Donna Tartt on The Secret History - The John Adams Institute

On March 14, 1993 American author Donna Tartt visited the John Adams Institute to speak about her bestselling novel 'The Secret History', which has been translated into 24 languages. Pieter Steinz moderated the evening.

'The Secret History' takes places at a fictional college where a close-knit group of six students embark upon a secretive plan to stage a bacchanal, a plan that ultimately leads to a death. Since 'The Secret History', Tartt has written 'The Little Friend' and 'The Goldfinch, the latter of which became a bestseller and Book of the Year by numerous publications including New York Times Book Review, the Economist and NPR. 'The Goldfinch' also won the Pulitzer Prize.

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[laurenprigg]

I’d encourage anyone who has ever read the secret history to purchase the audiobook, read by donna herself. The book feels so alive when she reads it and I’m not even typically one for audiobooks.

[tenzincsangpo]

the actual interview starts at 35:35, you’re welcome.

[deed-h]

Can we appreciate how Donna Tartt has the ability to explain her book so eloquently and beautifully. She is a literary icon

[indigo_diary]

Listening to such an intelligent person's thoughts is such a joy.

[tituscaesar]

I'm surprised there were no mentions or questions on the character of Francis Abernathy - my favourite. Around 1 hour and 19 minutes' into the video Donna talks of sexual repression but, if I remember correctly, Francis (male) makes a pass at Richard Papen (the protagonist) who rejects it. I like the descriptions of Francis' magnificent country house, his determination in reading the "Memoires" of the Duc de Saint Simon in full and the general feel of his personality ... Great character. Far more agreeable than Henry or Bunny.

[gplunk]

What a privilege to listen to this interview....

[PaleMagnolia]

Donna's friends who picked the title that was ultimately rejected will be pleased to know that the Italian version of the novel is called "Dio di Illusioni", God of Illusions.

[iheartkitties]

So happy that it’s this time of year again for me. I read this novel every autumn, and every time I finish, I want to pick it up again and start from the beginning immediately. Tartt’s prose are sublime, and a huge inspiration to me as a writer. This book will always be one of my greatest loves.

[emma]

shes seems like such a sweet and joyful person. her laughs and her little ‘oh hi!’ when she finally catches sight of the person in the audience asking the question. so sweet!!!

[Oliver-wmxi]

Donna Tartt is so entertaining throughout this entire interview, and the interviewer's great too

[lnsordo]

She's so good at reading/narrating

[rt_aue]

I love Donna Tartt interviews. I'm so glad this was uploaded!!

[johngrahamwilson]

Well done, lady. You changed the face of contemporary literature.

[c.s.hayden]

I just finished the book and this is a great interview. Her explanations are interesting and she’s even entertaining to listen to. I always try to glimpse behind the curtain into the author’s motivations when reading something, how and why they put it together.

[mxyzptlk...]

Currently reading The Goldfinch. The Secret History is one of my favorite novels.

[ShannonMcDonough]

Thank you to the Institute for digitizing and sharing this interview. It has been very helpful in my research this month!

[Bbbandit-nbbs]

Thank you so very much! This author has changed my life!! !! She is so very beautiful inside and out!! 🧚🏻‍♂️🌴🐉

[SaadKhan-uict]

Intelligent conversation is so hard to hear nowadays!

[rayssagon]

Please, somebody upload Donna's consciousness into one of those Black Mirror sort of gadgtes so we have her around till the end of the humanity's days (sorry about it Donna, I know it sounds awful - being trapped inside of a machine - but we all have to make sacrifices )

[DarkLord-izvk]

I read and liked 'The Secret History' years ago, but hearing Donna Tartt reading it makes me realise again how good it is. I can well believe that as someone else says here the Audiobook, which she reads herself, is very good.