This was such an interesting read. As someone who loves the kind of literature that comes out of these environments, but hates Donna Tartt (IK, please don't kill me, but her writing just isn't for me) I was cautious clicking into this, but in the end really loved learning more about this odd, alluring university.
Hahaha honestly that's totally fine! I really appreciate everyone's opinions and this should be a safe space to express them :) It would be boring if we all loved exactly the same things. But I'm glad you enjoyed my post!
There was an article I read years ago profiling Donna Tartt and it probably is the Esquires mag article you linked here. I found it really fascinating at the time so thank you for reigniting that interest. I wanted to visit Vermont at least once because of the vivid descriptions Tartt has written in The Secret History. I love that book so much! New subscriber here!
Thank you for subscribing 🤎 I’m always so happy to find more people that love The Secret History! I also hope to visit Vermont one day, especially in the autumn. It must be so beautiful 🍂
I attended Bennington at same time as Tartt & Ellis; it was not quite as debauched/wild as usually portrayed (everyone everywhere did drugs in the 80's) - but many of people were actually a few shades stranger (it was cool to be both neurotic & Warholian shallow). Secret History captured the vibe better than most accounts, I think.
This was such an interesting read. As someone who loves the kind of literature that comes out of these environments, but hates Donna Tartt (IK, please don't kill me, but her writing just isn't for me) I was cautious clicking into this, but in the end really loved learning more about this odd, alluring university.
Hahaha honestly that's totally fine! I really appreciate everyone's opinions and this should be a safe space to express them :) It would be boring if we all loved exactly the same things. But I'm glad you enjoyed my post!
There was an article I read years ago profiling Donna Tartt and it probably is the Esquires mag article you linked here. I found it really fascinating at the time so thank you for reigniting that interest. I wanted to visit Vermont at least once because of the vivid descriptions Tartt has written in The Secret History. I love that book so much! New subscriber here!
Thank you for subscribing 🤎 I’m always so happy to find more people that love The Secret History! I also hope to visit Vermont one day, especially in the autumn. It must be so beautiful 🍂
Really interesting, I never knew that about Bennington College!
Oh to be a fly on the wall at Bennington College during the 80s!
I attended Bennington at same time as Tartt & Ellis; it was not quite as debauched/wild as usually portrayed (everyone everywhere did drugs in the 80's) - but many of people were actually a few shades stranger (it was cool to be both neurotic & Warholian shallow). Secret History captured the vibe better than most accounts, I think.
loved reading this! i need to read that book now.
i love how your writing left me both satisfied and curious
Nice write-up! It reminds me of Wells College that recently closed sadly. I will include your post in an upcoming Links roundup article.
Update: https://collegetowns.substack.com/p/dead-college-road-trip-donna-tartts
Interesting article. It reminds me of Picnic At Hanging Rock!