soft contact lens wearer since the age of 17. Who ever created soft contact lens is a genius and I also see better with them compared to glasses. Love watching your videos. One day Juan I will pick up my Robin Hobb, and Brandon Sanderson books and read them, and let you know what I think. I have had these books for about 2 years now and just don't seem that excited to pick them up which is odd cause I was excited about them when I purchased. You know I still love YA fantasy its so much fun to be able to escape to a magical kingdom full of magic etc. I need escape because as an artist (indie perfumer) I have so much pressure pleasing my customer base. I would love for you to read The Black Witch by Laurie Forest Juan and review it. Don't listen to all the bashing/hate I truly thought it was wonderful!
This was on my “I’d like to read this at some point” list, but now it’s on my library holds list. The way you talked about it made me think about the way I felt about the movie Call Me By Your Name, which is a new favorite, so I had to make it a priority.
Just Call Me Jennifer I saw that movie last weekend and HOLY HUFFLEPUFF, one of the best things I’ve watched recently. Definitely in my top 5 of the year. I hope you enjoy this book, it’s a gem!
The novel by the same name is one of the best books I've read in the last 10 years. I read about 10 books solid a year! Do yourself a favor and run to get your hands on a copy. It will change your life!
I did not think it was possible to articulate the splendidness of this novel but you managed to do it in 13 minutes! Everything you said was on point! If you haven't read The Little Friend yet, I would recommend.
The goldfinch was one of the best books I have ever read. Unique words I have never heard of etc in there and laughed, nearly cried and smiled etc with Boris and Theo's relationship
I just read TSH for the first time and i LOVED it! I'm a college student and find it hard to read for fun during the semester. This was the first book in almost a year that i just picked up and read in a few days. I couldn't bring myself to do anything other than read! Loved this 'non review' - none of my friends have read TSH (yet lol) and it's nice to hear someones thoughts!
I read this book back in the mid 90’s and just finished listening to Tartt reading the audiobook. Hearing her narration and how she voices the characters was so beautiful.
Everything you described is how I feel. And yes the language, the sentence structure, the references are so stimulating unlike a lot of the crap that is out there that is written with simple sentences and language.
Finished the audiobook a few weeks ago and I can’t stop thinking about it! I agree about how good the sensory descriptions are, especially during the winter section. I felt like I was completely immersed in their world. It was made even better by the fact that I listened to it while driving to my job at a farm. Richard, Henry, and Francis were such interesting characters to read about, even though they were pretentious and unsympathetic. At the end, I was almost sad to leave them. My only problems with this book were with Camilla and with how the plot progressed. Camilla just seemed so one dimensional to me. She was like your stereotypically mysterious, pretty girl who was basically defined by what the guys in her life wanted from her. Whenever Richard gushed about how much he loved her (only talking about her beauty), I rolled my eyes. He had more chemistry with his male friends. I also felt like in some sections of part 2, not much was really happening and they were a bit slow. I guess those parts were mostly for showing the emotional struggles of the characters post-murder. But then a crazy plot twist would be thrown in and it was a little off putting. 9/10 overall though, will definitely reread.
I agree with Camilla's one-dimensional personality throughout the book. However, the entire book was written in Richard's perspective, so I think Camilla's personality is really just a reflection of how Richard sees her. He sees her beauty, how mysterious she is. He doesn't really see who Camilla is. We will never really know, and I find that so fascinating. The same can be said about any of the other characters, especially Henry. So happy to hear you enjoyed the book!
@@khi9395 I reread the book a few months ago and I agree with you now. I didn’t pick up on some things about Camilla on the first read because so much of her character is about reading between the lines, as it is with the guys in the Greek class too. Unreliable narrator and all that. The male characters ended up getting more development but that’s probably because Richard spent more time with them and seemed to like them more. Remember how he was so angry at Camilla and thought about sexually assaulting her when she told him Charles was abusing her? This shows that he felt more connected to Charles than Camilla and didn’t really love her.
As for me I read The Secret History after reading The Goldfinch. I’d never heard before that time about Donna Tartt. I absolutely fell in love with The Goldfinch and was completely excited about reading her first novel. As I studied philology at university I was swimming deep in my memory while reading The Secret History. All those Ancient Greek lessons, foreign literature… so this book gave me also a proper background. I could find some Dostoevsky’s motives in her text. And one of my thoughts was: “omg she reminds me of Nabokov!” Not in her whole style. It was in a manner like “hey you, reader, try to find all reminiscences and allusions that I’ve placed in my novel!”. I was curious and absolutely charmed as well with the characters and with her way to place me inside the text
You're making me REALLY want to reread this book now - I read it a couple of years ago, and it's still my favourite of the three books Tartt has published.
Have just finished reading the book and youtube suggested me this video. The setting of the book is so appealing and invites a reader in. It felt like I was the seventh character of the book and when it ended I felt absolutely lonely. I am so glad I found this video because it made me feel better
I also recently re-read it and picked up on so much more the second time around! Definitely my favourite book and just picked up The Goldfinch and hoping to love it just as much.
I had the exact same feelings after reading this book. It was my first time reading a mystery thriller such as this and since I’ve already read two more books like it and am reading the classics as well. I thought I was the only one craving to learn after this book but I’m happy I’m not the only one with these feelings!
