The Goldfinch

 

By Donna Tartt

 

At 962 pages, this book is substantially bigger than what I would usually read. However, I was recommended it and I really liked it. I was conflicted at times though but always gripped enough to keep reading it. Sometimes I loved it and sometime I hated it.

 

I enjoyed the storyline. Heartbreaking at times and very depressing but gets you thinking about your own life and how lucky we are. I kept wondering when the main character, Theo, would catch a break.

 

The story opens with a young boy, Theo, surviving a terrorist bombing in a museum, but his mother died and he feels responsible. Meanwhile, Theo steals a famous painting, one that shows a goldfinch chained to a perch, because his mother had loved the painting and he wanted to keep it safe. For the rest of the novel, the fate of the painting hangs in the balance.

 

Some of the story became a bit far fetched at times which was frustrating. It does drag on a bit, she probably could have told the story better in 700 pages.

It is beautifully written though. Tartt’s descriptions are lovely and detailed without being boring. Every character is very complicated and has a lot of personal issues (I couldn’t stand Theo’s dad, a complete drop kick who takes no responsibility for anything).

 

If you have the time to read this, please do. But I don’t think it’s a must. There are plenty of other ‘happier’ books out there that can challenge without leaving you feeling depressed.