The Secret History

Location & Checkout Length	Call Number	Checkout Length	Item Status
Traverwood Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Tartt, Donna	4-week checkout	On Hold Shelf
Malletts Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Tartt, Donna	4-week checkout	Due 04-09-2024
Malletts Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Tartt, Donna	4-week checkout	Due 04-25-2024
Pittsfield Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Tartt, Donna	4-week checkout	Due 04-01-2024
Pittsfield Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Tartt, Donna	4-week checkout	Due 03-22-2024
Westgate Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Tartt, Donna	4-week checkout	Due 05-14-2024
Westgate Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Tartt, Donna	4-week checkout	Due 05-09-2024

Richard Papen had never been to New England before his nineteenth year. Then he arrived at Hampden College and quickly became seduced by the sweet, dark rhythms of campus life -- in particular by an elite group of five students, Greek scholars, worldly, self-assured, and at first glance, highly unapproachable.

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS

fantastic! submitted by krayla on February 5, 2013, 7:57am This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Donna Tartt's writing style is creative and descriptive, taking you to another world entirely. I'm surprised this book is not on more high school and college reading lists for the quality of her writing. The plot focuses on a group of college students who become obsessed with ancient Greece and its ways of life, sometimes to the point of danger. I liked this book because one climax of the book is told right away at the beginning, and then relates how the plot got to that point. However, this is not to say that the plot ends halfway through the book; the entire story is gripping and I couldn't put it down. I found myself relating to some of the characters, regardless of whether or not I wanted to!

Thrilling! submitted by kcarucci on August 16, 2015, 9:50pm Easily the best book I have read all year. Donna Tartt reels you in by telling you on page one that this group of students murdered their friend Bunny. Therefore, with the plot already told, the story explores the psyches of the characters. Do not be mistaken, this is not mere character development. The growing tension throughout the book is palpable. Focusing on an elite group of college students studying the Greek language, Tartt captivates you. Watch how obsession undoes a small group of friends. Fans of A Separate Peace will love this book!

Intellectual submitted by kferguson on July 21, 2019, 6:14pm I liked Little Friend by Tartt. This is equally well written, but too cerebral and about intellectuals for my taste.

Okay submitted by kelleyc on June 26, 2020, 12:45pm Honestly not my favorite Tartt. I enjoyed it, but it is very cerebral, not quite as gripping as her others.

Excellent writing submitted by teri on August 18, 2020, 1:02pm Complex people, complex plot. A great book to settle in with for a serious, compelling read.
If you're a fan of Tana French ( who is a great fan of Tartt) you may like this. Donna Tartt's influence is noticeable in French's recent book "The Witch Elm".

Really great submitted by abbysourabby on June 9, 2023, 8:34pm I loved this book. It was super well-written, and though it was long it certainly didn't feel like so. Tartt is a really engaging and intelligent writer. Would definitely recommend.

Modern Classic submitted by jillianmarchi on June 24, 2023, 10:04am This book is captivating from start to finish. The characters are complex and intriguing, and it's interesting to see their growth (or lack thereof!) throughout the novel. If you're into the "Dark Academia" aesthetic, this is a must-read.

One of My All-Time Favorites submitted by Gillerdeer on July 9, 2023, 11:50am This is an incredible book. If you like any of the following, this is a great book for you:
- Thriller/mysteries where you seem to know the "answer" to the mystery from the start, but the plot takes you through uncovering much more (like Knives Out)
- Stories where an "average" person stumbles across a group of eccentric and out-of-touch wealthy people and gets to witness/experience their lives (kinda like The Great Gatsby)
- Characters you love to hate (oh there are plenty here)
- Cult-leader-esque academics and cult-like academic circles of students (as a grad student, I've experienced my fair share and prefer to read about them rather than experience them)
- Donna Tartt's excellent writing style (I've also read the Goldfinch and while the writing was great and the book was interesting, I had a very hard time reading it because it was so - in my opinion - overwhelmingly depressing. I felt sad rather than captivated reading it. But The Secret History, although not a light-hearted book, feels much more riveting and much less overwhelmingly sad.)

I love all of these things and so I think this is the perfect book. But clearly this wouldn't be for everyone! In particular, if you do not find insufferable wealthy intellectuals entertaining, you may hate this book.