The Secret History Book Summary

In 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt, a group of elite college students become enmeshed in a world of intellectual pursuit and moral ambiguity. Drawn together by their profound appreciation for classical literature, their camaraderie soon spirals into obsession. A shocking betrayal unravels their seemingly perfect lives, leading to a dark twist of fate that questions the very nature of friendship and integrity. Rich in psychological depth and unsettling intrigue, the narrative explores the costs of beauty and the dangerous allure of secrets. As the layers of deception peel away, readers are left to ponder what lengths one might go to protect the truth.

By Donna Tartt

Published: 2004

"The only thing that matters is that we were beautiful and we were young, and nothing else mattered in the world."

The Secret HistoryBook binding

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Book Review of The Secret History

A READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK • INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • A contemporary literary classic and "an accomplished psychological thriller ... absolutely chilling" (Village Voice), from the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Goldfinch. Under the influence of a charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at a New England college discover a way of thought and life a world away from their banal contemporaries. But their search for the transcendent leads them down a dangerous path, beyond human constructs of morality. “A remarkably powerful novel [and] a ferociously well-paced entertainment.... Forceful, cerebral, and impeccably controlled.” —The New York Times

Book Overview of The Secret History

About the Book Author

D

Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt is an acclaimed American author known for her captivating storytelling and lush prose. Born on December 23, 1963, in Greenwood, Mississippi, she gained widespread recognition with her debut novel, "The Secret History" (1992), which explores themes of morality and obsession among a group of classic students. Tartt's subsequent works, including "The Little Friend" (2002) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Goldfinch" (2013), further establish her as a master of intricate narrative and character development. In addition to her novels, Tartt's essays and reviews have appeared in notable publications, showcasing her keen insights and intellectual depth. A private individual, she continues to capture the imaginations of readers worldwide with her thought-provoking literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Donna Tartt
Published
April 2004
Publisher
Vintage
ISBN
1400031702
Language
English
Pages
578
Genres
FictionLiteratureLiterary Fiction

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The only thing that matters is that we were beautiful and we were young, and nothing else mattered in the world.

The Secret History

By Donna Tartt

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