tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017619759232312084.post6369086711671236064..comments2023-10-29T01:23:25.535-07:00Comments on Beth Kephart Books: The Goldfinch/Donna Tartt: ReflectionsBeth Kepharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14236487532413398431noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017619759232312084.post-12787744402989299432014-01-11T06:14:39.118-08:002014-01-11T06:14:39.118-08:00Excellent review, Beth! I waited to read it until ...Excellent review, Beth! I waited to read it until I'd posted mine earlier this week, but we had a similar reaction. As I recall, The Secret History had tighter writing and was less bleak.Sarah Laurencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00423008641739156182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017619759232312084.post-10621396531153565732014-01-03T19:12:29.660-08:002014-01-03T19:12:29.660-08:00It took eight days, but I triumphed and finished T...It took eight days, but I triumphed and finished The Goldfinch. Tartt's sentence structure is indeed exquisite and demands a careful read. I stalled two-thirds of the way through the book. Your reflections inspired me to soldier on, as you (rightly) promised a smashing ending. <br /><br />Funny the plot, which suddenly accelerates near the end - all that action seemed oddly pasted in. I did love the way she so carefully described Theo's relationships - I could feel how he felt about certain people. My favourite character was his beloved mother - she was drawn with such accuracy and love. Eight days of reading well spent - and I learned art history, addiction and furniture restoration in the process...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15987565744768448526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017619759232312084.post-70638951973098415092013-12-29T20:14:46.597-08:002013-12-29T20:14:46.597-08:00I fell into the novel in an indescribable way. The...I fell into the novel in an indescribable way. Then I read The Secret History, which I also devoured. The Goldfinch is my favorite novel of 2013.Barbara DeMarco-Barretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11407113008901754361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017619759232312084.post-86060948579869958722013-12-29T16:57:59.819-08:002013-12-29T16:57:59.819-08:00I haven't read this yet but absolutely devoure...I haven't read this yet but absolutely devoured THE SECRET HISTORY.Caroline Starr Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04597510685273079757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017619759232312084.post-49887380436369995002013-12-29T14:18:29.511-08:002013-12-29T14:18:29.511-08:00I am about 3/4 of the way to the end, and because...I am about 3/4 of the way to the end, and because I always want to champion the young I have been rooting so hard for theo to find his way. But just now I am discouraged at the choices he has made. I also think Hobie is a glorious character, and certainly represents hope and redemption for me in this very Dickens-Ian tale. <br /><br />I recently re-read The Secret History, and am struck by the similarities of theme and style. <br /><br />Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14623887166087444590noreply@blogger.com