The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott. Fitzgerald

I did this book at school, recently, and enjoyed it despite that. So I would just like to very politely say that if you haven't read this book by now, you're doing something wrong. I mean, as far as formative American literature goes, this book is the shiz. Set in 1920s New York, and thus by all means contemporary fiction, it delves into the extravagance and emotion of the roaring twenties.

Nick Carraway, the narrator, plays a somewhat secondary role in the novel, upstaged by the glitter of Daisy and Gatsby, and the pride of Tom Buchanan. Instead, we hear the story of his beautiful, beguiling cousin Daisy and the wayward, recondite Jay Gatsby through his often jaundiced voice. Jordan Baker, Tom Buchanan and his mistress, Myrtle Wilson complete the cast, while the wan George Wilson provides a haunting reminder as to the have-nots and the lost of the time. 

Together, the characters form a cast varied in motivation, intention and personality, each one flawed and lacking in some way, making them as human and real as you or I. Many of the issues addressed in the novel are still relevant, over ninety years later, and this helps carry the book through the social boundaries of time.

The intrigue of Gatsby and emotional investment you can't help but develop in the character's lives as you love and hate them each in turn will keep you glued to the pages. Fitzgerald creates a reality that mirrors his own, carrying the reader into it with him. 

And regardless of all that, it's almost worth reading just for the writing - it's both poignant and extravagant, and every word feels like it means something. There's just enough philosophy in with the imagery to make it a luxuriously thought provoking read.

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 

“Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.” 

“In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” 

Simultaneously wistful, vivid and distant, The Great Gatsby is definitely worth a read. And, if you like it, there's two movies you can follow up with. 

Let me know what you think. As Gatsby's associate, the erroneous Meyer Wolfshiem suggests-

“Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.”  

xKath

Next Up: Orwell's Animal Farm

ps. Seriously, though. Just look at that cover!