This book drew me in from the very first few sentences of the prologue. Perhaps because it outlines the terrible crime of the protagonists in such distant manner, perhaps because the concept of having the main piece of action explained at the beginning, but the reasons WHY it happened remaining a complete mystery is very intriguing, either way it was a great start to a book which occupied my thoughts for the couple of days it took me to finish it.
In a general sense this is a book about self-discovery, ‘growing up’ and ‘fitting in’ which are pretty well-worn paths for a novel to tread, but Tartt’s characters are what makes this book so wonderful. The brooding intelligent scholar, the warm but aloof twins, the glamourous rich boy, the faux-rich joker, and the out-of-town mis-fit, these characters really come alive in their gloomy setting.
If you are looking for something to read at the beach this Summer (or to read by the fire this Winter for those in other parts of the world) I definitely recommend this book.
Also, while I was reading this book, this song ( Teenage Crime – Adrian Luxhttps://youtu.be/OcQFUWWLY54 ) was playing constantly in my head. The characters may not actually be teenagers (they range from about 21 to 25 i think) I think a song about regrets and the haunting nature of past misdeeds is suitably appropriate to accompany this book.
