The Secret History by Donna Tartt follows six Classics students at Hampden College in Vermont, mentored by the enigmatic Professor Julian Morrow. As narrator Richard Papen joins this exclusive group, he recounts their obsession with Greek culture, leading to a series of tragic events including deception and murder driven by loyalty and ambition. The story delves into the allure and danger of intellectual and aesthetic pursuits. The novel contains depictions of violence, incest, murder, suicide, and substance addiction.

Donna Tartt's The Secret History is praised for its compelling narrative, richly drawn characters, and captivating exploration of intellectual and moral decay within an elite college group. Some find its prose overly dense and the pacing slow at times, but many agree it is an intriguing psychological thriller that leaves a lasting impression.

Fans of dark academia, complex characters, and chilling narratives will relish Donna Tartt's The Secret History. With its intellectual allure akin to F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and the psychological depth of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, this novel captivates those who enjoy literary and philosophical intrigue.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Contemplative / Melancholic

Donna Tartt

Adult

Novel

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The Secret History Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 1

The Secret History Prologue-Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 2-3

The Secret History Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-5

The Secret History Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-7

The Secret History Chapters 6-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 8-Epilogue

The Secret History Chapter 8-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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The Secret History

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