Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch

The book, The Goldfinch, is a book unlike any other. This book deserves an A- because of Donna Tartt, the author, and her knowledge on many different and diverse topics, her ability to tie many of the character’s stories together, although, sometimes getting off track, and because of the extremely likeable character, Hobie.

There doesn’t seem to be any topics that The Goldfinch does not cover. The topics that the book covers frequently and methodically are gambling and drug abuse, mental illness, and love in all forms. Donna Tartt, the author, talks about gambling and drug use through Theo’s father, Larry. Theo’s father is an alcoholic who leaves Theo and his mother intending never contact either one again. Theo is forced to move to

This side of his father is an ugly one and is a hard pill to swallow for the reader, but it is a reality many face ☺ (Simile). The author also talks about mental illness and the neglect thereof. Throughout the novel the characters choose to ignore the magnitude of mental illness and many have problems coming to terms with the actuality of mental illnesses. This denial is shown through Mr. Barbour. Mr. Barbour the father of one of Theo’s old friends his family graciously takes him in after Theo’s mother’s death. Theo and the rest of the Barbour family are aware that Mr. Barbour uses many substances and medications to keep him pleased and to keep his bipolar disorder at bay ☺ (Metaphor). The Barbour family would rather neglect the problems that he has and the new ones he creates. Tartt shows all different sides of Mr. Barbour’s struggle; however, the “good” days seem less prevalent than the “bad” days. Arguably the most frequent topic that the author talks about is love, in all forms. Theo in his time of need learns to love his mother in a different way, through her memories, and also develops a love for his new friends that become his family. While in Las Vegas

I absolutely adore him his character is very father-like and wise to Theo and Many times I believe that is all Theo needs. He grew up, for the most part, without a father but when his father was there he was a raging alcoholic and a bad role model. Hobie is such a positive force for Theo throughout the entire book and Theo recognizes this appreciates Theo for his seemingly endless kindness. In the first stages of their friendship Hobie shows his kindness through giving Theo a shoulder to cry on as he grieves his mother’s death. Theo and Hobie talk but Hobie does not press the answers and Theo feels as if he can really open up to him. Hobie asks Theo many questions which help Theo come to terms with what happened. Hobie asks questions like, “He spoke to you?” and “He was conscious?” because they are simple yes-or-no questions Theo feels he can answer and feels sure of is answers (Tartt 129). As they pick up speed Theo begins to ask questions about Welty and other topics they talk well into the night. As their friendship matures Hobie realizes that Theo can no longer stay with the Barbours and altruistically invites Theo into his home where they laugh and eventually become business partners as Theo grows up. I wholeheartedly believe that Hobie helps Theo become the person he is as an adult in the