The Secret History

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT !!! I wish I could give 11 !!
Review: I just had to add my opinion. What a book !! I read it in Greek first ; the translation was about 600 pages. I wish I could live this story. Amazing descriptions, so many different characters...sexy as Henry, quiet and strong as Richard, hard - headed like Bunny, dedicated like Camilla, garrulous as Judy Poovey and so on. Some, I felt like know them. The story had amazing turns, twisted hints, love story, mystery. In short it had everything. Everything I was looking for in a book. I read it again and again of course, in English as well, and occasionally I am thinking about it. I am always checking to see if Donna Tartt has a new one coming but there is nothing so far. I hope she will give us more pretty soon. I can harldy wait !

Rating:
Summary: "...leave the phenomenal world, and enter into the sublime."
Review: That is truly what one does as soon as the first page of The Secret History is turned. My admiration for Ms. Tartt would be describable only if I had her enchanting ability to write. Why do I like this book? It is quite like being in the story, allowing for the reader to get out of their life for a spellbinding while. The storyline is belivable. The setting...I believe I have been there, am there, while enthralled in the book. No other book has captivated this reader nearly as much. I have read it so very many times. I can pick it up and start reading from any point, enjoying it no less than the very first time ( a lot!). I suggest that everyone get a chance to read this book and spread the news of the literary genius in our midst. I patiently await another creation.

Rating:
Summary: In a word .... fabulous
Review: For a first time novellist, Donna has it down pat. This was referred to me by a friend, and as a compulsive devourer of books I took it with good grace. I read it while holidaying in South East Asia and loved every bit, as did my husband. You will not be disappointed

Rating:
Summary: I consider it the best modern novel I have read.
Review: I bought the book off the shelf with no previous knowledge of book or author. I have re-read it many times, have passed it on to friends and suggest it to anyone who is an avid reader. It kept me completely enthralled. It is truly a masterpiece. The way the characters came alive was remarkable. I felt that I truly knew them - each and every one. I read three novels a week and many times I have thought why I could actually consider this book the best (other than the classics) that I have read. Wonderful story-telling. I keep waiting for her next book. Please, Donna, with such a talent you owe it to the world of literature. Thank you.

Rating:
Summary: Not quite Plato, but a fun read which leaves one wanting.
Review: While the premise of this book is quite provacative, I found the page-turning pace of it deceptive in that the novel began to read like a Nancy Drew mystery with quick references to the ancient Greeks to tether the characters to some heady context which never really materialized. The writing is good, but not extraordinary, as the novel's overwhelmingly positive response leads one to expect. I had hoped to find more of an intellectual probing into the query of why these seemingly spoiled, self-centered rich kids had a need to ask after the questions of being without much in the way of the ethical questions which accompany such a philosophical search. Why is it that Bunny, the least intelligent of them, is the most ethically torn? A fascinating question, with little in the way of investigation. Does the Dionysian spirit found in the Greeks lead us to a delirious and horrible lack of limitation and sense of ethical responsibility? Donna Tartt need not venture to answer these questions, but at least to pose them. Still, I had trouble putting the book down, and Donna Tarrt alone receives the credit for that.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I ever read
Review: I Just want to add another 10 to the list. I wish I could give more. I am so greatfull to the friend who gave me this book. I recomen it to everybody.

Rating:
Summary: College angst meets Greek Tragedy
Review: While many of the reviews gush about how wonderful this book is (and few how BAD it is) I found it dark, mysterious and satisfying. It reads in fits and starts: one minute a page-turner, the next "pausing" to be insightful. I read this book many years ago and truly found it riveting (sp). I NEVER hesitate to recommend it. Yes, the characterizations are a bit shallow and contrived, but that is what gives this book it's charm and readability. For those who like it I would recommend "Smilla's Sense of Snow" as a great read as well.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, exciting, haunting - it will stay with you.
Review: I began to read this book about 5 years ago and could not get past page 50. I picked it up again, on a whim, and could not put it down. Tartt does what no other mystery author I have read does - she examines not just the bloody, gory aspects of murder but the psychological ramifications of the act, the crumbling foundation of ego and the uncontrollable bonds of friendship. It is beautifully written, with well-drawn charaters and a lovely setting.

Rating:
Summary: Don't die before you've read this book
Review: Simply the best book ever written. Read it over and over again and still remains the best book ever (in my opinion of course). When you've read it you'll understand the pages of (enthousiastic) reviews you see on this page. I'm desperately seeking for a similar book to read, but i can't find any. Any suggestions: please drop me an e-mail. And if anyone should know an address to contact Donna Tartt: let me know. I shall be very gratefull

Rating:
Summary: Hollow at the core
Review: A unique and untapped subject matter was the saving grace of The Secret History by Donna Tratt. The story lacked the relationship development of the characters. So much of the story was 'left to the imagination' that the story rang hollow in my ears. Furthermore, one practically needs a greek dictionary to follow certain passages. Additional description of the students' Greek rituals and desire to enlighten themselves would have turned this good book into an excellent book.