Ep 3. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

05/01/2025 48 min

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode, Liz and Lily discuss Donna Tartt’s iconic novel “The Secret History”. In it, they talk aesthetics, immorality and elitism as they debate the book that launched a thousand dark academia books. Why has this novel been such a popular success? What should we make of Donna Tartt’s portrayal of women? What makes dark academia so alluring – and why does it always seem to involve the humanities? These are just some of the questions they explore in the podcast. Described as a “literary giant” and “one of the most revered” writers of her generation, Donna Tartt burst onto the literary scene as something of a sensation. The Secret History is already considered to be a cult classic and in the podcast, Liz and Lily will be discussing whether it will be given a place in the literary canon.   “The Secret History” is a novel about a group of Classics students who attempt to go beyond the boundaries of cognitive existence. Inspired by a love of the ancient Greeks and encouraged by their charismatic professor, the students partake in a Dionysian ritual: a frenzied and mysterious activity with deadly consequences. Website: ⁠https://isthisbookaclassic.my.canva.site/⁠All links can be found on our Instagram: @isthisbookaclassicpodcastCover art: @jinny_lee_photography