Rating: 
Summary: Exorbitantly understated and bang on the pulse.
Review: This is a great big black and shiny chrome 50s cadillac of a book. Criticise it for lack of suspense, lack of depth - if you have gone to college you know how much this book is on the pulse of early post-teen intellectual snobbery. I ask the male readers, have any of you ever fallen in love with a book character just quite in the same way you fell for Camilla? Doesn't falling snow evoke great big dark emotions like it usen't before? Were you not just a little disturbed at how easily you too can justify Bunny's demise? I went to school in the country, with plenty of snobs and wealthy yobs, myself included - this is not far off. I Love It.
Rating:
Summary: Prep-school Gothic
Review: I have read this book several times, 1) because it is exceptionally well-written and 2) because Donna Tartt has not written anything since. I eagerly await her next oeuvre. I picked this book off the shelf at the library not knowing at the time that it was a first novel. I was fascinated from the opening and couldn't stop until i finished the last sentence.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is painfully pretentious....
Review: I found myself irritated all the way through this overly long "look at how clever I am" style of writing. I found myself distracted from the story by the writing itself. She tried too hard, and it shows.
Rating:
Summary: Five stars isn't enough.
Review: I felt like I was there. I could visualize each and every character---so much so that I have mentally selected a cast, should there ever be a movie.She is a literary genius and I will continue to monitor the shelves for anything she is willing to publish!
Rating: 
Summary: Movie in the Works?
Review: I read this book a few years ago and am going to re-read it soon. My friend, from whom I borrowed the book, and I are shocked and amazed that it has not yet been optioned for a motion picture. Such a film would be an excellent vehicle for the latest Brat Pack (Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Robert Sean Leonard, Moira Kelly, et.al.). I can't wait for another book by Donna Tartt and I'm still watching those "Coming Attractions" at the theater!
Rating:
Summary: A sophisticated study of friendship and conscience
Review: Donna Tartt succeeded in producing a book you can`t put down. Although you are told who comitted the murder right in the beginning of the story, it`s full of surprises and exiting passages. I especially liked how the development of the characters and their relationships are described. They seem so real, because they are so complex. Futhermore, the book is demanding without being boring. I personally didn`t mind the Greek or Latin passages like some of the other reviewers. Mostly they were explained afterwards or they weren`t really relevant for the story. In my opinion, the book makes you think about what "normal" humans are able to do - what WE are able to do. It appeals to readers who "only" want to read a good thriller as well as to those who are interested in classical literature and philosophy.
Rating:
Summary: At least worth reading
Review: I REALLY ENJOYED READING DONNA TARTT'S "SECRET HISTORY". WE HAD TO READ IT FOR OUR ENGLISH CLASS AND IT WAS THE FIRST BOOK IN SCHOOL I REALLY APPRECIATED. ALTHOUGH I KNEW IN ADVANCE WHO WAS KILLED I LOVED TO EXPERIENCE HOW THE STUDENTS WERE ABLE TO COMMIT A MURDER AND HOW THEY FELT AFTERWARDS. DONNA TARTT WAS ABLE TO MAKE THE STORY MYSTICAL AND FULL OF SECRETS YOU WANT TO DISCOVER.THE READER IS ABLE TO LIVE AND FEEL WITH RICHARD, HE/SHE CAN GET AN IDEA HOW A PERSON, WHO COMITTED A MURDER AND DESTROYED THE LIFES OF SO MANY PEOPLE, MIGHT FEEL. IN ADDITION DONNA TARTT IS A BRILLIANT AUTHOR WITH A GREAT ABILITY TO ATTRACT EVERYONE.
Rating:
Summary: A guilty pleasure!
Review: This book has been passed around an assorted group of friends for 5 years now...I am ashamed of the number of times that I have reread this book. It somehow, in some indefinable way, reminds me of The Great Gatsby. It is a quick read and perfect for reading aloud...take it along on long road trips with friends.
Rating:
Summary: A novel of murder and corruption
Review: I really loved this book! A good summer read.
Rating:
Summary: The best book I have ever read!
Review: This book is extremely well-written. The characters are so real I am still thinking about them even after finishing the book 2 weeks ago. Donna Tartt has been blessed with a gift for writing. The story moved smoothly, and there never was a portion which was sluggish. This story is so fascinating I could read into the wee hours of the morning - just one more chapter. . .would turn into two or three. I can't wait for Donna Tartt's next book - this one will be hard to top! I never read a book twice, this book may be the exception.
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