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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one of the best books ever written about character. So well developed, but a timeless classic! Gatsby is one of the enduring figures of all time.
Excellent classic about unrequited love and those who leave chaos in their wake.
This book is a classic by one of the great writers of the 20th century.
one of my all time favorite books. beautiful writing.
Deserves to be a classic
I’d heard so much about this book that I went into reading it with very high expectations. That being said, even though there are quite a few memorable lines I like in the story, I do feel that this classic story is over-hyped. Nevertheless, I’m glad I’ve now read The Great Gatsby and can comprehend what all the hype is about.
In a nutshell, the …
a superb novel; perhaps The great American novel.
This is my throw-back recommendation of the week. Gatsby gets into your blood. It’s one of those novels you refer back to over generations. Unforgettable, superficially romantic but really tragic, a testament to a time that was all about the surface versus the underlying truth. This is how the tension of the book is played out. Definitely of its …
The best American novel of all time. You will want to read more than once.
My all-time favorite book. I read it every year and never cease to be amazed at its brilliance.
Short but packed with unforgettable characters and such beautiful writing, full of memorable images that will remain with me forever. Georgeous.
One of the best books ever written
“The Great Gatsby” is one of the best books I have ever read. I had the hardest time putting down the book, finishing it in a day. The story is amazing and truly captures what life during the 1920s was like. The characters are also very amazing and help add some spice to the story. Fitzgerald crafted one of the most classic literature novels in …
This has been one of my all time favorite books for so long. The theme of living without and within like Nick Carraway in the book is the ultimate understanding of a writer.
So much better than the movies.
This novel is taught in high schools in the nation and has been for decades. I taught for over 20 years. My student loved it.
Classic
Classic novel. A glimpse into the world of the wealthy. Slow paced drama.
The American classic. Best ever.
I still find myself using Nick’s ideas to think about people I encounter.