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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Of course it was excellent; look who wrote it; or did he??
Characters, story, writing wonderful. Excellent story although a tragedy.
Stilted writing, still wondering why it’s a classic.
It’s the Great Gatsby for goodness sakes. Absolutely great literature.
Read it.
All time favorite. Felt I was there, could feel the lack of AC, and much of this book has stayed with me long after.
Not bad, but seriously over-rated
I expected so much more than a twisted self-centered group of people hurting others.
This is one of those books that means something entirely different when you are young and when you are middle-aged or older. It is much better the more life experience you have. Worth re-reading.
A classic
It’s hard to post an original thought about this classic but I loved the writing and the nuances of the story. Author extraordinaire.
Fitzgerald’s iconic and classic novel. Speaks for the 1920’s like no other. On everybody’s school reading list as it should be.
Jay Gatsby remains one of my favorite enigmatic characters. As seen through the eyes of Nick, his neighbor, Gatsby is intriguing while also being mysteriously threatening. All of the characters are unforgettable but Gatsby remains so because the reader knows so little about him when the book is done.
It took me 3 readings to understand what a beautiful book this is. I’m glad I did.
Stunning. A novel worth reading again and again.
My favorite novel.
A great classic that everyone can enjoy! I read this book and then watched the movie (with Leonardo Dicaprio), and would recommend doing the same to get the full experience.
Always excellent. Stands the test of time. Read and re-read. Gatsby lives on!
I’ve tried to read this “classic” at least 5 times and I somehow never bother finishing it, The characters are cartoons, but nevertheless unlikeable, It’s just plain easy to put down – and not bother picking again. At this point it just feels like homework. Tried, failed, tried again, failed again, etc.
There are so many books I haven’t …
Classic and always great!
Not for everybody but I love that era and this book is one of a kind.