by Eric Meisberger,
LBPH Reader Advisor
Donna Tartt is an award winning American novelist (who was most recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2014) that has garnered the attention of lovers of literature all over the world. Her novels are highly regarded and heavily scrutinized, and the latest, The Goldfinch, has a wide breadth of reviews, from being called a literary masterpiece (by author Stephen King in the New York Times), to being soundly panned (by critic James Wood in The New Yorker).
We here at the LBPH have her three novels, so you can read them and decide for yourself. A literary tour de force, or too long and not worth the hype? You be the judge. Be sure to check out:
The Goldfinch
DB 77453 / CL 15372
At the age of thirteen, Theo Decker survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is raised by wealthy family friends. His one connection to his mother–a painting–draws Theo into New York City’s underground art world as he grows older. UNRATED. Commercial audiobook. 2013.
The Little Friend
DB 55856
1960s Mississippi. Nine-year-old Robin Dufresnes is found hanging from a tree. Twelve years later, his tomboyish sister Harriet, an infant at the time of the murder, begins to search for the killer. With the help of her friend Hely, she concentrates on drug dealer Danny Ratliff. Strong language and some violence. Bestseller. 2002.
The Secret History
DB 35868
When Richard Papen is accepted at a small Vermont college, he gladly leaves his boring California identity behind. After he makes up an appropriate past, Richard is allowed to join an elite group of students who take all of their classes from one professor. Richard learns that the clique is hiding some odd secrets–and one deadly one. The members trust Richard, but they’re not so sure of one of their own. Strong language and violence. Bestseller. 1992.