I just finished this book. I adored it, for all the reasons you mentioned and more. It was great and I can’t wait to read more Donna Tartt. Lovely video :)
I have read it at least six times. Always looking for something this good. Like you I’m leaning to classics now. Great to hear someone who loved it as much as I did. Will keep up with your recommendations as well. Thanks, Ruth
I read the italian translation because I found it second-hand and I loved it so much I totally see myself reading it again in the future. I haven't studied Greek, not even Latin, and I don't really know much about classics but I enjoyed the novel greatly anyways, and I learned a lot from looking up the references. I think I feel more open to reading some Greek mythology too, a thing I wouldn't have even imagined before. When a book opens you up to new things like this, you know it's good.
English isn’t my first language too, in fact it is my third… I never learned the classics at school, I learned Arabic poetry and French literature… I used reading to learn English, and I ended up 30 years later only enjoying English Novels…. The Secret History is just a treat, it took me out of a reading slump that lasted months, and its length was simply perfect… I listened to some parts via audiobook narrated by by author since I was on the road while reading it and couldn’t wait to see what will happen… Thank you for your “non review”, it was the first thing I watched after I finished the book…
Menudo ritmo de lectura que llevas! Yo leí El secreto (en castellano) cuando tenía unos 20 años y la verdad es que disfruté leyéndolo pero no pasó de ahí, no me marcó. Recuerdo la trama y los personajes pero... Quizás la clave esté en el idioma o quizás en el momento en que uno se lo lee. Me gustaría darle otra oportunidad pero hay tantos libros que quiero leer... Aunque después de tu no-reseña lo tendré que probar en inglés.
This book just left me speechless and in awe. Yup! the writing is amazing. Despite the fact that the characters are so flawed, you can't help but root for their happiness in some weird way. My favorite was the funeral scene when all of them are confronted with the grieving father/mother. That scene was just so raw and full of energy. Will definitely reread this again.
I own the same version you do, Im latina too and thought of buying a spanish copy to compare it to the original work, hearing your experience makes me thing it will be a waste of my time and I shouldn't. I'm so happy you love ths.
I first read it in my mid 20s and I thought that the prologue was going to be a critical introduction with spoilers so I skipped it and read it at the end! . I was gripped not knowing what was going to happen and I kind of prefer the way it read it. However I still love it knowing what will happen. It's great to find a book you can read again and again.
So I really picked up book reading since the start of the pandemic and have read quite a few books since then, today I finished TSH and man... I didn't know books could grip me the way this one did. The poetic way things are often described, the complex characters and their development, the edge on your seat story. This is the best book I've read until now by a long shot, I'm gonna take a break from reading for a few days because I just have to let this book sink in, the whole experience was so new and bewildering to me, today has been all about TSH and I don't see it leaving my mind anytime soon.
I never read the secret history, but I listened to the audiobook twice now and I'm about to start my third listen through, because I have a very hard time picking up on details and I need to listen again and again with all the knowledge I have about the book and the characters after finishing it, so I can pick up on all of the subtle hints and details in the beginning. I adore the secret history and I haven't enjoyed myself this much with any type of media since I was 12 and read the golden compass for the first time. It is a wonderful thing to be able to completely engross oneself in literature like this, I want nothing more than to be able to read this for the first time again, because I lacked appreciation then I think.
Just discovered your channel! Great books, and a tough call, but I would save one of the Dickens for sometime in the fall, and go with Lolita this spring.
I love The Secret History, and, like you, I wish that I had read it when I was much younger. I most relate with Richard, but I can't help but think that there is a bit of Bunny in me. You are right about how Tartt can make you feel as if you were in the shoes of the characters. While Francis is not the narrator, I still felt strongly for him, and dearly hoped that he would end up paired with the apple of his eye. At the same time, I felt sick for wanting him paired with someone who was sickening to me. And I was suspended in that sickening sensation when Tartt drew out for a long time the reveal of whether Francis' object of affection practiced a particular act, which practice I had long suspected. Last year, I became aware that there is a healthy love for the book in tumblr by young readers, who come up with gifs and mood boards and fantasy casts, all according to their aesthetic goals. Check it out, if you haven't yet.
I am also late to the party. Almost 29 and just read TSH for the first time! I'm so happy that you mentioned the complicity the reader feels with these characters. That's by far the most haunting aspect of the entire novel. Also the lingering questions... what really happened the night the farmer was killed? Richard's unreliable narration, slowly coming to appreciate the degree of Henry's psychopathy and manipulation... yeah, this novel is a masterpiece of psychological horror.
Que buen video! Comencé a leer El Secreto hace tres días y voy por la mitad. Es maravilloso. Ya quiero llegar al final pero al mismo tiempo no quiero que termine, jajaja. Lo estoy leyendo en español pero me gustaría leer la versión en inglés más adelante. También tengo ganas de leer los clásicos ahora! Cada autor o libro que mencionan en El Secreto es un nombre más que anoto en mi lista de libros por leer. Sin duda Donna Tartt es asombrosa!! 💚
I recently finished the secret history and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I couldn’t help loving the characters even thought they were all morally grey (also felt very sorry for Francis). Amazing review!
