The exemplary novel of the Jazz Age, F. Scott Fitzgeralds’ third book, The Great Gatsby (1925), stands as the supreme achievement of his career. T. S. Eliot read it three times and saw it as the “first step” American fiction had taken since Henry James; H. L. Mencken praised “the charm and beauty of the writing,” as well as Fitzgerald’s sharp social sense; and Thomas Wolfe hailed it as … Fitzgerald’s “best work” thus far. The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when, The New York Times remarked, “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s that resonates with the power of myth. A novel of lyrical beauty yet brutal realism, of magic, romance, and mysticism, The Great Gatsby is one of the great classics of twentieth-century literature.
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wonderful writing style
A classic.
I just finished this book at the age of 62 and I have to say I understood it much better than I did when I had to read it as a Freshman in high school (over 40 decades ago). Back then I thought it was the most boring booking I have EVER read! Personally, I believe this book is way too mature (not in a sexual way) for any teenager to identify with. …
Haven’t read it since high school. Plan to reread it.
A critic called Fitzgerald’s masterpiece “a literary miracle” – and it’s true.
This book has such thematic depth, it’s almost mind-boggling.
The first time I read The Great Gatsby I remember being mesmerized by the depiction of life in New York York City in the 20’s.
When I read it again, the images of “West Egg and East Egg” in Long Island are still just as vivid as when I read them over twenty years ago. The plot had been pretty much lost in my memory completely. So that was fun …
surely a must read…and u know what> it is one of the two books mentioned by HOLDEN CAULFIELD…in catcher in the rye…LUCKILY, OR as it is said, COINCIDENTALLY or more…IN A RATHER amazing way….i READ salingers catcher….JUST AFTER READING THE great gatsby… ITS great,…and U R sure 2 come across GATSBYS in real life…with great …
Meh, gatsby is an overplayed tragic hero who I suppose you’re supposed to feel bad for but really I didn’t.
This is the story of a rich man named Jay Gatsby who is trying to reach the love of his life – Daisy. The story is told by Nick – Gatsby’s neighbor – who becomes his closest friend and confidant. Gatsby approaches Nick to have Daisy come his way so that he can reconnect with her. Gatsby is much wealthier than he was when he last saw Daisy, so he …
My all time favorite-of-favorites. Full of symbolism and nuances that always seem new. I always hope for a different ending no matter how many times I read it!
Required Reading in high school. HATED it!
I just never liked this book, not sure I even understand it but not invested enough to do the research.
I’m obsessed with the stories and books of F. Scott Fitzgerald.The Great Gatsby will always stand out as one of the greatest novels ever written. Fitzgerald wrote what he knew and in this book, you will see the main characters mirror the lives of Scott and his wife, Zelda.
The best American novel!
The Great Gatsby? What’s not to like. It is well-written. It’s an American story.
Quite simply, the greatest single American novel of the first half of the twentieth century. I’m sure many disagree with me on this, but I love this novel. I read it again every year and it enthralls me every time. The subject is serious, the prose is elegant, and the analysis of the jazz age is without equal.
4+ out of 5 stars to The Great Gatsby, written in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I read this book the summer before I went away for college. Knowing that it took place in the 1920s, a time period I adored, on the Gold Coast of Long Island, where I lived, how could I not make it a priority? And I’m so glad I did. It’s a fantastic story with so many …
Deserves its classification as a classic.
What’s not to like? This is a true classic destined to be read again again in in the future. Fitzgerald was brilliant, and In my opinion, this his best work. Gatsby and Daisy – if only they could have pulled themselves together. Sigh.
one of my favorite reads and rereads