The Secret History by Donna Tartt sat on my bookshelf for quite a few months. Perhaps it was the overwhelming surge of positive reviews flooding the internet that dissuaded me from potentially diluting my overly positive perception of this book. Or, maybe it was simply the sheer size of this novel that kept me away. Either way, I’m eternally grateful to my one-week-younger self who decided to pick up this novel. If, by some stroke of luck, you managed to steer clear of the cult-like following surrounding this book, your pristine record is about to be shattered.
The first paragraph of the prologue pretty much sums up the plot of the novel. A group of eccentric and intellectually gifted students at an elite New England college form a secretive and elusive circle. And, they end up murdering their friend Bunny. More on that later. At the same time, the first paragraph of the first chapter pretty much sums up the novel’s thematic exploration. The main character, Richard Papen, discloses he believes his “fatal flaw” is “a morbid longing for the picturesque at all costs.” The book delves into the valuing of aesthetics above all else- a concept quite familiar to us internet users. So, the novel essentially drops murder and a philosophical debate on you within the first seven pages. It’s great!
I won’t delve too much into the plot- that’s for you to find out. But I will talk about what I loved about this book; the first of which is the setting. The setting of Hampden College felt like a character in itself. Nestled amidst the misty hills of Vermont, the campus becomes a realm where reality and dreams intertwine seamlessly. The college’s ivy-colored walls and secret corners mirror the enigmatic nature of the characters and their pursuits. In this symbiosis, the college creates a stage where intellectual exploration and hidden rituals- that would seem crazy on the average high school or university campus- just make sense.
On the topic of characters, Donna Tartt excelled at creating nuanced and authentic players for this novel. Each individual is intricately crafted with their own distinct personalities, flaws, and motivations. From the enigmatic and brooding Julian to the introspective and curious Richard, every character is vividly portrayed, making them feel as though they could step off the page at any moment. And let’s not forget Henry Winter- the man, the myth, and the legend who has seemed to unite the entire book community under his command. He is mysterious. He feels no empathy. And he shunned taking the SAT because it didn’t fit his aesthetic.
Now a lot of people focus their conversation of this book on themes like class disparity or obsession or the detriments of living selfishly. While these themes are certainly relevant, I want to focus this post on an often underappreciated theme that emerges as a quietly powerful force: friendship. While I certainly hope none of us can relate to the murder and moral degradation that drive this novel, I do know that this novel’s exploration of the human yearning to belong can find weight in anyone’s life. Richard makes sacrifices to keep friendships intact. He feels insecure when he thinks he might not be completely accepted. And he feels invincible being surrounded by a great (not great as in healthy, but great as in epic) group of friends.
However, it is in the pre-conceived strength of this group that leaves me completely heartbroken in the end when their friendships are decimated. Some are dead. Some are irrevocably changed. Some have moved on- or simply refuse to return to the story of that fateful year. But it is Richard who is left, unable to leave it all behind. The whole situation really reminds me of that one Taylor Swift song: “I’m right where you left me. I stayed there. Dust collected on my pinned up hair.” It is the rejection that Richard feels after literally committing murder for this group of people that left me staring at the last page of this book for a good five minutes. In the end, the reader’s perception of the group as charismatic and endearing and oh-so-deep with their Greek literature crumbles; and they are exposed as pretentious, elitist children who freely indulge in their desires due to the safety net of their parents’ wealth.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt earns an acclaimed spot on Mckenzie’s Bookshelf. With its mesmerizing blend of mystery, intellectualism, and dark allure, this book had me hooked until the last page. I give it a five star rating, and I highly recommend that you give it a shot. Happy reading!! 😊❤️