The Goldfinch is an epic, sprawling tale, comprising just under 800 pages; it is also an addictive page turner of a novel, one that plunges the reader straight into Theodore Decker’s world and refuses to let go. The novel follows Theodore as, on the cusp of adulthood, his life is irrevocably altered by a tragic event. Intertwined within these events is his acquisition of the painting of the title, a miniature by Dutch artist Carel Fabritius. While the supporting characters are beautifully written and given adequate exposition, Theodore overwhelmingly steals the show. Tartt’s portrayal of this tortured, depressive, yet incomprehensibly likeable character forms the crux of the novel. Although the first person narrative occasionally becomes claustrophobic, it is essential to draw the reader in. The painting comes a close second to rivalling Theodore for the heart of the novel. Throughout his adventures, the painting is abandoned, stolen and sold, yet never forgotten; it seems to cast a permanent shadow in Theodore’s mind, offering an intriguing counterpoint to his teenage years, particularly those spent in the cultural wasteland of Las Vegas. As a plot device, using a piece of artwork arguably functions somewhat better than the classic use of a significant piece of literature; it avoids the monotonous self-referential quotes and instead allows the dialogue to speed along. The Goldfinch is an overwhelmingly brilliant book that deserves all the accolades heaped upon it.