The secret history by Donna Tartt

I liked the secret history and the little friend. You hardly find anyone who liked the little friend though I must admit!

Secret History = fan-bloody-tastic. Stick with it. I didn't read it for ages because it looked like prurient slop from the marketing (and coincidentally was being read by a supposed-to-be friend who only ever read prurient slop), then was given a copy by a friend flying back to the States and trying to lighten her luggage.

The characters are almost all almost thoroughly obnoxious but I found it totally gripping - my copy has nearly completely collapsed now but I hang onto it for sentimental reasons (oh, and the shelf it's on is only high enough to take US-format cheap paperbacks anyway so the usual "I need the space" factor doesn't apply since I can't put anything else there).

I really liked The Little Friend too but I seem to remember that the reviews were generally not good. It's quite different in style.

I loved 'The Little Friend' - I was gripped from the very first page. It is rare for me to find a book unputdownable - the story and characterisation absolutely held me. It really stood out for me.

I too am now reading the first few chapters of 'The Secret History'. It has not gripped me as much as The Little Friend but I like the way it is written and I feel it is a slow burner.

I started The Post Birthday World by Lionel Shriver a month ago and didn't like it at all. I couldn't relate to the characters and didn't like the style of writing.

Agree fab fab fab book. Read it in a few days as I just couldn't put it down. May go and re-read it now.

(Second book didn't do it for me though)

Fab book. Without meaning to sound wanky, it has that sort of Shakesperian tragic inevitability - once the plot elements are in place it almost takes on a life of its own.

The Little Friend is weaker in the plot, but so extraordinarily vivid I think it's worth reading just for the images.

My sis gave me both of Tarrt's books, but I started Little Friend first & gave up. Haven't bothered with the Secret History because of it. This thread has inspired me to go and dust it off and give it a go.

(It had better be good)

I absolutely loved this book. One of the rare ones that I would love to read again. Loved Little Friend too.

Yes to The Secret History, a resounding NO to The Little Friend, which was just downright boring and gruesome iirc. Glad to see it wasn't just me who thought so!

this is such a coincidence! i was desperately trying to remember her name earlier today. i was trying to tell someone that i preferred 'the little friend' to 'lovely bones'

i also love martha grimes 'cold flat junction'
i seem to be the only person in the world who does like those two though.

I read it a decade ago and loved it.

i still remember the first page. richard had a summer job in a book store in boca raton. have to admit i was hooked from the first word.

little friend such a drag in comparison.

I really liked it but thought her second was boring. Glad to see I wasn't the only one.

I haven't read it but was utterly underwhelmed by "The Little Friend" a few years ago - so will watch this thread with interest to see if "The Secret History" is worth getting.

really enjoyed the secret history years ago, but liek others I have never finished the little friend

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There is a particular talent in writing unlikable characters in such a way that readers want to continue with the story (please take note Lionel Shriver) and Donna Tartt can carry it off.

Was really disappointed with her second book which seemed to end a bit abruptly.

Read Secret History years ago and once I have waded through the pile of books my tutor recommended for me I want to read it again. I've planned to reread it for the past few years right enough!

i liked it a lot

think it's about 4 years since i read it, possibly longer...i'd read it again (and I very rarely do that!)

Me too Countingthegreyhiars, couldn't get into her second book atall.

I really enjoyed The Secret History, though didn't think it was earth shattering or anything.

Me too counting.... LOVED The Secret History, didn't manage to finish the 2nd (long awaited) one....

I was gripped by it first time around. I might give it another go to see how it stands up to a re-read.

Can't say the same for 'Little Friend' or whatever it's called though ...her next book written after an 11 yr gap I think ....gave up on that one half way through ...

It took a few pages to get into but was brilliant, and yes you do dislike her characters.

It does get better.

It is a rattling good yarn, but I agree it is a bit pretentious.

I read it a few years ago and was completely gripped by it.

I have a feeling I wouldn't rate it as highly if I read it now for the first time, though.

Bink - in that respect, it's rather like The Magus!

I loved it, have read it several times, it is probably my favourite book of all time but I couldn't really explain why, just something about the way it is written.