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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The greatest novel ever written in the English language. Absolutely perfect.
This is a great book club discussion book. It is just as timely today as it was when F.Scott Fitzgerald wrote it. The social stratification is just as realistic today as it was in the roaring twenties.
classic novel about nuvo riche in1920’s Long Island New
York, a masterpiece.
It’s one of the classic American novels. Everyone should read this book.
Great classic.
Jay Gatsby’s love for Daisy Buchanan inspires him to become a rich man, at any and all costs. With the 1920’s Jazz Age as a backdrop, Gatsby lavishes Daisy with attention and materialism to prove his love for her, while speeding towards tragedy.
Wonderful classic.
I have read this book several times and fail to see the attraction and praise of it. The story, though unusual, failed to inspire me to any type of action. This is what great fiction is to me. Whether that action be contemplation, an influence on values, or in the appreciation of beauty. I, personally, felt none of those things were accomplished …
Excellent book. Intriguing and very well written
Loved this classic
One of my favorite books ever and one to be reread. Wonderful writing and language. Thought provoking
I did not enjoy this read. I read it in high school and it just didn’t make any sense to me. For a classic, I struggled to understand what the purpose of this story was.
I don’t understand why people think this is such a great book. I don’t like the characters at all. It all seems so pointless. But I guess that is the point.
Never understood this book. Read it on my own- not in English class. Have no idea why it’s a classic.
Classic book for a reason!
I have read this book several times since we had it in high school. I love this book
Meh.
I read this ages ago. I was recently introduced to another side of F Scott Fitzgerald through reading Ernest Hemmingway’s Movable Feast. He was fairly good friends with Fitzgerald. Hemmingway gives insight into many facets of Fitzgerald’s life.
This is “literature”, not just a book. Sets a standard for good writing and character development.
This story takes place in the 1920s and tells the story of a short time in the life of wealthy Jay Gatsby through the eyes of Nick Carraway, a neighbor who stumbles into Jay Gatsby’s life. Gatsby is terribly in love with Daisy Buchanan who is unfortunately married to Tom Buchanan, a horrific husband in my opinion. The story is a decent one with a …