You have no idea how beautifully you have described this experience of yours ,its been 4 days since i finished reading this and I can still sit back during the day and vividly remember how it made me feel, I have been looking for a perfect video for this book ,and this is it . I am looking forward to exploring your Chanel ,I know I'll be sticking around for a long long time ,and if you've taken your time and read it this far ,I hope you have a good day❤
Please don’t feel bad.... I’m 37 and just discovered Tartt. It’s fine, I’m actually in a better place to appreciate it now than I would’ve when I was younger. The Goldfinch was mentioned in some novel I was reading, so I looked it up on goodreads, and oh man. Here I am
I’m less than one minute into your review and I just had to pause to say I freaking love the way you keep us in suspense about your opinion until well into the video! Oh, well, until at least the 1:30 mark! 😂
I read this novel a few months ago and i absolutly loved it. And i have read hundreds of books, specially classics. So i don´t understand people that say they didn´t like it. Couldn´t get the characters out of my mind for a long time. Spanish is also my native tongue so i know there´s nothing than reading in the original language.
Hey Juan! Your video was the first I encountered on TSH and the one that convinced me to read it. I just finished It and I'm absolutely shocked how absolutely beautiful and masterful that book was! It was amazing! It is the best book I have ever read hands down. A true masterpiece. The last 100-150 pages were so extremely intense that I could not stop reading it. I almost cried 🤣! Thanks for the vid bro!
It’s been a while since I made this video but my passion for the book remains just as strong, largely due to comments like yours. Thanks for sharing the joy!
Also, I am convinced that there Is a limit to stories. That Is, as humans, how many things or combination of things can happen? I mean, thinking about normal people, and even not-so-normal people. Take all their stories together and you may be able to separate the happenings and emotions into categorías. HOWEVER, what you can create with words and ideas IS INFINITE, and THAT Is the genious of Donna Tartt. Endless possibilities on the writing regardless of the main idea or plot. That Is what fascinated me from The GOLDFINCH. I know this Is about the Secret History but I read it as a result of discovering The GOLDFINCH. I still have one More novel to read but I Will not now as then there Will not be another one in some Time.
I just read it and I want to talk about this book with someone so bad! I read in Spanish and it was an indescribable experience, the way I love and hate these characters....finished some hours ago and I can feel I miss them. The secret history easily took a spot on my Top3, thank you for putting my feelings into words!
I also read it in Spanish and although it’s a good translation, the English original is supreme. Thanks for sharing! Have you enjoyed other books by her?
@@justjuanreader I’ll try to find an English edition here, I want to reread and maybe my own perspective will change. No! I’m too late but I just found her last month, I’m not a person who has a favorite author but the way she writes is supreme. For sure, the goldfinch will be my next book. Have you seen the movie? Through I was reading TSH I always wondered why they never adapt it to the screen...
@@lauramaldonado6782 I actually like how they didn’t make it into a movie. So much about the book is Richard’s unreliable narration. It has to only be seen through his POV so we’re introduced to all the mysteries and plot twists at the exact same time that he is. I feel like that might be lost with a movie adaptation. Maybe that’s just because I love Richard’s character haha
You have such a unique style, that I hope to know more about your reviews. I first read The GOLDFINCH and I had never been so impressed on the Beauty and mastery of blending so profound ideas and analogies. All this to express that I liked The GOLDFINCH much More only because of the writing and not that much from the story. I read It in English and now I am reading It in Spanish, my mother-tongue. I could not put down the Secret History basically because of the story, the plot. With Donna Tartt Is like discovering literature for the very first Time. Yours Is a Great Great expression of admiración towards her writing. I wish to know about your experience with The GOLDFINCH. This Is Maritza from México.
im 13 and currently reading the secret history in english (although it is not my native language). i think the book is alright 4/5 maybe but REALLY hard to get through. i normally need a few days for a 600 pages book but im reading the book since the beginning of march (although i have read "it ends with us" in this time too). but still, i like it
You're pretty good with the English language yourself! What an articulate "non-review", better than many real reviews of this book. You really put across what it's like to be magically and poetically transported into the author's vision to the degree that you're totally immersed in the reality created by the story. It's an experience!
This "review" was really articulate. And I totally get the "fascination by english thing" my mother-tongue language is Arabic and English to me is this language that I'm still learning and loving more and more everyday. Also, your review made me wanna read this book so much that I just ordered it! :D
I wasn't going to pick up any more Tartt after reading the Goldfinch. I just thought it was much too long, taking a long time to actually say very little.
Super Pao Personally I love Goldfinch, one of my favorite books. However, I think The Secret History is shorter, more action-packed and I guess it’s more exciting and claustrophobic considering it’s about a murder. So I would definitely recommend at least giving it a chance. If by page 100 you’re not into it then it won’t be for you.
i enjoyed your non-review of this book so very much ^^ I agree and relate to a lot of the thing you mentioned there... can't wait to check out more content by you. I'm curious about what your native language is too
@@justjuanreader I never would have guessed, it's excellent! ojala encontraré unas recomendaciones mexicanas tambien porque me encanta aprender el espanol mexicano y me gustaria descubrir la literatura tambien
Interesting video Juan. I'd be interested in how you have found The Goldfinch. I couldn't stand it but might give The Secret History a go. If that doesn't work, then I'll just have to agree to disagree...seemingly with most of the literate population of the world! 🤣
I really enjoyed this review, makes me wanna pick it up. I love how you expressed yourself and kind of made me feel like I was reading it with you, you know what I mean?
