THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt

THE GOLDFINCH

by

Donna Tartt

In The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, we meet young Theo Decker. Theo lived with his mom in New York City until the Life Changing Event occurred. The two visited a museum and viewed a small painting of a goldfinch that had greatly influenced his mother. This unusual painting, his last connection with his mother, becomes a sort of center or grounding of Theo’s life.

We accompany Theo on his journey after the Life Changing Event. Tartt gives us access to the impact of such a tragedy through Theo’s eyes. We meet the people that he would not have met otherwise. We witness how this one event bends and skews the direction of Theo’s life.

            The Goldfinch tells a tragic tale. This is not a quick summer read; it does not leave the reader feeling warm and fuzzy; it is a downer from the outset, and it is a very long book. Nonetheless, it is an extraordinary work, well written and compelling, that provides a rich three dimensional reading experience. The reader is impelled to continue reading to reach resolution.

            Between the time that I finished the book and began this review, I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie release. I did not know that a movie was being made, and while watching the trailer, all the feelings I had while reading the book came rushing back. I look forward to seeing the film. Nonetheless, The Goldfinch is a powerful literary experience.