Donna Tartt is one of the most prominent and talented contemporary writers, whose novels dazzle with their depth, complexity, and beauty. Her works are true masterpieces of literature that provoke thought, evoke deep emotions, and reveal new aspects of the human psyche. The author has a vast following of devoted readers who eagerly await each new release. However, Donna Tartt does not spoil her fans: her novels are published once every 10 years, no more often. But each of the novels does not leave anyone indifferent: they amaze with their volume and depth of meanings that they contain.
The first novel: “The Secret History”
Donna Tartt’s first work was published in 1992 and became a bestseller that won the hearts of millions of readers around the world. To this day, it is this novel by Tartt that remains the favorite book of many, and for a large number of people, acquaintance with the work of Donna Tartt began with him.
The Ancient Mystery
What attracts readers to the novel most is the atmosphere of mystery, understatement, and tension that emerges from the first page and keeps them engaged until the very end.
One of the key aspects of the plot is the detective element, which is presented in a way that differs from traditional conventions. From the outset, readers are introduced to the crime and its perpetrators. The author skillfully weaves the story, leading them to uncover the truth behind the murder.
The novel abounds with references to ancient literature and philosophical quotes, which elevate it beyond mere fiction and justify its claim to being intellectual prose. These references add depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.
The inner world of the characters
The author pays no less attention to the experiences of the characters, carefully noting all the psychological aspects of their personality formation. The romantic aspect of the work is described with surprising tenderness. Moreover, there is a delicate touch of understatement in the way the main characters’ relationship is presented. Although the characters never become a couple, the reader watches with anticipation as the hero’s feelings for the girl develop. He admires and treasures her, as if she were the perfect match for him on dating.com.
“The Little Friend”
The writer’s second novel did not match the sensational success of “The Secret History”, but this does not mean that it was a failure. The book did enter the bestseller list and also became quite popular.
In “The Little Friend”, Donna Tartt skillfully captures the spirit of the American South. She manages to perfectly portray the characters in the novel, making them vivid and understandable for the reader. The gripping plot, secrets, and extraordinary nature of the main character make “The Little Friend” an engaging read. The book can be enjoyed both as a dramatic work with elements of the detective genre and as a thrilling tale.
“The Goldfinch”
The writer’s third novel was released in 2013 and managed to win not only a huge number of rave reviews from readers and critics, but also various prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize. Interestingly, the novel was named after the painting “The Goldfinch”, painted in 1654 by a talented pupil of Rembrandt, an artist from Holland Karel Fabricius. And, of course, it is this picture that plays an important role in the plot of the novel.
It may seem that several separate novels fit into The Goldfinch, which gives the work a resemblance to a television series.Together with the main character, we move through time and space, explore many states of America and live with him for a lifetime. Just like the rest of Donna Tartt’s novels, this book constantly keeps the reader in suspense and makes them vividly empathize with the characters.
The film adaptation
In 2019, a film adaptation of Donna Tartt’s novel was released, which faced the challenge of fitting a complex plot into a two-hour movie. Unfortunately, it cannot be said that the film perfectly accomplished this task, most critics agree that the original plot written by Tartt lost some of its appeal in the adaptation. Nevertheless, the film is still worth watching for the talented cast and its other merits.
What’s next?
There are rumors circulating on the internet that in 2024 we can expect the publication of Donna Tartt’s fourth novel. Indeed, it has been exactly 10 years since the release of her last work. While there is no confirmed information at this time, there is no doubt that when a new piece of writing from this author is released, it will once again capture the attention of readers everywhere.
