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Content snapshot
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Violence
A lot
Two murders; graphic violence; corpse disposal
Language
Some
Strong language throughout
Sexual Content
Some
Sexual content; same-sex encounters; sexual tension
Substance Use
A lot
Heavy drinking and drug use throughout; central to the plot
Emotional Intensity
A lot
Extreme psychological guilt, moral decay, and the corruption of intelligence
What this book is about
Tartt's 1992 debut follows Richard Papen, who joins a small clique of Greek students that have already killed one of their own during a bacchanal ritual. A second murder is then planned. Features graphic violence, heavy drug and alcohol use, sexual content, and extreme psychological darkness. Adults only.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Two murders depicted
Heavy drug and alcohol use
Graphic violence
Sexual content
Reader Verification
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