Lei la novela hace unas semanas y si bien comprendo porque a la gente le gusta el libro a mi no me termino de gustar, senti que habia puntos donde la trama no iba a ningún lado y no disfrute de los personajes, realmente me parecieron personas horribles y algo pretenciosas, la forma en la que la novela maneja el lenguaje sí es asombrosa, efectivamente evoca mucho en el lector, particularmente destaco el segmento de las vacaciones de invierno del protagonista, pero al final creo que a la novela le sobran unas 100 o 150 páginas, le daría un 3 de 5 sólo por la calidad de la narrativa
I tried reading it, but I couldn't get past the first fourth of it... it seemed boring at first, then the characters seemed not realistic. I think The Little Friend (still reading/ listening to it), was much better written...
Yes! Yes! My favorite book! The end is weak though, what do you think? I didn’t love The Goldfinch though. I thought that book too long (Las Vegas!!!!) and another weak ending. After ten years it’s as if she’s sick of the story and just wants it done. But the rest of this book is superb. I am just starting my first reread, hope I still feel the same way.
Laura C oh what Can I tell you? I loved the ending! And the Goldfinch is another one of my favorite books (especially the Vegas part, it’s my favorite lol) maybe it’s personal taste. But oh man she can write!
One should absolutely listen to the audiobook version which is narrated by the author. Her reading is impeccable.
The Secret History audiobook really showed me a new side to my favorite story. Tartt’s intonation on some of the dialogue really brought out new subtext and subtle double meaning. It gives a much deeper look into the way the author meant her work to be understood.
Agreeeeed
ive only listened that about (literally) 500 times... youre absolutely correct.
She makes you hate Bunny even more- especially when she has that same voice for his family xD
i am doing that literally right after finishing the book XD right after i put it down i randomly discovered that she narrated it herself and i just lost my shit and started listening all over again immediately haha
This book has irreversibly changed the nature of my mind it’s unbelievable what Donna tartt did to my brain. I’m a young author and I’m so deeply inspired by her that I even began writing a tartt-esque novel myself, because it’s so difficult to find anything remotely resembling the aesthetics and the skills of the secret history.
I am 15 and I just finished reading the novel.
It is a masterpiece, there are no words in the english language to express my love for this novel.
I'm glad that people in India are reading something good
@@shashwatpandey1371 i am from germany :)
@@aishachaudhry4728 ohh sorry for my presumption
yeah, I read it and I couldn't put it down. I read it every night until my eyes closed and then picked it up the next morning and read it again. again i cannot describe my love for it with any words, all i can do is pass it into the hands of those who ask me about it.
@@shashwatpandey1371 what made you think they were from india?
Just finished this book and it’s now in my top 3 favorite books of all time. The complex characters, the atmosphere, the beautiful, lyrical writing, the profound ideas and meaning to this incredible literary fiction. I really felt what you said about “sensory experiences” completely. This story will be with me forever and I can’t wait to eventually reread it!
Maria C It’s always wonderful to hear this book has gotten another new fan!
I waited 25 years to read The Secret History, even though I was immediately intrigued when it first came out. What I love about TSH, among many things, is it was written in and takes place in the last pre-digital decade. I may be the oldest commenter here, but most of my life was lived before "devices" and the internet. I wondered, and watched a review by someone who also wondered, how is it they left zero DNA at the first crime scene, given the orgiastic activities going on? A few thoughts: this all takes place in the 1980's, when forensic analysis was not what it is now; the FBI and the cops are so fixated on the drug dealer angle that they miss the signs; there is a "circle the wagons" mentality at Hampden that allows the perpetrators to hide behind privilege, entitlement, and parental influence. A plot point left dangling, however, is when Bunny comes to Richard's room and tells him a story (just before he is murdered) but I don't think Tartt ever tells us what that story is, other than Richard has heard it before. If I missed this, please enlighten me. Thank you for this "non-review."
When Bunny comes into Richard’s room, he tells him this story of what happened with the murder of the farmer. This is why Richard so frantically tries to get into contact with Henry immediately following his departure, saying that he told him what happened. This is the ultimate impetus for the remaining events of the book.
Henry Winter is a god
yes yes yes yes
AGREE
amen
He thinks he is, anyway. I love him 💕
No💗
Hi! I finished "The Secret History" a few days ago, and I consumed it! Donna Tartt's writing style really captivated me that I felt like I was watching and feeling everything happening in this book. The characters are very problematic, but I think it's their mystery and secrets that drew me into their story enough to stick around until the very end. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!
I found the characters so interesting. They’re horrible people but they all have some qualities that draw you in
Finally, someone gets what I feel about the Secret History! If I were to read just one book for the rest of my life, I'd choose this one. That's how much I love this book.
This was a fantastic review Juan!
This book change me. Amazing.
Donna Tartt is QUEEN of literary fiction. To bad we have to wait another 10 years for her to release a new novel. Well maybe not 10 being the Goldfinch has been out for several years now. I just recently DNF Red Clocks at 70 pages I just really disliked it. I started The City of Brass and so fare its fantastic!
