Reviews with content warning for Murder - The Great Gatsby

A literary classic, Gatsby centres around the party host and smuggler Jay Gatsby. A man of "new wealth" in the rich part of Long Island, he secretly harbours a deep love for the wife of a nearby family, whom he has known for years. As the narrator Nick Carraway learns more about the enigmatic Gatsby, the more events begin to conspire to topple the self-made man from his throne.

I first read this book in English class in high school but did not remember a single part of it. I enjoyed re-reading it now and remembering all of the symbolism, the plot, the characterization of both Gatsby and Nick. I would not recommend it if you struggle with purple prose, as Fitzgerald can get flowery with descriptions or use some (now) obscure term for seemingly no reason. The plot is fairly straightforward and predictable, and because of the third-person narration it is hard to understand Gatsby's motivations. An enjoyable read nonetheless!

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tiaroseshang's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective sad slow-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

3.0

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ellie_girl2929's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

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pookiee's review against another edition

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Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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xinawebb's review against another edition

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slow-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

3.0

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jenmaysiereads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5 out of 5 stars

It almost goes without saying but every time I read ‘The Great Gatsby’, I fall in love with it that little bit more.

It’s difficult to not get drunk on the atmosphere of the narrative within ‘The Great Gatsby’. Fitzgerald effuses the novel with a magic and majesty that is truly intoxicating. Following the journey of story’s narrator; the reader can’t help but be submerged in the whimsy of this sparkling, discomforting story alongside Nick.

The shimmering mirage of ‘The Great Gatsby’ is a cruel facade. Behind the glitter and glamor lies a story of discontent, obsession and the greed of man — throwing the nature of human desire into a harsh, all too revealing light.

At the heart of the story is Jay Gatsby, the man who has everything. It’s impossible not to feel the same bone-deep draw that the novel’s narrator feels toward him. There is something unknowable about Gatsby — something unreal and intangible that makes him all the more desirable. Like the green light at the end of a dock.

The tragedy of his loneliness, of his longing, is a knife to the heart. Gatsby is a character that wants and dreams as deeply and profoundly as any of us. It’s painful to watch as everything he has ever wanted and all he has worked for come so closely within his grasp, only for it to slip through his fingertips, drawn away by the cruelty and carelessness those he purports to love.

Reading comprehension be damned; they could never make me hate you, Jay Gatsby.

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter — tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.... And one fine morning —— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

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