Book Review | The Latinist

The Latinist by Mark Prins is a clever and addicting dark academia thriller about a respected classics professor who is sabotaging his student Tessa so that no university besides his own would hire her. However, when Tessa makes a landmark discovery behind his back, he begins to feel his control over her slipping ...

First off, I think the set-up is brilliant. Tessa is writing her doctorate’s thesis on Greek mythology as her own life loosely parallels the story of Apollo and Daphne, which allows for an interesting meta commentary.

I also think the dual perspectives work really well here as the two main characters try to outwit each other in an almost cat and mouse game.

However, my main issue is with the story's organization and pacing. Especially towards the beginning, the story jumps back and forth between scenes and timeliness so rapidly that it disrupts the flow of the story and gave me whiplash. I also feel the ending was a bit rushed.

All in all, The Latinist is a messy but compelling dark academia novel about power and obsession—perfect for lovers of Greek mythology.

Thank you, NetGalley and W. W. Norton and Company, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : January 4, 2022

Publisher : W. W. Norton and Company

IBSN : 0393541274

Pages : 352

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