By the way I love those glasses! They really compliment your face. For myself I don't like glasses, and have been a soft contact lens wearer since the age of 17. Who ever created soft contact lens is a genius and I also see better with them compared to glasses. Love watching your videos. One day Juan I will pick up my Robin Hobb, and Brandon Sanderson books and read them, and let you know what I think. I have had these books for about 2 years now and just don't seem that excited to pick them up which is odd cause I was excited about them when I purchased. You know I still love YA fantasy its so much fun to be able to escape to a magical kingdom full of magic etc. I need escape because as an artist (indie perfumer) I have so much pressure pleasing my customer base. I would love for you to read The Black Witch by Laurie Forest Juan and review it. Don't listen to all the bashing/hate I truly thought it was wonderful!
This was on my “I’d like to read this at some point” list, but now it’s on my library holds list. The way you talked about it made me think about the way I felt about the movie Call Me By Your Name, which is a new favorite, so I had to make it a priority.
Just Call Me Jennifer I saw that movie last weekend and HOLY HUFFLEPUFF, one of the best things I’ve watched recently. Definitely in my top 5 of the year. I hope you enjoy this book, it’s a gem!
The novel by the same name is one of the best books I've read in the last 10 years. I read about 10 books solid a year! Do yourself a favor and run to get your hands on a copy. It will change your life!
if you liked cmbyn you should watch /read maurice by e m forster, it’s amazing and has some similar vibes to tsh :)
@@EzeICE I agree, definitely worth a read. CMBYN is tied for my favorite book of all time.
@@hay_bail1 That's awesome. What is your other favorite?
I did not think it was possible to articulate the splendidness of this novel but you managed to do it in 13 minutes! Everything you said was on point! If you haven't read The Little Friend yet, I would recommend.
The goldfinch was one of the best books I have ever read. Unique words I have never heard of etc in there and laughed, nearly cried and smiled etc with Boris and Theo's relationship
Wow...this is the best "not really a review" of The Secret History))))
i feel so happy hearing how passionate you are about this book ! your description is so incredibly good
I just read TSH for the first time and i LOVED it! I'm a college student and find it hard to read for fun during the semester. This was the first book in almost a year that i just picked up and read in a few days. I couldn't bring myself to do anything other than read! Loved this 'non review' - none of my friends have read TSH (yet lol) and it's nice to hear someones thoughts!
Your last point - I felt exactly the same!!!
I read this book back in the mid 90’s and just finished listening to Tartt reading the audiobook. Hearing her narration and how she voices the characters was so beautiful.
Everything you described is how I feel. And yes the language, the sentence structure, the references are so stimulating unlike a lot of the crap that is out there that is written with simple sentences and language.
Finished the audiobook a few weeks ago and I can’t stop thinking about it! I agree about how good the sensory descriptions are, especially during the winter section. I felt like I was completely immersed in their world. It was made even better by the fact that I listened to it while driving to my job at a farm. Richard, Henry, and Francis were such interesting characters to read about, even though they were pretentious and unsympathetic. At the end, I was almost sad to leave them. My only problems with this book were with Camilla and with how the plot progressed. Camilla just seemed so one dimensional to me. She was like your stereotypically mysterious, pretty girl who was basically defined by what the guys in her life wanted from her. Whenever Richard gushed about how much he loved her (only talking about her beauty), I rolled my eyes. He had more chemistry with his male friends. I also felt like in some sections of part 2, not much was really happening and they were a bit slow. I guess those parts were mostly for showing the emotional struggles of the characters post-murder. But then a crazy plot twist would be thrown in and it was a little off putting. 9/10 overall though, will definitely reread.
I agree with Camilla's one-dimensional personality throughout the book. However, the entire book was written in Richard's perspective, so I think Camilla's personality is really just a reflection of how Richard sees her. He sees her beauty, how mysterious she is. He doesn't really see who Camilla is. We will never really know, and I find that so fascinating. The same can be said about any of the other characters, especially Henry. So happy to hear you enjoyed the book!
@@khi9395 I reread the book a few months ago and I agree with you now. I didn’t pick up on some things about Camilla on the first read because so much of her character is about reading between the lines, as it is with the guys in the Greek class too. Unreliable narrator and all that. The male characters ended up getting more development but that’s probably because Richard spent more time with them and seemed to like them more. Remember how he was so angry at Camilla and thought about sexually assaulting her when she told him Charles was abusing her? This shows that he felt more connected to Charles than Camilla and didn’t really love her.
As for me I read The Secret History after reading The Goldfinch. I’d never heard before that time about Donna Tartt. I absolutely fell in love with The Goldfinch and was completely excited about reading her first novel. As I studied philology at university I was swimming deep in my memory while reading The Secret History. All those Ancient Greek lessons, foreign literature… so this book gave me also a proper background. I could find some Dostoevsky’s motives in her text. And one of my thoughts was: “omg she reminds me of Nabokov!” Not in her whole style. It was in a manner like “hey you, reader, try to find all reminiscences and allusions that I’ve placed in my novel!”. I was curious and absolutely charmed as well with the characters and with her way to place me inside the text
Great review, love it how you don’t spoil anything and it hypes me up even more! I’m currently reading this book and I’m enjoying it a lot. Thank you!
You're making me REALLY want to reread this book now - I read it a couple of years ago, and it's still my favourite of the three books Tartt has published.
