The Secret History
Opening the list of the best short bedtime stories for adults online is "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt, a psychological thriller that revolves around a group of classics students who conduct a bacchanalian ritual that culminates in murder at an elite Vermont college. Narrated by Richard Papen, an outsider who becomes entangled with this enigmatic clique, the story unveils the dark secrets of these students. What follows is a web of lies, guilt, and paranoia that threatens to unravel their lives.
Donna Tartt's writing is richly descriptive, evoking a sense of foreboding throughout the narrative. Her prose is dense, bordering on the philosophical, immersing readers in the intellectual world of the characters. The novel delves into themes of morality, the consequences of one's actions, the allure of knowledge, and the tension between intellectualism and the human psyche. It questions whether knowledge and beauty can excuse immorality.
As a psychological thriller, "The Secret History" is masterfully executed. This novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate intricate character studies. It's a testament to the enduring impact of a well-written story.
Author: Donna Tartt
Published: September 16, 1992
Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29044.The_Secret_History?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Xaqu4d7HPH&rank=1
