The Little Friend

"This is the second Donna Tartt book I’ve read (Goldfinch was first, which I loved). She is a very skilled writer and I really enjoy reading her work. My main complaint about this book is the length. I enjoy long books when there is reason for that length. While Tartt explored her themes in interesting ways (and I LOVE a deep dive into people’s personal thoughts), this would have benefited from some serious editing. "

"Pretty good. It was really long and slow-ish at times, but after reading the Goldfinch and The Secret History, I’m used to Donna Tartt writing long books. I ended up feeling really sorry for Danny. I like that Tartt has the skill to make you feel sympathetic to the “bad” characters. She gives them a sense of humanity. My main complaint with this book is that some characters were initially described in so much detail that I thought they would play a more significant role in the story than they actually did. For example, the sister Allison. Oh, and I think Danny is “the little friend” based on the conversation Harriet’s parents were having in the hospital. Not sure why Tat’s doll was used as the cover image. "

"I've only read two books by Donna Tartt and I fell in love with her writing style. She has such a way of story writing it just draws me in, keeps me turning page after page, wanting to know what is going to happen. "

"hard to read, totally worth it "

"I liked it. It was creative and interesting, although it did not live up to my expectations after reading The Secret History by Donna Tart. "

"Long before The Goldfinch (which I absolutely adore), there was The Little Friend. <br/><br/>This book remains one of my all time favorites. Since it's publication, this is my 5th reading...and I really don't reread books, folks. <br/><br/>Harriet is a whip-smart child growing up in the South during the 1960s. Her entire life has revolved around a single event: the murder of her older brother, Robin, which has remained unsolved. Although she was just an infant, Harriet claims to remember the day Robin was murdered, and decides that she (along with her best friend Heley) need to solve the mystery that's over a decade old. <br/><br/>Tarrt presents a family and their flaws without apology, but with tenderness. It offers insight on how a family can be shattered by a tragedy, and the different methods of coping used by people after an unspeakable tragedy occurs. Harriet is plucky and resourceful, and her determination to try to "fix" her family will have you both cheering and wanting to cry. <br/><br/>I can't recommend this book enough. Tarrt's prose, as always, is beautiful. Every single word serves a purpose. I can see why it takes her so long to write a book, because everything is so intricate and thought out. (I've seen reviews that find her "wordy" and "boring" - everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so no judgement here) but I truly believe that there is so much beauty in her writing style. <br/><br/>Go read this. I don't think you'll regret it. <br/>"