The Secret History by Donna Tartt

 

The Secret History is the first novel by the American author Donna Tartt, published by Alfred A. Knopf in September 1992. The campus novel tells the story of a closely knit group of six classics students at Hampden College, a small, elite liberal arts college in Vermont. Wikipedia

Originally published: September 1992

Author: Donna Tartt

Genres: Novel, Psychological Fiction

Characters: Richard Papen, Camilla Macaulay, Charles Macaulay, Edmund Corcoran, Julian Morrow, Henry Winter

Cover artist: Chip Kidd; Barbara de Wilde

Dewey Decimal: 813/.54 20

The Secret History by Donna Tartt, published in 1992, is a critically acclaimed debut novel that blends elements of psychological thriller, crime fiction, and literary fiction. The story is told through the perspective of Richard Papen, a student who transfers to a small, elite college in Vermont. There, he becomes drawn into a close-knit group of eccentric and enigmatic students led by the mysterious professor, Julian Morrow.

The novel's central focus is this group of students, who are studying ancient Greek under the guidance of their professor. The group, particularly its charismatic leader, Henry Winter, becomes an insular and almost cult-like clique. As Richard is gradually pulled deeper into their world, he discovers that their intellectual pursuits are far darker than he initially realized.

The plot centers on a murder that occurs within this group and the psychological unraveling that follows. The students, in their pursuit of beauty and knowledge, find themselves caught up in a web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. Ultimately, The Secret History examines themes of guilt, morality, obsession, and the dangers of intellectual elitism.

Tartt’s writing is known for its richness and depth, and The Secret History is no exception. The novel is both a captivating mystery and a meditation on the human condition. The characters are complex and often morally ambiguous, and their intellectualism is juxtaposed with their increasingly reckless and destructive behaviors.

The novel has been praised for its haunting atmosphere and intricate exploration of themes like the influence of art and philosophy, the consequences of moral choices, and the seductive nature of dangerous ideas. It's often described as a dark, modern take on the classic "Greek tragedy" narrative, with a focus on the tragic downfall of a group of privileged, intellectual young people who, in their pursuit of something greater, end up destroying themselves.

The Secret History is a richly atmospheric and thought-provoking novel, which has become a staple of contemporary literary fiction. It’s often recommended for readers who enjoy stories that mix intellectual inquiry with suspense and psychological complexity.

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