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k_winchester's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Actually, surprisingly good!
I say that because in general for me personally, I've found that most "classics" I've read are not for me at all for one reason or another, so when I started reading this, I did expect not to really enjoy it, despite it being crazy popular and often called one of the greatest novels of all time.
I really did enjoy the way this was written - the use of language and phrasing was often just delicious. It's frequently very flowery and stylistic, some lines need a reread to catch the meaning, but there is really, really lovely way about so much of it. So much of it alludes to what's under the surface without saying it (soo well done) and there's so much lovely, really unique phrasing (I wish I had jotted down good examples, but towards the end, there's a bit like "the phone book splashed to the floor" - obviously the book isn't liquid, but it gives such a perfect visual of the book falling open and pages splaying, etc).
The characters were... not great, pretty shallow/flat, and ultimately all pretty terrible people one way or another. I fail to see, at all, why Gatsby was into Daisy, as she seemed almost entirely flaky and avoid-y. The way the characters are written is the most interesting part, as in the way they are physically described, thier actions, tone, body language, etc.
By the end, it becomes pretty clear that the whole thing is pretty much about shallow rich people keeping up appearances while being largely shallow and rich, but letting you THINK for a while that that's not what it is. I don't know if it's specifically classed as a tragedy, but it definitely is. It's certainly not uplifting or satisfying - it's sad and definitely tragic.
When Gatsby dies, essentially because of Daisy, after spending years basically changing his entire life and molding himself in order to "be worthy" of Daisy, after spending years throwing lavish parties and being this popular mystery man (and some secret crime to get money fast), and she is careless/cowardly and he covers for her without second thought... but then *no one*, not even Daisy, goes to his funeral? I mean, there's not really any way to feel except disheartened when closing the book with that ending.
I'm glad it was short, because pretty though the writing was, I don't think I could have read something double length in the same style or it would've gotten exhausting. I'm glad I read it, I enjoyed it well enough, but I also don't really think it totally deserves the legendary status it has.
(BUT I also doubt that *anything* listed semi-universally on the "greatest novels of all time" list could really live up to that kind of status/hype either, and without a historical deep dive, it can be hard to pinpoint the influence many of those famous classics have had.)
Anyways, tl;dr: a legendary classic that was actually enjoyable to read. ๐
I say that because in general for me personally, I've found that most "classics" I've read are not for me at all for one reason or another, so when I started reading this, I did expect not to really enjoy it, despite it being crazy popular and often called one of the greatest novels of all time.
I really did enjoy the way this was written - the use of language and phrasing was often just delicious. It's frequently very flowery and stylistic, some lines need a reread to catch the meaning, but there is really, really lovely way about so much of it. So much of it alludes to what's under the surface without saying it (soo well done) and there's so much lovely, really unique phrasing (I wish I had jotted down good examples, but towards the end, there's a bit like "the phone book splashed to the floor" - obviously the book isn't liquid, but it gives such a perfect visual of the book falling open and pages splaying, etc).
The characters were... not great, pretty shallow/flat, and ultimately all pretty terrible people one way or another. I fail to see, at all, why Gatsby was into Daisy, as she seemed almost entirely flaky and avoid-y. The way the characters are written is the most interesting part, as in the way they are physically described, thier actions, tone, body language, etc.
By the end, it becomes pretty clear that the whole thing is pretty much about shallow rich people keeping up appearances while being largely shallow and rich, but letting you THINK for a while that that's not what it is. I don't know if it's specifically classed as a tragedy, but it definitely is. It's certainly not uplifting or satisfying - it's sad and definitely tragic.
I'm glad it was short, because pretty though the writing was, I don't think I could have read something double length in the same style or it would've gotten exhausting. I'm glad I read it, I enjoyed it well enough, but I also don't really think it totally deserves the legendary status it has.
(BUT I also doubt that *anything* listed semi-universally on the "greatest novels of all time" list could really live up to that kind of status/hype either, and without a historical deep dive, it can be hard to pinpoint the influence many of those famous classics have had.)
