The Jolly Good Reading Society discussion

Please discuss the book here :)

I read this late last year with a different book club. While I only rated it four stars, it was still one of my top books of 2015.

There is no doubt that Tartt is a magnificent writer.

With this book she blends literary fiction and mystery. I love how you are given the mystery right away and it's the "why" and "how" that is revealed in time. (This is not a spoiler. The "what" is revealed very very early on in the text.) This is a great variation on the mystery genre.

The suspense is gradually built, at a very slow pace. That, and the fact that it takes nearly 200 pages before any major action takes place, was my reason for the 4 stars. So, if you feel bored, or want to dnf, I know that it is, ultimately, your choice, but for someone who usually dnfs within the first 100 pages if I'm not feeling it, I'm so glad that I stuck it out until the end.

I still think of this book, several months later. It resonates and makes it way back into my thoughts when I least expect it. As much as I would love to re-read it with this group, I have many graphic novels I need to finish before the end of January, and I have a full plate of novels and graphic novels already assigned for February. Perhaps a re-read in March might happen.

I do find Tartt a bit "wordy" at times, but her "flowery" writing really adds to the suspense, desperation and hardship of all the characters. I couldn't help but be creeped out when reading some sections.

I hope you don't view this as spoilery. If so, let me know and I will gladly edit. I just think all of those who read it are in for a wild ride of mystery and a great character study because, it really is more character-driven than plot-driven. Have fun!

Liz wrote: "I read this late last year with a different book club. While I only rated it four stars, it was still one of my top books of 2015.

There is no doubt that Tartt is a magnificent writer.

With this..."

I don't find this spoilery at all! In fact it's made me really interested in picking this up sooner! I started The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith today and am really enjoying it so I'll be finishing that first and then hopefully I'll pick The Secret History up next!

I'm 30% through the book and absolutely love the writing style. I think that the slow pace adds to the overall atmosphere. It reminds me of one of my favourite Hitchcock movies, Rope. I can't wait to read more :)

I'm very close to finishing this book now and I can't wait to find out how it ends. The characters are so well described, I feel as though I know them personally. I must try a cream cheese and marmalade sandwich, I'd never heard of those until this story, might be nice on a bagel :)

Jen wrote: "I'm very close to finishing this book now and I can't wait to find out how it ends. The characters are so well described, I feel as though I know them personally. I must try a cream cheese and marmalade sandwich, I'd never heard of those until this story, might be nice on a bagel :)"

It's the little things we take from the books we read, right Jen? Try the sandwich. Let us know how it is. Looking forward to your overall thoughts when you finish.

A year late but I'm finally reading The Secret History!