Book info

• Title The Secret History
• Author Donna Tartt
• Year 1992
• Genre Mystery

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, their lives are changed profoundly and for ever as they discover how hard it can be to truly live and how easy it is to kill.

Thoughts

A group of Latin and Ancient History students are misfits in their college and have a very close bond with each other. However, the bond is tested and ultimately broken as they face newcomers, love, hate and death.

Henry - completely fascinating, a genius. Bunny - you just love to hate him, loud, obnoxious. Charles and Camilla - twins, a little too close for comfort? Francis - kind of a bit part really, I don’t think he’s essential to the story. Richard Papen - your narrator.

It really draws you in to the moment. It feels as though you are taking part in the situations or have become a fly on the wall. It is beautifully constructed, each word necessary to make it a wonderful story.

Rating: 4 / 5