The secret history

Discover the classic book *The Secret History*, a work of contemporary literary fiction by author Donna Tartt. Published by Penguin in 1993—following its original 1992 publication in London by Viking—this New York Times bestseller has captivated readers worldwide. Set in fictional Vermont, this psychological novel delves into the lives of college students, focusing on a select group of classicists and their complex teacher-student relationships. At the center of this story is the fictitious character Richard Papen, who is connected to the other students and college teachers.

As a prominent example of Dark Academia, this work of psychological fiction combines elements of mystery, thriller, and detective stories. The narrative explores themes of murder and murderers within a collegiate setting, focusing on the realities underlying these academic lives. Reflecting its international reach, this novel is catalogued under several Spanish language materials headings, such as *Estudiantes universitarios*, *Novela*, and *Asesinato*, as well as other subject terms including *Étudiants*, *Spécialistes de lettres classiques*, *Meurtriers*, *Meurtre*, and *Relations maitres-eleves*.

Whether you are looking for an intense mystery thriller, a character-driven college story, or a work of American literature, Donna Tartt's *The Secret History* remains an essential adult fiction book. This novel, which appeared on the New York Times trade fiction paperback bestseller list on December 1, 2013, masterfully presents a story of college teachers, students, and the psychological impact of murder.