Have just finished reading the book and youtube suggested me this video. The setting of the book is so appealing and invites a reader in. It felt like I was the seventh character of the book and when it ended I felt absolutely lonely. I am so glad I found this video because it made me feel better
Spot-on x100.
I long for Tartt to let someone of her choice screenplay the novel.
I also recently re-read it and picked up on so much more the second time around! Definitely my favourite book and just picked up The Goldfinch and hoping to love it just as much.
I had the exact same feelings after reading this book. It was my first time reading a mystery thriller such as this and since I’ve already read two more books like it and am reading the classics as well. I thought I was the only one craving to learn after this book but I’m happy I’m not the only one with these feelings!
I just finished this book. I adored it, for all the reasons you mentioned and more. It was great and I can’t wait to read more Donna Tartt. Lovely video :)
I have read it at least six times. Always looking for something this good. Like you I’m leaning to classics now. Great to hear someone who loved it as much as I did. Will keep up with your recommendations as well. Thanks, Ruth
I was on a reading slump, but after hearing you talk so passionately about this book ,made me pick up this book again. I'm on page 10 🥺
This entire video is such a mood
I read the italian translation because I found it second-hand and I loved it so much I totally see myself reading it again in the future.
I haven't studied Greek, not even Latin, and I don't really know much about classics but I enjoyed the novel greatly anyways, and I learned a lot from looking up the references.
I think I feel more open to reading some Greek mythology too, a thing I wouldn't have even imagined before. When a book opens you up to new things like this, you know it's good.
Easily one of the best videos I’ve watched on this masterpiece 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
melissa PRIETO glad you enjoyed !
English isn’t my first language too, in fact it is my third… I never learned the classics at school, I learned Arabic poetry and French literature… I used reading to learn English, and I ended up 30 years later only enjoying English Novels…. The Secret History is just a treat, it took me out of a reading slump that lasted months, and its length was simply perfect… I listened to some parts via audiobook narrated by by author since I was on the road while reading it and couldn’t wait to see what will happen… Thank you for your “non review”, it was the first thing I watched after I finished the book…
Menudo ritmo de lectura que llevas! Yo leí El secreto (en castellano) cuando tenía unos 20 años y la verdad es que disfruté leyéndolo pero no pasó de ahí, no me marcó. Recuerdo la trama y los personajes pero...
Quizás la clave esté en el idioma o quizás en el momento en que uno se lo lee. Me gustaría darle otra oportunidad pero hay tantos libros que quiero leer...
Aunque después de tu no-reseña lo tendré que probar en inglés.
This book just left me speechless and in awe. Yup! the writing is amazing. Despite the fact that the characters are so flawed, you can't help but root for their happiness in some weird way. My favorite was the funeral scene when all of them are confronted with the grieving father/mother. That scene was just so raw and full of energy. Will definitely reread this again.
I own the same version you do, Im latina too and thought of buying a spanish copy to compare it to the original work, hearing your experience makes me thing it will be a waste of my time and I shouldn't. I'm so happy you love ths.
what an incredible and passionate analysis... i never ever ever am quite satisfied with the ending, and i think thats possibly the best part.
I first read it in my mid 20s and I thought that the prologue was going to be a critical introduction with spoilers so I skipped it and read it at the end! . I was gripped not knowing what was going to happen and I kind of prefer the way it read it. However I still love it knowing what will happen. It's great to find a book you can read again and again.
I love the way you talk, you sound so vehemently passionate.
So I really picked up book reading since the start of the pandemic and have read quite a few books since then, today I finished TSH and man... I didn't know books could grip me the way this one did. The poetic way things are often described, the complex characters and their development, the edge on your seat story. This is the best book I've read until now by a long shot, I'm gonna take a break from reading for a few days because I just have to let this book sink in, the whole experience was so new and bewildering to me, today has been all about TSH and I don't see it leaving my mind anytime soon.
I finished reading this book a week ago and it won't get out of my head! Agree with everything you said!!
I never read the secret history, but I listened to the audiobook twice now and I'm about to start my third listen through, because I have a very hard time picking up on details and I need to listen again and again with all the knowledge I have about the book and the characters after finishing it, so I can pick up on all of the subtle hints and details in the beginning. I adore the secret history and I haven't enjoyed myself this much with any type of media since I was 12 and read the golden compass for the first time. It is a wonderful thing to be able to completely engross oneself in literature like this, I want nothing more than to be able to read this for the first time again, because I lacked appreciation then I think.
Just discovered your channel! Great books, and a tough call, but I would save one of the Dickens for sometime in the fall, and go with Lolita this spring.
I just finished this novel and bro I have no words, no words at all...
I love The Secret History, and, like you, I wish that I had read it when I was much younger. I most relate with Richard, but I can't help but think that there is a bit of Bunny in me.
You are right about how Tartt can make you feel as if you were in the shoes of the characters. While Francis is not the narrator, I still felt strongly for him, and dearly hoped that he would end up paired with the apple of his eye. At the same time, I felt sick for wanting him paired with someone who was sickening to me. And I was suspended in that sickening sensation when Tartt drew out for a long time the reveal of whether Francis' object of affection practiced a particular act, which practice I had long suspected.
