I thoroughly enjoyed this book, possibly the best fiction book I've ever read. Possibly, as I can't think of them all right now, but it definitely rates near the top. The way Tartt manages to weave together so many different themes and still make this book a highly enjoyable read speaks volumes about her talent as a writer.
The story is told by Richard, arriving at Hampden College; a rich upper class university in New England. Richard arrives at this school hoping to be accepted into Greek which he had already begun to learn. What transpires is the Greek professor, Julian Morrow, convincing him to drop all of his other courses (except French) and give himself fully over to the Classics. Richard finds himself in the midst of a sort of clique of strange, mildly friendly Greek-studying students. All of the students have strong characters built up by Tartt throughout the book. I won't try to describe them now, except to say that they all serve a part in this exceptional thriller or tale of misguided rich kids.
Richard finds himself invited into the group and is confused and fascinated by the students everyone else regards as slightly strange. He soon realises though that something is wrong. Thus, the plot thickens.
The story is extraordinarily told, drawing on Greek tragedy enveloped with Ancient Greek practices as well as drinking, jealousy and pressure. Tartt beckons the reader into the seemingly complex cycle of events and you are led not so much by what she says but what she suggests.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
2 comments:
Ooo I read this one at the end of 2009 and really, really enjoyed it as well! It was definitely unique - an original story.
I had no idea anyone read this blog! Yay, a comment. You are awesome.
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