although i finished reading the secret history a while ago, i wanted to reread parts of it before judgement. this is not a mystery or suspense novel but more a study of the human condition and its ancient flaws. it is much better that way and, in the vein of franny and zooey, has found immediate favor with me.
the work can be divided into two halves; before and after becoming a murderer. The first part focuses on richard’s perception of his arrival at hampden college in new england. reliving the first semester at a new school through richard’s eyes was pleasant for me. the group of friends he eventually falls in with remind me of some of my own so i may be biased in that regard. but any classic scholar will undoubtedly find hints of their own kind in henry or camilla. tartt’s writing is crisp and erudite to match richard’s first perceptions of the other characters.
like so many things in college, killing takes on some sort of semi-real dream state, not evoking the proper emotional superlative in either direction. it’s almost as if a filter is over the college, blurring edges and casting doubt on senses. the absence of modern religion is a must, but morality is a different story. how much do actions weigh on consciences? is there ever a right thing to do? how much whiskey can you actually drink in one night when your good friend steals away your sister?
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