Reviews

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

cheryllovesbooks's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad 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

5.0

This is a classic that everyone should read. Set in the 1920s, the story of Gatsby is told by Nick. It's a tragic story about love, ambition and greed. I've taught it many times and it never fails to engage me and my students.

lar_iiious's review against another edition

5.0

A truly great novel.
Brilliantly written and fascinating.
That's just about everything I have to say here.

hoda93's review against another edition

4.0

That was a really good book. I enjoyed reading it a lot.

eogreen's review against another edition

5.0

Every few years I return to Fitzgerald and Gatsby. I find each time that I'm just as entranced as I was that first time reading. The novel is just so terribly beautiful.

This reading (winter 2009): the pathetic tragedy of Gatsby's love. How is it that he holds so tightly to his clearly useless love? Would I hold to a pathetic past like that? Don't we all?

buglikeareader's review against another edition

3.0

The writing is nice when I was able to figure it out, and it was easier to read then I expected.

morganalicious's review against another edition

4.0

Better kurzer Klassiker für zwischendurch.

lackritzj's review against another edition

3.0

Gatsby is great because he possesses an unbelievable amount of drive. He is able to achieve all that is necessary to obtain his dream. Unfortunately his dream is a cloud which turns into mist when he reaches it. The dream is a woman who is unworthy of such deep devotion, which is partly based on her closeness to wealth. Gatsby's life ends in tragedy and without friendships. The mood throughout hints of dissipation and uselessness. Gatsby is seen through the eyes of a young man. The narrator's principal role is to view the plot as it unfolds and relate his impressions. But unlike most impersonal narrators, he takes more of a part and becomes emotionally attached to Gatsby. His own character is evident I. His observations, particularly his dry wit. Yet even this hardworking character seems to lack meaning for his life. Fitzgerald leaves his ability to become a successful to the imagination of the reader. The author does hint of the dissipation through the narrator's satire and by the use of proper nouns. It is understandable that this is considered to be Fitzgerals's best.

sbrina921's review against another edition

5.0

So much better than last time I read it.

I'm not sure why these books are forced on us in high school. I hated The Great Gatsby then. I loved it now though. Beautiful writing.

jennc's review against another edition

3.0

Huh. That was odd. Sad. Weird. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. I really don't get what all the fuss is about.

clangley89's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.75