Last year, I became aware that there is a healthy love for the book in tumblr by young readers, who come up with gifs and mood boards and fantasy casts, all according to their aesthetic goals. Check it out, if you haven't yet.
I am also late to the party. Almost 29 and just read TSH for the first time! I'm so happy that you mentioned the complicity the reader feels with these characters. That's by far the most haunting aspect of the entire novel. Also the lingering questions... what really happened the night the farmer was killed?
Richard's unreliable narration, slowly coming to appreciate the degree of Henry's psychopathy and manipulation... yeah, this novel is a masterpiece of psychological horror.
You really describe the novel as it truly is in its complexity. Great!
reading this book made me want to raid donna tartt's bookshelf
I completely agree with everything you said in this video. Donna Tartt is a genius
Que buen video! Comencé a leer El Secreto hace tres días y voy por la mitad. Es maravilloso. Ya quiero llegar al final pero al mismo tiempo no quiero que termine, jajaja. Lo estoy leyendo en español pero me gustaría leer la versión en inglés más adelante. También tengo ganas de leer los clásicos ahora! Cada autor o libro que mencionan en El Secreto es un nombre más que anoto en mi lista de libros por leer. Sin duda Donna Tartt es asombrosa!! 💚
I recently finished the secret history and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I couldn’t help loving the characters even thought they were all morally grey (also felt very sorry for Francis). Amazing review!
I recommend The Magus by John Fowles. It too eludes description. It is magical.
You've made me excited to read this book! I just got it! Thanks
You have no idea how beautifully you have described this experience of yours ,its been 4 days since i finished reading this and I can still sit back during the day and vividly remember how it made me feel, I have been looking for a perfect video for this book ,and this is it . I am looking forward to exploring your Chanel ,I know I'll be sticking around for a long long time ,and if you've taken your time and read it this far ,I hope you have a good day❤
Harita Odedra thank you so much!! It’s always nice to meet new Secret History fans! 😊
@@justjuanreader yay
Please don’t feel bad.... I’m 37 and just discovered Tartt. It’s fine, I’m actually in a better place to appreciate it now than I would’ve when I was younger. The Goldfinch was mentioned in some novel I was reading, so I looked it up on goodreads, and oh man. Here I am
Yes, wonderful. Agreed. Loss of words!
I’m less than one minute into your review and I just had to pause to say I freaking love the way you keep us in suspense about your opinion until well into the video!
Oh, well, until at least the 1:30 mark! 😂
I read this novel a few months ago and i absolutly loved it. And i have read hundreds of books, specially classics. So i don´t understand people that say they didn´t like it. Couldn´t get the characters out of my mind for a long time. Spanish is also my native tongue so i know there´s nothing than reading in the original language.
Loved the passion of this review - you’ve sure sold me on it!
Shawn The Book Maniac I’m really anxious to know what you think of this book.... something tells me you’ll either like it or bail on it by page 3 😂
Hey Juan! Your video was the first I encountered on TSH and the one that convinced me to read it. I just finished It and I'm absolutely shocked how absolutely beautiful and masterful that book was! It was amazing! It is the best book I have ever read hands down. A true masterpiece. The last 100-150 pages were so extremely intense that I could not stop reading it. I almost cried 🤣! Thanks for the vid bro!
It’s been a while since I made this video but my passion for the book remains just as strong, largely due to comments like yours. Thanks for sharing the joy!
Her second novel, The Little Friend, is her take on Southern Gothic and she hits all the bells. I believe you would truly be delighted by it.
Bill Everyday I adore it! You can check out my full review in my channel
Love this “not a review” review
Also, I am convinced that there Is a limit to stories. That Is, as humans, how many things or combination of things can happen? I mean, thinking about normal people, and even not-so-normal people. Take all their stories together and you may be able to separate the happenings and emotions into categorías. HOWEVER, what you can create with words and ideas IS INFINITE, and THAT Is the genious of Donna Tartt. Endless possibilities on the writing regardless of the main idea or plot. That Is what fascinated me from The GOLDFINCH. I know this Is about the Secret History but I read it as a result of discovering The GOLDFINCH. I still have one More novel to read but I Will not now as then there Will not be another one in some Time.
I’m so interested in this book. It keeps going in and out of my Amazon cart 😂 I will pick it up next! 👀
i just finished it... i have a huge hangover, my head is about to explode. it is a masterpiece, truly
That’s great to hear!!
I just read it and I want to talk about this book with someone so bad! I read in Spanish and it was an indescribable experience, the way I love and hate these characters....finished some hours ago and I can feel I miss them. The secret history easily took a spot on my Top3, thank you for putting my feelings into words!
I also read it in Spanish and although it’s a good translation, the English original is supreme. Thanks for sharing! Have you enjoyed other books by her?
@@justjuanreader I’ll try to find an English edition here, I want to reread and maybe my own perspective will change.
No! I’m too late but I just found her last month, I’m not a person who has a favorite author but the way she writes is supreme. For sure, the goldfinch will be my next book. Have you seen the movie? Through I was reading TSH I always wondered why they never adapt it to the screen...
