itsheatherfox's review against another edition
5.0
Was a bit worried about reading an adaptation/retelling of one of my favourite books but oh my god did this deliver!!! I was obsessed from the first page — such good writing & it was so fun to look more at the women in this story — love love love
positivelybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Does it get any better than a beautiful book cover and a Gatsby prequel! I was so excited for "Beautiful Little Fools," and this four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read did not disappoint. Drawing on the same themes of "The Great Gatsby," it tells the story of what led up to that fateful Summer day in 1922, but from the perspectives of Daisy, Jordan, Myrtle, and Catherine (a new character). As the mystery about what really happened to Jay Gatsby unfolds, Cantor delves into each character's life with greater depth, revealing how Gatsby's longing and love for Daisy affected each of the women and ultimately led to his demise in this mystery. As you read and try to figure out if we really know the whole story, you will also be immersed into the Jazz Age; and learn what it was like for each of these women during that time in history. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially for any Gatsby fan. And if you're not familiar with "The Great Gatsby" it can definitely be read on its own, but it'll leave you wanting to read it next!
winona_reads3's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 loved!!!
Not only were female perspectives perfectly fitting for this story, it was written so well so insightful, so appropriate- I didn’t feel like it was a reach it felt so in tune with Fitz book. Too many notes can’t wait to review in wrap up!!
Not only were female perspectives perfectly fitting for this story, it was written so well so insightful, so appropriate- I didn’t feel like it was a reach it felt so in tune with Fitz book. Too many notes can’t wait to review in wrap up!!
emily_y's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
lem257's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
akuhlma03's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
saralynnburnett's review against another edition
5.0
When I learned that The Great Gatsby was up for public domain at the end of 2020 I got excited for all the Gatsby-esque books that would come out and Cantor's Beautiful Little Fools was a FABULOUS one!
It tells the story from the women’s povs so we have Jordan Baker the golfer, Daisy, Myrtle & her sister Catherine. It stays true to the original but breathes life and backstory into these ladies + laces a mystery throughout as to who killed Jay Gatsby because they all + some men in the story, had reasons to want him dead. A detective is on their trail at the behest of Gatsby’s benefactor Wolfsheim and he’s got some secrets of his own…
There is also an author’s essay at the back of this book which was a must-read. It charted the course of writing during a pandemic and the coincidence of the roaring 1920s having come from the ravages of the Spanish flu and told of all the research that went into this book’s creation. Apparently there’s also a movie version from 2000 where Paul Rudd plays Nick — might have to watch but nothing will come close to the 2013 one IMO…
It tells the story from the women’s povs so we have Jordan Baker the golfer, Daisy, Myrtle & her sister Catherine. It stays true to the original but breathes life and backstory into these ladies + laces a mystery throughout as to who killed Jay Gatsby because they all + some men in the story, had reasons to want him dead. A detective is on their trail at the behest of Gatsby’s benefactor Wolfsheim and he’s got some secrets of his own…
There is also an author’s essay at the back of this book which was a must-read. It charted the course of writing during a pandemic and the coincidence of the roaring 1920s having come from the ravages of the Spanish flu and told of all the research that went into this book’s creation. Apparently there’s also a movie version from 2000 where Paul Rudd plays Nick — might have to watch but nothing will come close to the 2013 one IMO…
onewell's review against another edition
4.0
Reallllly enjoyed this. Def more than great gatsy in 11th grade lol. The same story told from the POV of daisy, Catherine (kinda Myrtle) and Jordan. If you’re like me you have no idea prior to reading who those woman are or how they are involved but it’ll come back. Loved this version even more. Men can be skeezy is the theme LOL
evawondergem's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0