The Secret History

“"The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.” I am always trying to chase the intense pleasure of my first reading of this book. An absolutely perfect murder mystery set at an elite northeastern college, where our outsider protagonist gets seduced by a charismatic Classics professor into a strange secret society. So atmospheric, so perverse, such unforgettable characters. Whenever the air starts getting crispy, I reach for her.”

“soap opera storyline set on a bucolic east coast liberal arts school in the 80s.”

“One of my favorite novels of all time. For the outsider in all of us.”

“insufferable wasps attending pretentious school commit drug fueled murders pretending to be ancient greeks and hope to be blessed by a professor they believe to be god. it’s fantastic. everyone in it is horrific. donna whatever goes on inside your head is fucked up & i want to hang out there forever.”

“Literally perfect!!!!!!!”

“Dark academia MURDER story! I think everyone remembers the first time they read The Secret History...it's one of those books that you are envious that others have not yet read. It’s got fashion, intellectual banter, fabulous wealth, imposter syndrome…..you name it. Not a story about state schools. ;)”

“"The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.” This thrilling murder mystery low key careening cult free fall is a must read. Set in a tony, out of touch New England prep school, the characters drift even further from reality. Let this one take you away for awhile.”

“Dark academia blueprint”

“When, unfortunately, I come across the phrase 'dark academia' I am fortunately reminded of this book. It has it all - mystery, romance, violence, messy relationship dynamics, divisive characters, new england landscape, melodrama!”

“Intriguing mystery set in 80s New England”

“Obviously!!!!”

“A cult classic book about pretentious college kids obsessed with Greek philosophy (and Dionysus) who spiral into darkness pairs perfectly with a cult classic Greek grape called Xinomavro, which literally means "acid-black" and tastes brooding, earthy, and moody with dried cherry, thyme, and leather notes from two brothers in Macedonia who make organic, biodynamic wine.”

“Favorite novel, hands down.”

“I think this is my favorite book of all time - I liked it so much more than the Goldfinch.”

“Pretty much my all time favorite”

“I cannot believe I haven’t read this yet.”

“"The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation." perfect atmospheric read”

“Donna tartt at her best”