This book is strong in
character, story, language and setting.
Summary:
Self-assured, precociously smart 12-year old Harriet Dufresnes takes it
upon herself to solve the murder of her brother. This event took place while
she was a baby, but the murder destroyed her family: it turned her mother into a
recluse and her father left town. Harriet decides to unmask the killer and
deliver her own retribution. Unfortunately, without evidence, she decides the
killer is Danny Ratliff, a member of a degenerate, redneck family of hardened
criminals. At first Harriet's and her best friend's stalking of Danny is funny,
but quickly becomes serious as the plot leads her into actual danger.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
Tartt combines suspense, character study and social background. Her
firsthand knowledge of the South -- the importance of family, of heritage, of race
and class -- is central to the plot. It was a foreign land for me. The book is
filled with real emotional insight, laugh-out-loud comedy and characters and
plot so well-developed it's hard to believe it's fiction. There's no happy
feel-good ending, but it's still an immensely satisfying reading experience.
Other interesting information:
Tarrt's first novel, The Secret History, was one of the most hyped first
novels ever, and spent 13 weeks on the NYT bestseller list. Tartt herself is
very reclusive.
Employee Initials: SB
Review Date: January 2003
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