In this episode, Liz and Lily discuss Donna Tartt’s iconic novel “The Secret History”. In it, they talk aesthetics, immorality and elitism as they debate the book that launched a thousand dark academia books. 

Why has this novel been such a popular success? What should we make of Donna Tartt’s portrayal of women? What makes dark academia so alluring – and why does it always seem to involve the humanities? These are just some of the questions they explore in the podcast. 

Described as a “literary giant” and “one of the most revered” writers of her generation, Donna Tartt burst onto the literary scene as something of a sensation. The Secret History is already considered to be a cult classic and in the podcast, Liz and Lily will be discussing whether it will be given a place in the literary canon.   

“The Secret History” is a novel about a group of Classics students who attempt to go beyond the boundaries of cognitive existence. Inspired by a love of the ancient Greeks and encouraged by their charismatic professor, the students partake in a Dionysian ritual: a frenzied and mysterious activity with deadly consequences. 

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Cover art: @jinny_lee_photography