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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It was required reading when I was in high school. The whole class groaned when we were told that we would be reading it. But we found it rich in detail about the period, the characters and the plot. I’ve read it periodically since then and enjoyed it every time. And each time, I found new depth and feeling. — ST Pierce
Grossly overhyped, a book that didn’t age well. I can imagine why this book was all the rage when reminiscing of the roaring 20’s but unfortunately it is overt wrought and with a story that doesn’t amount to much.
I didn’t like it the first time I read it and felt I was being unfair so I read it a second time. Not even those 13 years in between …
This book had a lot of elements that somehow created a good book. It has a lot of symbolism, once understood, adds a whole other level of complexity to the book. You really get a chance to know the characters, and love and hate each one of them. All of them are relatable in some way or another.
A must to read!
WOw! This is definitely a ‘classic’! I think I have seen every television and movie production of this book and have enjoyed meeting the different presentations of the novel’s characters. Who isn’t intrigued by a love story? This one is special.
Don’t miss this “must read”!
Nomy Margalit
A classic!
What a classic – a MUST READ – one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s best books !!!!!!!!!!
A classic, but don’t let that keep you from reading it
it only got good in the middle of the book… then it still managed to piss me off
The Great Gatsby is entertaining to read in 2018 because it provides a stark contrast between modern American society today, and the American society of Jay Gatsby’s time, approximately one hundred years ago. It is interesting to note that this story, and many like it from the past, would never be published today. The first lesson Jay Gatsby would …
Wonderfully written
They asked what did I like about this book. Better question is what is there NOT to like about it? The 1984 Robert Redford movie got me to read the book. Since my initial reading I have re-read it an average of once every other year (or more); it has become my go to read when I don’t know else I feel like reading. Every time I read it I find …
A Classic and one not to be missed on anyone’s bucket list of books to be read. As a former high school English teacher I never became bored of teaching Gatsby and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy a romantic read of the 1920s, but there is much symbolism to understand of people and society in this wonderful book.
I gave it four stars because it is such a clear and well orchestrated picture of a specific time and lifestyle. The writing is masterful. It didn’t get the fifth star from me because the lifestyle is something that annoys me. I hate the pretension and the conspicuous consumption that is central to the storyline. It’s a classic but, had it not been …
A gem of a story with memorable characters.
overrated
Fitzgerald at his best.
Quite simply, my favorite American novel.
I loved this story!! It is a book that I read at least once each year. The most recent cover art and movie that were made leave much to be desired. Both were sloppy, loud, and unnecessary. Classic literature is just that, classic. It needs none of the loud crass noise so prevalent in today’s world.
call me cliche, but I actually really liked it!