I was 13 when my father bought me this book. I’m now 38 and have read it at least once every single year. My copy is worn out and broken in two halves, but I’ll keep it for as long as I can.
I only just read it this februrary, but this book is my favorite. I'm in love with Donna's writing, I'm currently reading The Goldfinch by her now. Henry is facinating and my favorite of the bunch. I hope to find more books like The Secret History in the future. Weirdly enough I didn't think I would even like that much, but wow just wow
I read the secret history earlier this year for an in person book group. A lot of people in the group didn’t like the book because they didn’t believe college students could drink that much. I assured them that they can. I am basically the same age as Donna Tartt. I actually enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. What I really liked about it is that the group essentially thought they were like Dostoevsky’s Raskolnikov and that they could get away with something that other people couldn’t, and it made me ashamed that I didn’t take into Greek in college I think I really would have enjoyed it.
I don't know how I missed this book all these years! Being from Vermont (and now in Texas) I'm really enjoying the book! She's an amazing writer ... very engaging!! It's a true escape for me. Thanks for having no spoilers!!! And thanks for a great review!!!
I loved the secret history and it's one of my fave reads from last year. Am keen but also a bit hesitant to pick up the Goldfinch so I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Would also love to see you review other dark academia novels from recent years like If We Were Villains and Babel.
Hi William, I stumbled upon your short of The Secret History, and your enthusiasm was infectious; it inspired me to read this book as well. Donna Tartt's writing was captivating - the characters and worldbuilding are intricate and well-crafted. It's been a while since a book has left such a lasting impression on me. I also saw your appreciation for The Stranger; Albert Camus is my "husband" (heh). I wanted to thank you and tell you that your channel is a delight. I'm excited to read more of your recommendations. I feel like some bandit looting treasures from your brain!
Please give the goldfinch another try!! It is my favorite Tartt novel and I think you will take to it more now that you've read TSH. Theo is such a special and compelling character.
I finished this novel yesterday, and kept searching for reviews to see what other people thought about it. I must say you're the first person who went into any details/serious analysis. Most videos just stick to the summary and barely touch on anything relevant. I wish your video was longer.
I read this book a year or two after it came out in 1992. I've always recalled I liked it and this recommendation prompted me to look it up in Wiki to refresh my memory of the plot and I had completely forgotten everything about it but that it took place at a school. Conversely, almost every one of the many Great Books I've read (and earlier than this book), I remember their plots and often things about a character or occurrence, e.g., Crime and Punishment. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy light lit every so often. :-)
I personally wasn't convinced by this novel. I felt like it was promising something profound with all the name dropping and literary mystique, but never actually said anything profound at all.
I was 13 when my father bought me this book. I’m now 38 and have read it at least once every single year. My copy is worn out and broken in two halves, but I’ll keep it for as long as I can.
I only just read it this februrary, but this book is my favorite. I'm in love with Donna's writing, I'm currently reading The Goldfinch by her now. Henry is facinating and my favorite of the bunch. I hope to find more books like The Secret History in the future. Weirdly enough I didn't think I would even like that much, but wow just wow
I read the secret history earlier this year for an in person book group. A lot of people in the group didn’t like the book because they didn’t believe college students could drink that much. I assured them that they can. I am basically the same age as Donna Tartt. I actually enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. What I really liked about it is that the group essentially thought they were like Dostoevsky’s Raskolnikov and that they could get away with something that other people couldn’t, and it made me ashamed that I didn’t take into Greek in college I think I really would have enjoyed it.
Great comparison to crime and punishment. The whole back half of the book had strong echoes of Raskolnikov’s descent in that novel
I don't know how I missed this book all these years! Being from Vermont (and now in Texas) I'm really enjoying the book! She's an amazing writer ... very engaging!! It's a true escape for me. Thanks for having no spoilers!!! And thanks for a great review!!!
I just finished The Secret History.. I can still taste the stale cigarettes and shallow bourbon glasses 😂 such a great book!
This feels right up my alley, thanks for the rec
Thanks for the review. I’m really glad I found your channel. I loved Secret History. Time for a reread!
I’m currently on hold for this at my library. Very excited for it!
I loved the secret history and it's one of my fave reads from last year. Am keen but also a bit hesitant to pick up the Goldfinch so I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Would also love to see you review other dark academia novels from recent years like If We Were Villains and Babel.
Hi William, I stumbled upon your short of The Secret History, and your enthusiasm was infectious; it inspired me to read this book as well. Donna Tartt's writing was captivating - the characters and worldbuilding are intricate and well-crafted. It's been a while since a book has left such a lasting impression on me. I also saw your appreciation for The Stranger; Albert Camus is my "husband" (heh). I wanted to thank you and tell you that your channel is a delight. I'm excited to read more of your recommendations. I feel like some bandit looting treasures from your brain!
Thank you! What a kind note. Loot as much as you like!
Nice review. I read Secret History when it first came out and I think I will give it another read. Great books deserve multiple reads.
For some reason I have been avoiding this book. Thanks for giving me the kick I needed.
Great book. Wished it was longer.
Great video mate
Please give the goldfinch another try!! It is my favorite Tartt novel and I think you will take to it more now that you've read TSH. Theo is such a special and compelling character.
I’ll have to circle back to it
Currently reading …. Just started book 2. I love this novel so far.
I finished this novel yesterday, and kept searching for reviews to see what other people thought about it. I must say you're the first person who went into any details/serious analysis. Most videos just stick to the summary and barely touch on anything relevant. I wish your video was longer.
YESSSSSSSSSS I loved this book. Got it from the library on a whim, had to buy it once I finished it.
Definitely is a great book to buy. I’ll be rereading it for suuuuuure
I read it 3 times in the span of 30 years. My favourite book of all times !!!
Which edition do you have? The 2004 one? Vintage contemporaries? I'm trying to find an ed of TSH where the spine won't crack so badly 😂
I highly recommend checking out the works of Elena Ferrante. Please let us know what you think of them.
I read this book a year or two after it came out in 1992. I've always recalled I liked it and this recommendation prompted me to look it up in Wiki to refresh my memory of the plot and I had completely forgotten everything about it but that it took place at a school. Conversely, almost every one of the many Great Books I've read (and earlier than this book), I remember their plots and often things about a character or occurrence, e.g., Crime and Punishment. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy light lit every so often. :-)
Loved it. Hated Goldfinch.
I personally wasn't convinced by this novel. I felt like it was promising something profound with all the name dropping and literary mystique, but never actually said anything profound at all.
The study Bible 🙏🏻🙏🏻
The Goldfinch is my least favorite of hers by a mile. The Secret History is first but close on its heels is Little Friend.
The book is about the guilt and grief a bunch of insufferable university students. The blurb can be misleading to some.