Has anyone read this book? I came across it through a recommendation on instagram, and I'm so glad I picked it up. I always like to see some of the different covers the same book has been published with, so before we start here's some eye candy:
I like the one on the left, and my edition (below) the best :)
This is the first time I'm trying to write a (sort of) book review, so let me know if you liked (or disliked) the format.
The Plot:
The book centres around Richard Papen who feels he has escaped his unsatisfying life in California by coming to Hampden college in Vermont. Even better, he manages to become accepted into a tight-knit, elitist group of students taking lessons in ancient Greek from charismatic professor Julian Morrow. However, he soon finds that his new friends seem to be keeping things from him...
*stop reading here to avoid spoilers*
He finally discovers that the group (accidentally) killed a man while trying to perform an ancient ritual to transcend conscious experience. Unfortunately for them, their friend Bunny (who wasn't part of the ritual) figured out what happened and starts acting in a blackmail-ish manner towards the rest of the group: With more and more money being spent on him, and everyone devoted to keeping him happy, Henry comes up with a plan to murder Bunny before he exposes their secret. In the end, they go ahead. However, the investigation into Bunny's death, Charles' increasing alcoholism and Camilla's relationship with Henry (against her brother's wishes) begin a downward spiral, which leads not only to Henry's suicide but also to the end of the close friendships that had once held the group together. Overall, Richard seems to fare best out of all, but remains in unrequited love with Camilla.
What I liked:
I loved the writing style and the overall gloominess of the story, and the hostile role Vermont's elements sometimes take on (after all, Richard nearly dies of cold, and the snow inconveniently draws out the search for Bunny's body). I also found it easy to identify with Richard most of the time, and I felt a bit sorry for him throughout. I really wanted them all to get away with the murders, which (to my mind) just shows how well an excellent storyteller can manipulate you. I also love the very detailed endings the author provides for every character at the end (even for the stray cat!), because I always find open endings kind of unsatisfying.
What I disliked:
I can't really think of much here. I was a bit surprised that Julian didn't have a larger role to play throughout the book to be honest, but I liked the ending Donna Tartt picked for him. I found it difficult to fully understand how Richard could become involved in Bunny's murder, but I guess that being part of the group is such a strong (and desirable) break from his unhappy family life in California, that he is willing to go to great lengths for his friends.
If I had a book club, these would be my questions:
- The novel was first published in 1992, which got my thinking - would events have taken a different turn if they were taking place now? If Bunny had emailed his suspicions to Julian (or left a voicemail) instead of writing a letter, then the message would have likely been received sooner, and perhaps Julian could have intervened? Or, given the fact that Julian chooses to disappear at the end of the book, maybe he wouldn't have? (I'd think the latter, Julian doesn't seem to have it in him to make difficult decisions).
- Was Henry really out to kill Charles at the end by giving him those pills, or is Charles becoming paranoid? (I'd say he did try to kill him as a noble act to 'save' Camilla).
- What would have been a good alternative to Bunny's murder? Turning themselves in for murder #1? Saving up to flee to Argentina at a later date and keeping Bunny satisfied until then? Just hoping it will blow over? (I honestly have no idea).
- Francis and the twins seem to self-destruct after Henry's death - is that because their 'leader' is now gone, or was it inevitable after everything that happened? (Given the rift between Charles and Henry, and the love triangle (or quadrangle if you include Richard's unrequited love?!) I think things would have gone downhill either way. Except maybe for Camilla).
Should you read this book?
Yes! It's well-written, and the story is unlike anything else I've read. You know about Bunny's murder from the very beginning of the book, so it's an interesting read to figure out why they decided to do it.
If there's anyone here who has read 'The Secret History'? What did you think about it? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)
Thanks for reading,
Kat
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