A Compelling Literary Thriller

When one thinks of thrillers, privileged classics students and snow-covered northeastern colleges aren’t necessarily the first images that come to mind. However, The Secret History manages quite successfully to be a smart, literary tale of murder. It merges elements of a coming-of-age drama with a gripping thriller, fills pages with mythological and literary references, and brings them all together with prose that is easy to read and flows effortlessly. If you are able to put this novel down at the end of a chapter…well, you’re a more disciplined reader than I. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have recommended it to several people.

The Secret History is Donna Tartt’s first novel, and it takes place primarily at a northeastern college not dissimilar to her own alma mater, Bennington college. The plot revolves around Richard Papen, a bored suburban Northern Californian, as he begins his undergraduate education as a scholarship student at Hampden college. A chance encounter at the library introduces Richard to a tight-knit clique of classics students, and Richard quickly becomes caught up in their social circle. Comprised of five eccentric undergraduates and a charismatic professor, the group embraces Richard. He gradually disassociates himself from the campus at large and increasingly becomes more enthralled in their enclosed world of ideas, literature and leisure.

However, beneath the idyllic surface lie some unpleasant surprises. Richard quickly learns that there is a darker side to his new life. The novel lures you into the action immediately by revealing one of the secrets in the first chapter. This a particularly effective plot device, as even though the reader knows what action takes place, one is denied the context of this incident. Through the early chapters, as the pieces begin to fall in place, the reader is taken on a tremendous ride. The novel continues with many unexpected developments and surprising character actions, most of which ring completely true.

There are a great many characters in this novel, and I believe that Ms Tartt has done an commendable job of creating ones that are distinct, memorable and credible. Her well-written descriptions of people and locales are excellent; one can easily construct mental images of scenes and individuals.

This novel will be particularly interesting for individuals with an interest in literature, especially Greek tragedy and Milton, as Ms Tartt has strewn references galore throughout the work. However, I would not consider such a background necessary to enjoy this book. Any references that are key to the plot are explained well within the novel.

I purchased this book in hardcover when it was initially published, and have read it more than once because I found it so enjoyable. I have recommended this novel to many of my friends and family. Thus far, no one has reported being disappointed, although many have complained of lack of sleep, due to the fact that they could not set this book down. Now we are all waiting for Ms Tartt’s second novel, which is rumored to be in the works.