The Goldfinch

By Donna Tartt

Book Overview

A young New Yorker grieving his mother's death is pulled into a gritty underworld of art and wealth in this "extraordinary" and beloved Pulitzer Prize winner from the author of The Secret History that "connects with the heart as well as the mind" (Stephen King, New York Times Book Review). Theo Decker, a 13-year-old New Yorker, miraculously survives an accident 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 a 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 a wealthy and insular art community. 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. From the streets of New York to the dark corners of the art underworld, this "soaring masterpiece" examines the devastating impact of grief and the ruthless machinations of fate (Ron Charles, Washington Post).

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316055433
• ISBN13: 9780316055437
• Release Date: October 2013
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 784 Pages
• Weight: 2.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Beautifully written. Way too long.

This book is about a teen aged boy, and it feels and reads like a "young adult" novel. And, clocking in at 770 pages, it's way too long. It has some wonderful moments, but they can't make up for those two major faults, in my opinion.

I love this book with everything

This book paints a deliciously haunting story of a boy who struggles to come to terms with his mother's death. I've read and reread it many times, and it will always be one of my favorites. I definitely don't recommend the movie, though, haha.

Be gay, Do crime, Steal paintings

kid’s mom dies, meets magical alcoholic Ukrainian/Russian kid, kiss kiss fall in love, does this dog make me look gay?, “I’m running away!!” “Nooo please don’t run away!!”, timeskip engaged to a woman, finds childhood lover, am I gay!? “I learned Russian for you”, “I stole your painting…” Great book gave me depression 10/10

My favorite book

This story is an adventure, that I love Donna Tartt for taking me on. A story of young grief, making your own family and what secrets does to a person. Also as someone who loves art the way Donna talks about art in this book is beautiful and historic. Can’t wait to see what Donna Tartt does after this!

ugh...amazing

an incredible journey through life, all through the eyes of a boy who loses so much and tries to hold on to whatever he has left.

My favourite book!

This book quite literally changed the way i thought about life. What a gorgeous book. The writing is phenomenal, the characters are well rounded, and i will never stop recommending this book.

beautiful book

i originally watched the movie, and when i found out there was a book i just HAD to read it. the characters are so intricate and the story is beautiful. i 100% recommend.

The Goldfinch is truly great

This book is so well written, a beautiful example of literature, imagination, and creativity.

The Goldfinch is addictive

I have read this novel twice, and I cannot get enough of it. The story itself is compelling, but I think what I have enjoyed as much is the descriptions of the settings: The dusty Greenwich Village shop, the bourgeois apartment on Fifth Avenue, the dirtbag suburbs of Las Vegas, and the wintertime charm of Amsterdam. I can picture myself in all of these settings, accompanied by such believable characters. I am able to put myself into the story, and it becomes a part of me. I do not wish to part with this charming effect.

Loved every page!

My favorite book I’ve ever read.

Review is of book condition not on actual book content

Book was maked as good and it was an accurate description. Front and back cover have substantial wear but no tears. Front page had small tear on the lower margin so overall it looks like a big book that was read and enjoyed.

Good, But Too Long

This book was just okay. It was too long, and I think it could have been condensed. It had a nice story though.

One of my favorite books now

While its 900 pages, almost every story line is worth the read. It's so interesting how they each develop from each other. Highly recommend to avid readers who enjoy the drama genre.

The Goldfinch

The book overall was good, but it had some very long dry spots.

My Favorite Book

Please do yourself a favor and read The Goldfinch. Donna Tartt is an absolutely phenomenal writer, truly unbelievable. Everything about this book is perfect: the story, the themes, the words, especially the characters. I finished it over a month ago and I still think about it every day, it's so close to my heart. Although it's long, I got through it quicker than I've gotten through a book in a very long time, and so did my sister. I would recommend this book to everyone; although it's about loss and grief, it's incredibly riveting. Every sentence of this book is a treasure.

Love, Loss, and Innocence

I loved reading this book. It exquisitely maps that way that we change as human beings as the world sets in around us. Following the main character through life allows you to form a deep bond with him. By the time you read the last page, it’ll be like saying goodbye to an old friend.