I haven’t read this book. I should! I know!!! But about prologues. Such an essential discussion for we contrary-ites! I’m thinking of one podcast that is so useful except that the hosts give anti-prologue advice too often when the truth is that many good suspense novels use prologues and I’m not convinced agents and editors dislike them as a rule.
This prologue is one of the single greatest pieces of writing I have ever read. Granted I’m not that wonderfully well read on say, allll the classics but still. That’s saying something
I have read The Secret History about seven times. Every time I am in awe. It's like looking at one of the great painters..funny she focuses on that in Goldfinch, because she is one of them. I come back to this prologue all the time because I am (continually) trying to revise my first chapter. Then I realize I am like a toddler with finger paints compared to her.
I’m such a prologue apologist!! When done well, they’re so valuable. I’m so glad you talked about The Secret History. I read it for the first time a few years ago and I can still remember the anxiety it evoked!! Such a skillfully written novel. Like you, I have The Goldfinch on my shelf (for like a decade!) but haven’t ventured in yet. Might change that this year!
This is one of my favorite books of all time! I think the whole “prologues should not be used” is just one of those silly “wisdoms” that wannabe lit critics throw around so it looks like they know something. A good prologue is a thing of beauty. Tartt’s prose is gorgeous. I enjoyed your analysis!
Great reading of an excellent book! I read it when it came out, and at least once since. I think it stands up well to a re-read. I don't think any of her others are as good, to be honest, though for sure she writes wonderfully well.
This is such a beautiful dissection of one of my favourites!! Thank you taking the time and effort to get this down <3
Also, I have my own book newsletter (bookcrumbs) where I write super short book reviews that don't spoil a whole lot. There's also a song and film pairing for each book that fits the flavour profile™. Just sharing it here to get the word out :)
I haven’t read this book. I should! I know!!! But about prologues. Such an essential discussion for we contrary-ites! I’m thinking of one podcast that is so useful except that the hosts give anti-prologue advice too often when the truth is that many good suspense novels use prologues and I’m not convinced agents and editors dislike them as a rule.
You are right…because if they DID we’d never see one in print!
This prologue is one of the single greatest pieces of writing I have ever read. Granted I’m not that wonderfully well read on say, allll the classics but still. That’s saying something
I have read The Secret History about seven times. Every time I am in awe. It's like looking at one of the great painters..funny she focuses on that in Goldfinch, because she is one of them. I come back to this prologue all the time because I am (continually) trying to revise my first chapter. Then I realize I am like a toddler with finger paints compared to her.
I’m such a prologue apologist!! When done well, they’re so valuable. I’m so glad you talked about The Secret History. I read it for the first time a few years ago and I can still remember the anxiety it evoked!! Such a skillfully written novel. Like you, I have The Goldfinch on my shelf (for like a decade!) but haven’t ventured in yet. Might change that this year!
This is one of my favorite books of all time! I think the whole “prologues should not be used” is just one of those silly “wisdoms” that wannabe lit critics throw around so it looks like they know something. A good prologue is a thing of beauty. Tartt’s prose is gorgeous. I enjoyed your analysis!
Great reading of an excellent book! I read it when it came out, and at least once since. I think it stands up well to a re-read. I don't think any of her others are as good, to be honest, though for sure she writes wonderfully well.
This is such a beautiful dissection of one of my favourites!! Thank you taking the time and effort to get this down <3
Also, I have my own book newsletter (bookcrumbs) where I write super short book reviews that don't spoil a whole lot. There's also a song and film pairing for each book that fits the flavour profile™. Just sharing it here to get the word out :)