s/o If you've read or tried to read the Goldfinch, have you read Donna Tartt's other books?

[Anonymous]

The "Books you couldn't finish" inspired this question. I noticed a bunch of people on that thread couldn't finish the Goldfinch. I've read two of Tartt's other novels (The Secret History and The Little Friend) and liked both of them; I did find The Secret Friend to drag a bit, but not much. The Goldfinch looks like an enormous tome, though. Much longer than the others. Should I take it on?

[Anonymous]

I loved The Secret History, couldn't get into her other book, and then loved The Goldfinch. The Goldfinch is long, but I thought it had a great story that kept the reader engaged. I found it very Dickens-y, as many reviewers pointed out.

[Anonymous]

I haven't read the Goldfinch, but my friend who did and HATED it had read both her other books (as have I) and loved them.

[Anonymous]

I loved The Goldfinch. Read The Secret History but disliked most of the characters so much I had a hard time liking the book.

[Anonymous]

I loved her other 2, although I'll admit that on rereading The Little Friend I couldn't get through it. Haven't tried The Goldfinch yet but I can't stand Dickens, so now I'm less sure I want to start it

[Anonymous]

I've read them all. The Goldfinch is the best.

[Anonymous]

I found them all excellent in their own way, but The Goldfinch is the most mature and fully realized. I hate knowing I will have to wait another decade for the next Donna Tartt novel.

[Anonymous]

Haven't read the other books (tried to read The Secret History and couldn't get into it) but LOVED the Goldfinch -- up to the end.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed The Secret History. Loved maybe the first 1/3 of The Little Friend (especially that opening chapter - wow, perfectly written and amazing buildup of the suspense), but thought that it kinda dragged and went nowhere -- needed to be edited. I probably enjoyed The Little Friend the least.

I loved The Goldfinch -- thought that the writing was beautiful and that parts of it were very moving. However, like The Little Friend, thought that it needed to be edited down, especially Part 2. In order of greatness, I'd say The Secret History (best), very closely followed by The Goldfinch and The Little Friend way back last.

[Anonymous]

Secret History is one of my favorite books of all time. I also enjoyed the Goldfinch, but Secret History was much better in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I read The Secret History in high school or college, and loved it. Read Goldfinch this summer and barely finished it.

[Anonymous]

I liked them all, but I also liked The Secret History most.

[Anonymous]

I still remember The Secret History - one of those books
I couldn't wait to get home to read.

I loved The Goldfinch because pf the writing. Her ability to paint a picture with words is unmatched. I highly recommend it, although like PP I didn't love the ending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Secret History is one of my favorite books of all time. I also enjoyed the Goldfinch, but Secret History was much better in my opinion.

Me too. I reread it every few years. I'll never reread her other books. I almost returned The Goldfinch to the library without finishing it.