-
Birth
Donna Louise Tartt is born in Greenwood, Mississippi, USA. She grows up in the nearby town of Grenada. -
Period: to
Early Years
As a child, Tartt is an avid reader and begins writing poetry at a young age. She later wins awards for her poetry while still in school. -
College
Tartt enrolls at the University of Mississippi. She impresses her professors, including novelist Barry Hannah, who encourages her writing. Tartt is later accepted into Bennington College in Vermont, where she meets future literary figures like Bret Easton Ellis and Jonathan Lethem. -
Work on The Secret History
Tartt begins writing what will become her debut novel, The Secret History, during her time at Bennington. -
The Secret History Published
Tartt's first novel, The Secret History, is published to widespread acclaim. The novel, about a group of elite college students involved in a murder, becomes a bestseller and establishes Tartt as a major literary talent. -
The Little Friend Published
Tartt publishes her second novel, The Little Friend, set in her native Mississippi. The novel receives mixed reviews but still earns critical recognition and a loyal readership. It wins the WH Smith Literary Award in 2003. -
The Goldfinch Published
After 11 years of writing, Tartt releases her third novel, The Goldfinch. It becomes a bestseller and is praised for its intricate storytelling and exploration of art, loss, and identity. The novel wins the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. -
The Goldfinch Film Adaptation
A film adaptation of The Goldfinch is released, starring Ansel Elgort as Theo Decker. Though the film receives a mixed critical response, Tartt’s novel continues to garner interest and maintain its status. -
Present – Ongoing Influence
Tartt remains one of the most elusive and private contemporary authors. Known for her meticulous writing process, she typically takes about a decade to release a new novel. Fans eagerly await her future works.