While being a perfectly good book, I was not blown away by The Goldfinch.

I think it was partially the meandering style of the writing along side the heavy drug and alcohol themes that detracted from my enjoyment overall.

Theo’s relationship with his mother was very sweet and this enabled some heartfelt connections later on in the book such as Hobie and Mrs Barbour. I found it impossible not to love Hobie, he was the perfect, gentle, father figure that Theo so missed out on as a child and the cluttered, homely descriptions of their shop and home were endearing.

As a hopeless romantic, the fact that Theo did not end up with neither Kitsey nor Pippa was disappointing especially since it seemed at the start that red-headed Pippa was going to be the thread tying Tartt’s story together (I clearly misread the intentions there).

All in all, I’m glad I read it despite it being heavy going and will endeavour to read The Secret History when I can.

Re reading has only reminded me of how much sentimental value this series holds for me. I guarantee it is the only series that will ever fill up my heart like this.

Cried my way through the last 100 pages at Harry’s love for his friends and the bravery of all of the characters fighting for their world

Was pleased to find that this book lived up to the standards set by the recent hype this book has had!

I found Connell and Marianne’s developing relationship interesting and well written and the way their characters changed and yet continued to compliment each other was very satisfying to read.

The choice to emit speech marks was one I found heightened the pace of the book and blurred the line between thought and speech which worked for me.

As well as having some mental health representation which was great, I also loved the way it explored how we rely on each other and the way relationships change as we get older.

Looking forward to watching the series!