Anyways, tl;dr: a legendary classic that was actually enjoyable to read. ๐
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, and Car accident
Minor: Gun violence and Sexual content
josisteacup's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Antisemitism, Murder, Alcohol, and War
lolovg__'s review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Be well versed on American history to fully unlock the best parts of fitzgeralds writing in this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Car accident, Alcohol, and Classism
willbefunorelse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Car accident, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Antisemitism, and Classism
Minor: Xenophobia
archiveofrasa's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I never read this in school (I went to a private school on scholarship so of course they wouldn't make us read it) but in a way I'm glad I hadn't because I doubt I would've appreciated it then. I loved the prose and the voice, there is a level of "unrealness" to it, especially in the more action-driven parts of the story, which I felt really enhanced its themes and what it was trying to say, although it did make it a bit difficult to know what was going on. had to LitChart bits every now and then but I don't think that ruined the reading process for me! really fascinating look on old vs new money
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Infidelity, and Car accident
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Antisemitism
Minor: Gun violence, Murder, and War
valley's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
since i either don't know what to write ever or go on long rambles about the smallest things, i'm gonna be reviewing books here in bullet points (for both your and my own wellbeing).
also please note that my "good" and "bad" are OPINIONS and i do not claim to be right about everything. except when i talk about the raven cycle. you aren't allowed to disagree with me on those books. ever.
positives
- the style of writing. not too much waffling about random things and relatively easy to read, so i could finish it without major reading slumps.
- the pacing aka story progression. when i read pride&prejudice i was bored out of my mind, so thank god this was different.
- the message. this seems obvious, but the story itself actually did something. it really illustrated the problems of being stuck in the past and reaching for something you'll never have.
negatives
- f. scott fitzgerald. joking. (am i tho?)
- the covers. i chose this version because it was relatively demure. the original is the worst thing i could ever put in my bookshelf after those romance books which have naked real people or clothed drawn people without faces on the cover.
- the characters. i understand that some are purposefully kept flat or unlikeable, but i like having books where i'm rooting for someone and have a favourite character.
also please note that my "good" and "bad" are OPINIONS and i do not claim to be right about everything. except when i talk about the raven cycle. you aren't allowed to disagree with me on those books. ever.
positives
- the style of writing. not too much waffling about random things and relatively easy to read, so i could finish it without major reading slumps.
- the pacing aka story progression. when i read pride&prejudice i was bored out of my mind, so thank god this was different.
- the message. this seems obvious, but the story itself actually did something. it really illustrated the problems of being stuck in the past and reaching for something you'll never have.
negatives
- f. scott fitzgerald. joking. (am i tho?)
- the covers. i chose this version because it was relatively demure. the original is the worst thing i could ever put in my bookshelf after those romance books which have naked real people or clothed drawn people without faces on the cover.
- the characters. i understand that some are purposefully kept flat or unlikeable, but i like having books where i'm rooting for someone and have a favourite character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Car accident
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: Gun violence, Misogyny, Grief, and War
agenericmirkwoodelf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars! I think that this book does a very good job embodying the mentality of its time period, and creating a meaningful social commentary! While the ideas it presents and responds to are not quite as prevalent today, they still exist. If anything, itโs an excellent glimpse into the mindsets of the era! I really enjoyed the description and dialogue- they worked together well to create vivid atmosphere and character, as well as some humor!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Alcoholism and Gun violence
toast_renumeration's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, and Car accident
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism, Suicide, and War
bethanwx's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A damnation of the American Dream through the eyes of an unreliable, hard to pin down narrator. Nick is just as much of a mystery as Gatsby, changing his mind about people, judging yet connecting himself to some awful people, including the racist and abusive Tom.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Car accident
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Antisemitism, and Alcohol
sbgage's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Car accident, and Alcohol
Minor: Gun violence and Racism