The secret history vs. if we were villains
In the realm of dark academia, Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" and M.L. Rio's "If We Were Villains" stand as towering pillars. Both novels offer a glimpse into the lives of privileged students entangled in secrecy, betrayal, and moral ambiguity within the confines of academia. Yet, despite their thematic similarities, each book possesses its own unique charm. Since I’ve recently read both books, I wanted to take you on a comparative journey through the plots and compelling narratives of these two captivating works.
The secret history
"The Secret History" immerses readers in the world of an elite group of classic language students at Hampden College, Vermont. Richard Papen, the novel's protagonist, finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue surrounding his classmates and their charismatic yet morally ambiguous mentor, Julian Morrow. As Richard is gradually pulled deeper into their circle, he becomes entangled in a murder plot that threatens to unravel the very fabric of their existence.
Tartt's prose is beautiful, filled with a sense of timelessness that transports readers to the halls of academia. Through her attention to detail and use of symbolism, Tartt tells a complex story of guilt, obsession, and the pursuit of beauty. Each sentence is carefully crafted, painting a vivid portrait of characters on the brink of self-destruction. However, I also have some critical comments. Because of the beautiful prose, this story can be hard to read and understand. I am not a native English speaker and I don’t think I even got near to understanding the symbolism and details in the story on my first read. Besides that, it could have been shorter. Some parts were so stretched out that they almost felt boring to me. Other than that, an absolute classic and a great, exciting read!
If we were villains
In contrast, "If We Were Villains" takes readers into the competitive world of an exclusive Shakespearean acting group at an esteemed arts school. The novel follows Oliver Marks, who, after serving ten years in prison for a crime he may not have committed, reflects on the events leading up to the fateful night that changed their lives forever. As Oliver revisits his past, the line between truth and fiction blurs, revealing the intricate dynamics of friendship, love, and betrayal among the players.
M.L. Rio's prose is sleek and streamlined, propelling the narrative forward with a sense of urgency that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. While lacking the elegance of Tartt's writing style, Rio's storytelling is nevertheless compelling, with sharp dialogue and well-paced plot twists that ensure a gripping reading experience from start to finish. I found the reading experience more pleasant than that of the secret history, but the plot in this story was not as great. I guessed the ending about halfway through the book. That does not take away from the pleasure of reading this story for me, as there are lots of unexpected twists and turns along the way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between "The Secret History" and "If We Were Villains" boils down to personal preference. For those who appreciate beautiful prose and symbolism, "The Secret History" offers a glimpse into the darker parts of the human soul. Tartt's novel invites readers to linger over each sentence, savoring the emotions woven into its pages.
On the other hand, "If We Were Villains" may appeal to readers who prefer a faster-paced narrative that keeps them reading. Rio's novel is a gripping thriller that doesn't skimp on suspense, making it an ideal choice for fans of page-turning mysteries.
In conclusion, while "The Secret History" may, to me, be the superior book in terms of writing style and symbolism, "If We Were Villains" reads easier and moves along at a brisker pace. Ultimately, both novels offer a compelling exploration of the human condition and the moral complexities that lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect settings. The choice between them rests in the hands of the reader, who must decide which journey they wish to take. So tell me, have you read these books? Which one did you prefer? Or, which one are you going to pick up? Would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Until next time!