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Original poster

The secret history by Donna Tartt

62 replies

sleepyeyes · 02/06/2008 13:09

Hi on page 20 of this book seems ok so far, hasn't totaly captured me yet, but I've been told by many its fab.

Is it worth the hype?
What should i expect? Dont want spoilers, but have no idea what type of book this is.

I got the feeling that she doesn't write the most likeable charecters?

OP posts:
noddyholder · 02/06/2008 13:10

keep going its great

bundle · 02/06/2008 13:10

i read it ages ago, it was unputdownable, but yes they're annoying

Hassled · 02/06/2008 13:11

No, very few of her characters are likeable but it is a fantastic book - stick with it! It's years since I read it but it's pretty dark and sinister in parts.

wessexgirl · 02/06/2008 13:11

Stick with it - I remember loving this book (though it was a while back now).

Boco · 02/06/2008 13:11

I seem to remember this one was a bit more atmospheric than plot driven. Some images still stick in my mind, I liked it.

katierocket · 02/06/2008 13:12

it's still one of my favourite books

Aniyan · 02/06/2008 13:18

Loved this book! Keep going - it'll suck you in. Then when you've finished it come back and tell us what you thought!

Notyummy · 02/06/2008 13:23

Very good, but agree with the point that few of the characters are nice.

Very atmospheric though...I thought it was worth the read.

DH wasn't so sure....but he still finished it!

UnquietDad · 02/06/2008 13:27

It's very good! Persist!

(Despite her amusing name. I wonder if she'd have got as far being called Donna Slutt or Donna Slagg?)

Bink · 02/06/2008 13:31

Contrary opinion: thought it not good. In the sort of nothing-special-but-self-inflatedly-showy category.

Just in case you decide you don't like it and want some company.

GooseyLoosey · 02/06/2008 13:33

Kind of go along with Bink - it was OK in an intellectual kind of way but not a great read.

Original poster
sleepyeyes · 02/06/2008 14:32

I'M QUITE EXCITED ABOUT READING IT NOW GOT A VERY LONG BORING WEEK AHEAD so will get cracking.
I will come back once I'm finished give honest opinon.

UD my DP had a snigger at her name to, plus the title and thought I was reading something naughty.

OP posts:
debbiedlemur · 02/06/2008 14:33

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.

SixSpotBurnet · 02/06/2008 14:34

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!

SixSpotBurnet · 02/06/2008 14:35

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

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 02/06/2008 17:00

It does get better.

sophiewd · 02/06/2008 17:02

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

Countingthegreyhairs · 02/06/2008 17:19

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 ...

orangina · 02/06/2008 17:22

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

MingMingtheWonderPet · 02/06/2008 17:22

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.

tassisssss · 02/06/2008 17:24

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!)

TwoIfBySea · 02/06/2008 19:27

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!

FluffyMummy123 · 02/06/2008 19:28

Message withdrawn

iamdingdong · 02/06/2008 19:33

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

janeite · 02/06/2008 19:43

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.