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Original poster

Could anyone who has read The Little Friend by Donna Tartt tell me how it ends..?

27 replies

saadia · 06/06/2006 17:32

I got it from the library, started reading but got bored around the middle when it went on too much about the Odum brothers and have now rturned it, but I am interested to know what happens and if the mystery of the boy's death is ever solved.

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franca70 · 09/06/2006 12:26

I need to congratulate peanutbutter on her memory, as mine has completely gone. When I finished to read the LTF (probably 3 yrs ago) I thought it was't that great, but, reading this post, I've just realized i actually liked it.

NotQuiteCockney · 09/06/2006 11:58

I finished the Little Friend, but honestly can't remember a thing about it. Loved Secret History.

Original poster
saadia · 08/06/2006 22:38

Mmmhhmm, well as I said I never got to the end but if the cause of Robin's shocking death was never revealed I suppose it would be an anti-climax, but then, OTOH I suppose in reality so many peoples' deaths leave questions unanswered and people are left with the void of never knowing the truth. Anyway, thanks everyone for your views, they are very interesting.

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TwoIfBySea · 08/06/2006 22:31

The ending felt as though Donna Tartt realised she had her deadline coming up and had to finish asap! That is what I thought anyway.

The fact we never find out what happened could really have worked if it had been better written. It was such a disappointing ending, she completely botched it if she was going for that mystery, never-find-out finish.

Californifrau · 07/06/2006 19:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
saadia · 06/06/2006 20:29

thanks so much peanutbutter, that's really helpful. I may actually get it out again but one of the problems Blush was that their copy was hardback and a bit of a whopper to lug around.

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peanutbutter · 06/06/2006 19:32

well, aunt libby (white hair, bright blue eyes, bird-like) had a stroke and died and then harriet & allison's beloved nursemaid/housekeeper Ida left and the girls were bereft. Not much else happened with the family really. I felt very sad for Danny actually. It turned out he was a friend of Robin's and they'd played together a lot (the aunts all remembered him). Danny seemed to be a promising, nice young boy who simply had too much going against him. Oh, you should get it out from the library again saadia! Smile

lilibet · 06/06/2006 19:19

Secret History is Fab!!

The Little Friend is pants - I'm another one who couldn't finish it

Dior · 06/06/2006 19:15

I hated TLF and gave up before half way. Absolutely loved SH. Couldn't put it down...pissed dh off by reading it all the time on holiday! He loved it too though when he read it a couple of years later!

Original poster
saadia · 06/06/2006 19:12

thanks Enid, so we never really find out why the boy hanged?? I was desperate to know. And the girl has epilepsy, interesting.

peanutbutter I agree that it is very well written but I just couldn't follow all that business with the weirdo brothers. Do we find out how the girl's family fares?

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peanutbutter · 06/06/2006 18:52

whoops - someone already has Grin

peanutbutter · 06/06/2006 18:52

me! i absolutely LOVED The Little Friend, I even get it down from the bookshelves every so often just to open it randomly and read a few lines - it's so well written. Do you really want me to tell you the ending??

LadySherlockofLGJ · 06/06/2006 18:50

Forgiven. Grin

Enid · 06/06/2006 18:50

baby hanging on nork

Enid · 06/06/2006 18:50

i enjoyed the little friend

LadySherlockofLGJ · 06/06/2006 18:50

ENID

Are you morphing into Cod ? Grin

LadySherlockofLGJ · 06/06/2006 18:49

The secret history was a pile of poo, sorry but it was.

Enid · 06/06/2006 18:49

no it isnt resolved

yuo kind of assume its something to do witht he meth heads friend

there is a massively cinematic ending in the old wtter tower

oh and the girl is diagnosed with epilepsy

fullmoonfiend · 06/06/2006 18:47

I really enjoyed it, but much preferred the Secret History

Original poster
saadia · 06/06/2006 17:44

thanks fmf that explains everything Grin.

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Original poster
saadia · 06/06/2006 17:43

the beginning was gripping and beautifully written - have to wait and see if anyone has finished it.

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fullmoonfiend · 06/06/2006 17:42

They all die in the end and the butler did it...:) HTH

bakedpotato · 06/06/2006 17:40

I wonder whether anyone has actually finished it
Massive snore

foxinsocks · 06/06/2006 17:37

yes I was really disappointed because the first few chapters were brilliant (could practically feel myself sitting out on that porch)

Original poster
saadia · 06/06/2006 17:36

not really Smile but it's kind of reassuring that you found the middle bit boring as well.

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