@@lauramaldonado6782 I actually like how they didn’t make it into a movie. So much about the book is Richard’s unreliable narration. It has to only be seen through his POV so we’re introduced to all the mysteries and plot twists at the exact same time that he is. I feel like that might be lost with a movie adaptation. Maybe that’s just because I love Richard’s character haha
You have such a unique style, that I hope to know more about your reviews. I first read The GOLDFINCH and I had never been so impressed on the Beauty and mastery of blending so profound ideas and analogies. All this to express that I liked The GOLDFINCH much More only because of the writing and not that much from the story. I read It in English and now I am reading It in Spanish, my mother-tongue. I could not put down the Secret History basically because of the story, the plot. With Donna Tartt Is like discovering literature for the very first Time. Yours Is a Great Great expression of admiración towards her writing. I wish to know about your experience with The GOLDFINCH. This Is Maritza from México.
Your review really put justice to this book at the point where I believe that donna Tartt herself should watch this review! It's the best
the "not really a review" review i mean :)
the way u feel about this book is the way i feel about finding this channel
Oh that’s way too kind! Thank you so much, welcome and I hope you enjoy it
im 13 and currently reading the secret history in english (although it is not my native language). i think the book is alright 4/5 maybe but REALLY hard to get through. i normally need a few days for a 600 pages book but im reading the book since the beginning of march (although i have read "it ends with us" in this time too). but still, i like it
You're pretty good with the English language yourself! What an articulate "non-review", better than many real reviews of this book. You really put across what it's like to be magically and poetically transported into the author's vision to the degree that you're totally immersed in the reality created by the story. It's an experience!
Thank you! Cheers!
I first read the book when i was 14 ! i love it
This "review" was really articulate. And I totally get the "fascination by english thing" my mother-tongue language is Arabic and English to me is this language that I'm still learning and loving more and more everyday. Also, your review made me wanna read this book so much that I just ordered it! :D
I wasn't going to pick up any more Tartt after reading the Goldfinch. I just thought it was much too long, taking a long time to actually say very little.
Super Pao Personally I love Goldfinch, one of my favorite books. However, I think The Secret History is shorter, more action-packed and I guess it’s more exciting and claustrophobic considering it’s about a murder. So I would definitely recommend at least giving it a chance. If by page 100 you’re not into it then it won’t be for you.
I just turned 26, and just finished the book.
When you mentioned not needing to review the Bible I giggled like a schoolgirl
I bought it last night!
i enjoyed your non-review of this book so very much ^^ I agree and relate to a lot of the thing you mentioned there... can't wait to check out more content by you. I'm curious about what your native language is too
Thank you so much! I hope you find something to enjoy in my channel.
I’m Mexican, so I speak Spanish.
@@justjuanreader I never would have guessed, it's excellent!
ojala encontraré unas recomendaciones mexicanas tambien porque me encanta aprender el espanol mexicano y me gustaria descubrir la literatura tambien
Interesting video Juan. I'd be interested in how you have found The Goldfinch. I couldn't stand it but might give The Secret History a go. If that doesn't work, then I'll just have to agree to disagree...seemingly with most of the literate population of the world! 🤣
Andrew Russell I made a video on a the Godlfinch too! I love it, personally, but Secret History has a special something.
I’m 50 and the goldfinch is among my very favorite books ever. Should I read this next? I also am curious about her reading it on audible.
Try it!!
Love this book
I really enjoyed this review, makes me wanna pick it up. I love how you expressed yourself and kind of made me feel like I was reading it with you, you know what I mean?
Corners of a bookshelf thank you so much! Love to hear that :)
Please just read Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. It's so very much what this book was based off.
Callum Brunton thanks for the Recommendation!
I concur. Brideshead revisited and TSH share SO many good things.
Read Robert Graves too. I Claudius.
Lei la novela hace unas semanas y si bien comprendo porque a la gente le gusta el libro a mi no me termino de gustar, senti que habia puntos donde la trama no iba a ningún lado y no disfrute de los personajes, realmente me parecieron personas horribles y algo pretenciosas, la forma en la que la novela maneja el lenguaje sí es asombrosa, efectivamente evoca mucho en el lector, particularmente destaco el segmento de las vacaciones de invierno del protagonista, pero al final creo que a la novela le sobran unas 100 o 150 páginas, le daría un 3 de 5 sólo por la calidad de la narrativa
I tried reading it, but I couldn't get past the first fourth of it... it seemed boring at first, then the characters seemed not realistic. I think The Little Friend (still reading/ listening to it), was much better written...
SNAPS SNAPS SNAPS SNAPS
Yes! Yes! My favorite book! The end is weak though, what do you think? I didn’t love The Goldfinch though. I thought that book too long (Las Vegas!!!!) and another weak ending. After ten years it’s as if she’s sick of the story and just wants it done. But the rest of this book is superb. I am just starting my first reread, hope I still feel the same way.
Laura C oh what Can I tell you? I loved the ending! And the Goldfinch is another one of my favorite books (especially the Vegas part, it’s my favorite lol) maybe it’s personal taste. But oh man she can write!
I am having a life crisis watching this
Serine Kerouac 😱
I finished reading it 3 days ago and you described exactly what I've been feeling
Absolutely devoured this review..... This novel also makes me want to eat libraries :)
I think the word you’re looking for is “synopsis.” This video is a review. :-/
This book is mediocre at best.
If you want some "depth" in your reading experience search out Umberto Eco or Cormac McCarthy!
Not for me. But I will try them again in the future. Thank you.