I just finished the fourth part of My Struggle by Knausgaard. I have
been absolutely fascinated by the first two books but I have lost momentum while reading the next two. Maybe I even lost some interest; consequently I was
much slower reading the fourth part than the first two. I put the book aside
several times to read other things, but when I got back to it after a break, the old magic came back and I finished it in one sitting. I may come back to
writing my impressions about the Karl Ove story and I will most likely get the
next book one day, maybe not that soon though.
For now, another book took over my attention and thoughts. I am now following my second fascination that
started earlier this year. Donna Tartt! When I finished My Struggle – Book Four,
I moved the same day to read The Secret History of Donna Tartt. I found it
strange that it felt as if I was still reading the same author. Building of
sentences must have some similarity. I am half way through The Secret History now and
no longer have earlier feeling of déjà vu regarding the style.
  |
| On the right Polish cover of the book, I like it better than the English version. It says more about the book content |
Donna Tartt has written three books so far; The Secret History published
in 1992, The Little Friend published in 2002 and The Goldfinch – 2013. It takes
her about 10 years to write a book. She says that being born in 1963 she will
write two more novels. Maybe three… It is a long time to wait for the next one,
but I still have The Little Friend to read. My Polish friend, a literature
teacher, who is responsible for my reading Knausgaard and Donna Tartt, already
has new writers he intends to put on my reading list. So far, I appreciate his
forceful recommendations so I am expecting new literary interest to come up and unfold.
The Secret History is a story described as intelligent person thriller;
it keeps reader’s attention fully captured. As a thriller should. And similarly
to The Goldfinch it is much more than just a well written mystery. It triggers
off reflections, memories, asks questions that stay with the reader and demand
personal answers. It is also a book about appreciation of classical studies, art
and beautiful objects. There is air of exclusivity about the way heroes dress,
eat and behave. Some of the six main characters, five boys and one girl, come
from rich families, some do not have any money, but all of them have their
rather exclusive style. They are nonchalant about wearing Charvet ties, Astrakhan Vermont
 |
| £172.75 - Charvet striped silk tie - Good news : now shipping to Australia ! |
My observations today must have made an impression that my
interest and the book itself is all about exclusive dressing. It is not, on
either account. I just elaborated on this particular subject maybe a bit too
much. Temporary weakness. Maybe I even started to pay more attention to small things and their
beautiful details. But I am also thinking of my answer to the question, triggered by the book, in which
part of my life my character was formed. Was it my solitary childhood when I
was reading those idealistic books or was it the time I first lived in a big
city, still reading a lot and working as one of the first Warsaw
The main issue the book is asking of readers to grapple with is about how far can
one go in committing unethical deeds and get away without being punished by self,
others or fate. Is it possible at all? Will our conscious allow it? I will keep reading to find out Donna Tartt's answers. Conclusion, if there is one, soon.
