WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE
“The Goldfinch is a rarity that comes along perhaps half a dozen times per decade, a smartly written literary novel that connects with the heart as well as the mind….Donna Tartt has delivered an extraordinary work of fiction.” — Stephen King, The New York Times Book Review
Theo Decker, a 13-year-old New Yorker, miraculously survives an accident that kills his … that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. Bewildered by his strange new home on Park Avenue, disturbed by schoolmates who don’t know how to talk to him, and tormented above all by his longing for his mother, he clings to the one thing that reminds him of her: a small, mysteriously captivating painting that ultimately draws Theo into the underworld of art.
As an adult, Theo moves silkily between the drawing rooms of the rich and the dusty labyrinth of an antiques store where he works. He is alienated and in love—and at the center of a narrowing, ever more dangerous circle. The Goldfinch is a mesmerizing, stay-up-all-night and tell-all-your-friends triumph, an old-fashioned story of loss and obsession, survival and self-invention, and the ruthless machinations of fate.
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Way too verbose. Very few likeable characters and it ends not “with a bang but a whimper.”
The book was too long.
Amazing book!
Great first 3/4, but I did not like the last 1/4
Original and beautifully written
beautifully written prose, developed characters, engage your senses in every way….
I absolutely could not put this book down. I loved the story and I loved the characters. It is an unforgettable book. Definitely an all time favorite.
Loved this book so much I got it on CD and listened to it again when on a road trip with my husband. He loved it also.
A popular topic of discussion while I was at a writing course this summer was reviewing classic and/or prize-winning literature and how most of us felt unqualified to do so. Oh sure, it’s easy to review literature when you love it. When you don’t? Eek! How dare I say I didn’t like a novel that has won one of the most important literature prizes …
The ending could have been stronger but the story was good.
Superb.
An excellent storyline an an eye-opening journey through the, sometimes dark world of the buying and selling of fine art.
I gave it 4 stars as I believe it dragged on at times; I would hace enjoyed it more , if it was not so lengthy.
Most depressing book I have ever read
Great story! Loved the way we follow along with the main character from childhood to manhood. His struggles don’t always take him on the “right path” but the journey is exciting and takes him to situations we have never experienced!
Somewhat unrealisitic but a good read.
Did not like and could not finish.
Natural born writer.
Loved, Loved, Loved this book. Stunning writing. It’s only flaw is that it drags a bit in the middle, but so, so worth reading. I am in awe of Tartt.
This book drags. It drags you through the underbelly of society in a tedious fashion. I finished it but don’t recommend it.
This is a masterpiece. Although it takes you to dark places and sadness and hopelessness, you can’t help but follow with your breath held and your chest tightening. A new classic , brilliant!