I don't reread unless I feel I missed something in that the book was difficult or layered etc. I think The Little Friend is No. 3 in many people's list as it seems slower and plodding as compared to her other two books. But listening to your description I had forgotten a lot of the book and will consider taking another look. The one thing I do remember is the atmosphere. As a southerner, one state over from her home state, TLF is the best description of the place and sound of the south I grew up in-- hands down at that age. It was eery! I didn't have divorced parents but my dad was gone a lot for work and we had a "maid" who I was much closer to in many ways than my mother. My parents weren't racist, but my mother was clueless looking back. In fact, our maid was the same age and had the same name as my mom. Just the quiet and heat in the book was so real to me.
I love your rereading project and can't wait to see what the next book is! I think that by rereading you enhance your appreciation and understanding of a book and I myself like to go back to books I loved once - it happened most recently with 3 of Toni Morrison's books (but you know that!) and Salman Rushdie's "Midnight Children" and they were exceptional experiences. As for this particular novel, I haven't read it, but plan to, especially after hearing you talk about it. Went out and bought it as soon as I heard you were rereading it😁
I just finished The Little Friend last night (my first reading of it), and I enjoyed it very much. The themes of race, class, and family dynamics were incredibly powerful to me. Harriet experiences so much grief and loss in this book, as does Allison, and yet these neglected children are left alone to flounder in their sadness. They cannot even bond over their collective loss with each other, each is so isolated from each other and the adults in their world. The Little Friend was incredibly moving and after reading all three of her books, it is my number one pick of Donna Tartt’s books as well. Lovely review and rereading, thank you for sharing it with us!
I am in the middle of The Little Friend and put it down. I have read about twenty books or more since. I know I will finish it. I love the writing but it is dragging a bit for me. I really like how investigating the young girl is. I will definitely reread The Secret History. I do reread my favorites.
Thank you so much for warning about spoilers. I really appreciate your reviews, and I’m afraid I’ll not have to read and discover on my own if I keep listening to your review. I’ll be back.
I don't reread unless I feel I missed something in that the book was difficult or layered etc. I think The Little Friend is No. 3 in many people's list as it seems slower and plodding as compared to her other two books. But listening to your description I had forgotten a lot of the book and will consider taking another look. The one thing I do remember is the atmosphere. As a southerner, one state over from her home state, TLF is the best description of the place and sound of the south I grew up in-- hands down at that age. It was eery! I didn't have divorced parents but my dad was gone a lot for work and we had a "maid" who I was much closer to in many ways than my mother. My parents weren't racist, but my mother was clueless looking back. In fact, our maid was the same age and had the same name as my mom. Just the quiet and heat in the book was so real to me.
I guess it’s because Donna Tartt is from the south herself that made it so realistic for you. That’s good to hear.
I love your rereading project and can't wait to see what the next book is! I think that by rereading you enhance your appreciation and understanding of a book and I myself like to go back to books I loved once - it happened most recently with 3 of Toni Morrison's books (but you know that!) and Salman Rushdie's "Midnight Children" and they were exceptional experiences. As for this particular novel, I haven't read it, but plan to, especially after hearing you talk about it. Went out and bought it as soon as I heard you were rereading it😁
I love it that you bought a copy and plan to read it, Magda! It’s an exceptional novel!
I just finished The Little Friend last night (my first reading of it), and I enjoyed it very much. The themes of race, class, and family dynamics were incredibly powerful to me. Harriet experiences so much grief and loss in this book, as does Allison, and yet these neglected children are left alone to flounder in their sadness. They cannot even bond over their collective loss with each other, each is so isolated from each other and the adults in their world. The Little Friend was incredibly moving and after reading all three of her books, it is my number one pick of Donna Tartt’s books as well. Lovely review and rereading, thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you! Indeed, they are so isolated from each other. And it’s now my favorite Donna Tartt novel as well.
I love rereads and wish I had more time to dedicate to rereads! The book sounds very intriguing.
It really is, Jesper. I sent you a message about it just now!
I am in the middle of The Little Friend and put it down. I have read about twenty books or more since. I know I will finish it. I love the writing but it is dragging a bit for me. I really like how investigating the young girl is. I will definitely reread The Secret History. I do reread my favorites.
I can only tell you how exciting the story will be! Whenever you’ll pick it back up again: enjoy!
Thank you so much for warning about spoilers. I really appreciate your reviews, and I’m afraid I’ll not have to read and discover on my own if I keep listening to your review. I’ll be back.
Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy this novel as much I did.