Review - The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Title: The Secret History

Author: Donna Tartt

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Synopsis:

Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality their lives are changed profoundly and for ever.

My Thoughts: 

I’m so disappointed… The premise was very good, the characters had such promise, yet I was bored reading two thirds of this book. I love Dead Poets Society and Bret Easton Ellis’ Less Than Zero as well, so I thought I’ll have a great time going through The Secret History. 

The beginning was pretty engaging and after ten pages I felt sure this would be a five-star novel. And then when they murdered Bunny in the middle (don’t worry, it’s not a spoiler), suddenly everything changed. There was tension first, yes; will they get away with it, will any of them snap, but as I got further and further in the book the nervous anticipation slowly disappeared – I started to doubt anything would happen in this novel that would move the plot on and at some point I ceased to understand the characters’ feelings towards a certain member of the group. He was clearly a psychopath and he ended up being admired and overly romanticized, which struck me as odd. Also, I think Julian, would have been a lot more interesting if he’d been a bit darker, if he had been more deeply involved in the happenings. 

Overall, I’d say the protagonists weren’t exploited enough despite the fact that the novel was supposed to be character-driven – at least that’s what I felt – and so, with the lack of action, it ended up dull for me. 

The thing that saved The Secret History in my opinion was the writing that is undeniably beautiful and intelligent, it made me read on until I reached the last page. 

Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe I should give the Goldfinch a go… I don’t know, but right now I’m inconsolable, because I wanted to love this book so much.

Goodreads | Amazon

Review - The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Name of the Star

Author: Maureen Johnson

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis: 

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

My thoughts:

I couldn’t have found a better time in my life to read The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. Like… really. There just wouldn’t have been a better time. I have recently moved to London – a couple of weeks ago. In the beginning of the book Rory Deveaux, American teenager, moves to London – and voilá, suddenly I felt I was the protagonist of this novel. Literally, I had a ’what the hell’ moment at every turning of the page, because I lived through all the ’I’m new in London’ experiences described in the first few chapters.

Luckily I wasn’t greeted with news about fresh Ripper murders like Rory was. That would have been way too creepy, astonishing and scary. I didn’t know much about the Ripper before reading this book, but by the time I was finished I was filled in on the details of all the Ripper murders that took place in 1888. It was quite fascinating, reading about these snippets of dark history and visiting some of the related places while doing my sightseeing rounds in the first days I spent here.

The novel worked as a nice cultural guide as well. I would have absorbed several pieces of new information if I hadn’t known that much about London, England or the English people already. I think sitting down with this book provides a wonderful opportunity for anyone to submerge themselves in an imaginary, yet very real London and get goosebumps along the ride.

Giving the media front stage in the story was a fantastic idea. Modern was combined with old, a haunting chain of murders was reimagined and was given a fresh twist – really, the Ripper was the first serial killer whose rampage got a great amount of publicity, but then, in the 19^th century, only the newspapers carried the news and it took time till he became widely known. How much time do news need these days to spread? Minutes. Every lunatic can have their five-minute of fame. But what if the lunatic in question wants more? And what if he poses as a world famous murderer? And what if all the hullabaloo is just a decoy?

Maureen Johnson’s writing style is highly enjoyable. I read less YA books nowadays because the protagonists tend to annoy me but it wasn’t the case here at all. Rory reacted to every situation like a normal teenager would, she was reflective, afraid when she had reason to be and level-headed when she has decided about the steps she was going to take in the end. She had some seriously crazy stuff going on around her – we are talking about a paranormal book after all – and I appreciated that she never lost her humour, no matter what happened.

I am very, very glad I chose this book to pick up first once I arrived to England and I’m sure I won’t forget how it felt to read it on the tube whilst heading to discover the city. 

Goodreads | Amazon

Book Tour - Allerleirauh by Chantal Gadoury

Title: Allerleirauh

Author: Chantal Gadoury

Genre: Fantasy Romance / Fairytale Retelling / Young Adult

Once upon a time...

A king makes a promise to his dying wife to marry only someone with her golden hair. The king finds his eyes are turned by his maturing daughter. Ralizing her Father's intentions, Princess Aurelia tries to trick her Father by requesting impossible gifts: Dresses created by the Sun, Moon and Stars and a Coat made of a Thousand furs. When she discovers his success, Aurelia decides to sacrifice her privileged life and escapes the Kingdom disguised in a cloak, and under a new name, "Allerleirauh". Aurelia enters the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht where she is taken under the wing of the handsome Prince Klaus. Aurelia must face herself, her past and her fears in her journey of self discovery. Allerleirauh is a Retelling of the Grimm Brothers' Fairy Tale classic.

My thoughts:

I have never heard about the story of Allerleirauh before, but since I’m not a huge fairy tale fan, it is not surprising at all. ’I’m not a huge fan’ means I’m not consciously looking for such tales to read, not that I avoid or hate them.

I was intrigued by the summary of the story, especially the creepy ’king wants to marry his daughter’ part that caught my attention; let’s face it, it is a shocking premise (and why would we expect less of a German fairy tale?). Because of the above mentioned element in the plot some pages in the beginning of the book sent shivers down my spine. I sympathized with Allerleirauh and wished her a happy ending.

The rest of the novel(ette?) was sweet and hugely satisfying after such a gloomy beginning. The story was fast paced (it had to be as the book is very short) and Allerleirauh’s character developed very nicely – she turned from a naïve girl into a strong heroine by the end of the novel. The prince was sensitive and caring, a bit too perfect, but hey… this is a fairy tale retelling after all. The side-characters were well crafted, although not very detailed – which problem could have been solved by making the book just a tad bit longer. I think I don’t even have other negative things to say of Allerleirauh but this: it was too short. Although on the whole it is a perfect light and fast read for fantasy and fairy tale lovers.

 

Author Bio

Chantal Gadoury is a young author who currently lives in Dover, Delaware with her two cats, Theo and Harper and her fiance, Robert. Originally from Muncy, PA, Chantal appreciates the beautiful mountains and enjoys visits back to her family. She also loves anything Disney and has a reputation of beating anyone at a mean game of Disney trivia. When Chantal is not writing, she enjoys painting, watching British History Documentaries, drinking iced-coffee and spending time with loved ones. Chantal first started writing stories at the age of seven and continues on with that love of writing today. Graduating from Susquehanna University with a creative writing BA, writing novels has become a dream come true.

Links

Excerpts available on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/59554977-allerleirauh

Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/cgadoury16
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/chantalgadouryfans

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Blog : http://chantalgadoury.blogspot.com/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8059023.Chantal_Gadoury

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