Reviews

Flappers and Philosophers: Large Print by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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dhalse's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

rosielazar1's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-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

3.5

servemethesky's review against another edition

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4.0

Really fantastic collection of short stories. Definitely an enjoyable read. I was surprised to find that they reminded me significantly more of American Romanticism than the 20s, post-WWI writing I usually associate with Fitzgerald. The writing often reminded me of Hawthorne more than anything else.

Thoughts on each of the stories:

"The Offshore Pirate" - Easily my favorite story in the collection. Charming, fun, and whimsical. Ardita and Carlyle were compelling and amusing and I cared about them and their story.
"The Ice Palace" - Probably my second favorite. I love the South, so Sally Carrol's eerie experience in the north and haunting love of graveyard not-sadness really resonated. I loved the final scene where she's returned to the lazy South and remains unchanged.
"Head and Shoulders" - This is when the stories start to feel Hawthorne-esque to me (which is not a bad thing). The forceful, dramatic realization of the role reversal that has taken place between Horace and Marcia is startling and overwhelming- in the best literary way.
"The Cut-Glass Bowl" - SUPER Hawthorne mode now. Reminded me a lot of "The Birthmark." Bothered me, though, that the structure was a bit heavy-handed with the three incidents prior to the destruction of the bowl and its owner. Very dark ending...
"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" - Loved this one. Almost predictable, but worth it for Bernice's gleeful sprint down the street with braids in hand.
"Benediction" - A great brother-sister story. Reminded me a lot of Franny and Zooey, but I liked it much more. Somehow more touching, and strange, and haunting, and feels less forced in its religious undertones.
"Dalyrimple Goes Wrong" - Didn't do much for me. Wasn't quite sure what its message was on the American dream and work ethic...
"Four Fists" - Again, a little heavy-handed in structure, but a satisfying read with good payoff for the reader.