The Secret History is one of my favorite reading experiences that I've had. I've only read it once, and in translation (I love the title of the translated version -- 'Gods feast at night'), but its language and dialogue truly were captivating. I really enjoyed the heightened prose and dialogue. It also gave me somewhat unrealistic expectations of academia!

I think Tartt's focus on trivial matters and their repetition comes from her association with the "hysterical realism" of early 90s East Coast novelists. (Jonathan Franzen, for example, moved in the same circles before his big break.) I agree that the language comes off self-conscious and affected, but in a way I found it fitting, as we are seeing the story through a character who is trying his best to fit in; it's like Richard has a tendency to go too far in his attempts to emulate the other students, and it's reflected in the prose.

Have you read anything else from Tartt? I was thoroughly enamored with The Goldfinch; I think it is an absolute American masterpiece. It is much longer than The Secret History, and Tartt's language is as abundant as ever, but I found it more mature -- the characters are more vulnerable and honest, if wordy.

Also, I had no idea there is an active tumblr fandom for this book. :D I don't think I've seen fanart of it.