18 Jan Book Review: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

I recently picked up The Secret History by Donna Tartt, intrigued by its reputation as a modern classic in the realm of psychological thrillers. Published in 1992, this debut novel by Tartt has garnered a dedicated following for its intricate narrative and exploration of moral ambiguity.

What’s it about?

The story is narrated by Richard Papen, who reflects on his time at Hampden College, a small liberal arts institution in Vermont. Coming from a modest background in Plano, California, Richard transfers to Hampden seeking a fresh start and becomes captivated by an exclusive group of students studying ancient Greek under the enigmatic professor Julian Morrow.

The group comprises five other students: Henry Winter, the intellectual leader; twins Charles and Camilla Macaulay; Francis Abernathy; and Edmund “Bunny” Corcoran. Drawn by their sophistication and the allure of their clandestine world, Richard becomes part of their tight-knit circle, immersing himself in their unconventional lifestyle.

As the group delves deeper into their studies, Henry becomes obsessed with achieving a state of divine ecstasy through ancient Dionysian rituals. In a secluded area of the Vermont woods, they attempt such a ritual, which spirals out of control, leading to the accidental death of a local farmer who stumbles upon them. This event binds the group together through a shared, dark secret.

Bunny, who was not part of the ritual, becomes suspicious and eventually uncovers the truth. He begins to subtly blackmail the group, exploiting their guilt and threatening to expose them. Fearing the collapse of their lives and the potential for legal repercussions, the group, led by Henry, conspires to murder Bunny. They execute the plan during a hike, pushing him into a ravine, and subsequently stage it as an accidental death.

The aftermath of Bunny’s death unravels the group’s cohesion. Each member grapples with guilt, paranoia, and the psychological toll of their actions. Richard becomes increasingly disillusioned as he witnesses the moral decay and self-destruction of his friends. Charles descends into alcoholism, Francis becomes anxious and withdrawn, and Henry’s stoic demeanor masks a deepening despair.

The climax occurs when Julian Morrow, upon discovering the truth through a letter from Henry, chooses to leave the college without confronting his students, leaving them to face the consequences of their actions alone. The group’s disintegration accelerates, culminating in Henry’s suicide, which he perceives as the only escape from their untenable situation.

In the end, Richard reflects on the events with a sense of loss and resignation, acknowledging the irreversible impact of their choices and the haunting nature of their deeds.

What This Chick Thinks

Reading The Secret History was like being drawn into a dark, seductive world where intellect and morality clash. Tartt’s prose is both elegant and immersive, capturing the allure of the academic setting and the complexities of her characters. The novel’s structure, revealing the murder at the outset and then unraveling the motivations behind it, adds a compelling depth to the narrative.

However, some may find the pacing deliberate, and the characters’ elitism can be off-putting. Despite these aspects, the exploration of themes such as the corrupting influence of beauty and the consequences of transcending moral boundaries is thought-provoking and engaging.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Secret History is a richly woven tale that delves into the darker facets of human nature and the perilous allure of intellectual hubris. While it may not resonate with everyone, its intricate narrative and philosophical underpinnings make it a compelling read for those interested in psychological dramas. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

• If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio – A suspenseful novel set in an elite arts college, where a group of Shakespearean actors becomes entangled in a real-life tragedy.
• The Secret Place by Tana French – A gripping mystery involving a murder at a girls’ boarding school, exploring themes of friendship and secrecy.
• Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh – A classic tale of friendship, faith, and the complexities of aristocratic life in early 20th-century England.