mikovision's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I used to believe that a queer sequel to one of my favourite books only existed in fanfiction and my imagination- until I discovered this gem. This story not only gives Nick and Jay the happy ending they deserved, it also manages to take a background character from the original book and flesh her out spectacularly. My only critique is that the book is far too short! I want more!
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Homophobia, and Racism
meeeeganc's review
5.0
stunning, outstanding, show stopping, amazing, never been done before, etc…
truly had me crying in the club - and i’m always crying the club about gatsby. fitzgerald WISHES he could write like this!
truly had me crying in the club - and i’m always crying the club about gatsby. fitzgerald WISHES he could write like this!
emnzl's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
eliza_cat's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
swampthingsarah's review
4.5
I have a deep respect for the novel <i>The Great Gatsby</i>, including the tragedy inherent in its storyline. However, at some point in our lives, I think we have all wanted to imagine a happier ending for an otherwise doomed character in a beloved book- and that is exactly what <i>The Pursued and the Pursuing</i> sets out to do. In this story, Jay and Nick's ending takes a different turn. Jay survives the ending of <i>Gatsby</i> (spoilers for a 100-year-old book, but if you haven't read the original Fitzgerald novel I would NOT suggest starting with this one anyway), and Nick stays by his side. From there, the novella becomes a deeply intimate, haunting, heartfelt examination of the two characters' feelings for one another- which, in very short order, turn out to be romantic.
Odasso brings many gifts to the telling of this story. Much like in the original novel, their command of language gives the book an almost poetic quality; there was clearly an effort made to imitate the lyricism of Fitzgerald's writing style, in addition to Odasso's own characteristically complex sentences and contemplative narration. The themes of imagery in <i>The Great Gatsby</i> reoccur here: the idea of ghosts and haunting, the contrast of being pulled (or, shall we say, borne back) towards a fleeting past while at the same time imagining ahead to a future that is almost within reach, the symbolism of eyes and the significance of being observed or watched. If you pay attention to the prose, especially if you have just read the original novel, there is layer upon layer of meaning to uncover. (The parallels to Nick and Jay's storyline reenacted in a scene from <i>Hamlet</i>, near the end of this book, nearly took my breath away.)
The other strength of this story is in the treatment of the characters. This is particularly true of Pam, Daisy's daughter (three years old in the original canon, now a teenager and young adult), who becomes a pivotal presence in <i>TPATP</i>. Pam is a deftly woven character, a force of chaotic mischief; her troublemaking and pride evoke hints of Daisy's careless nature, but without the cruelty and self-importance the latter represents. Odasso gives her not only an interesting arc of her own, but also little quirks- an affinity for eating dessert before dinner, a love of pranks, a tendency towards shoelessness- that are repeated often enough to be distinct but not so much as to be heavy-handed. It is clear, both in the writing of our two leads and the effort made to develop supporting and original characters, that the author <i>loves</i> these characters. Odasso makes their love fervent and all-encompassing, even life-redeeming; as a reader, it results in breathtaking moments where the plot may not be all that grandiose, but the emotion behind it renders me helpless and incapable of not feeling the same love.
In the interest of fairness, I will admit that my own background with stories like this has a strong influence on my positive impression of the book. Had I not spent the past 20 years of my life immersed in the fanfiction world, where fix-its and quietly impressionistic stories like this are standard- or even had I not read this in an earlier format prior to its publication- I might not have been as glowing, although I believe I would still have enjoyed it. I can imagine a different version of myself who might have wanted a little more time to elapse before Nick and Jay become romantically involved in the story (although, given its economical structure, I admit I don't know what I would have filled that space with); similarly, I might have wanted individual events to impact one another more and lead up to something more specific, rather than just the passage of time and the settling into a life together, if I hadn't had the experience with these types of stories that I do. There are certainly critiques to be had, and I don't think this story is right for all readers because of them. But for me, it is like a glimpse into a beautiful little world. Instead of worrying about how it maps out in comparison to what I'd want from a traditional novel, I just let myself get carried away on the beautiful language and the hopefulness and possibility of a second chance at love. If you think you can do the same, I strongly suggest you get your hands on this book.
Odasso brings many gifts to the telling of this story. Much like in the original novel, their command of language gives the book an almost poetic quality; there was clearly an effort made to imitate the lyricism of Fitzgerald's writing style, in addition to Odasso's own characteristically complex sentences and contemplative narration. The themes of imagery in <i>The Great Gatsby</i> reoccur here: the idea of ghosts and haunting, the contrast of being pulled (or, shall we say, borne back) towards a fleeting past while at the same time imagining ahead to a future that is almost within reach, the symbolism of eyes and the significance of being observed or watched. If you pay attention to the prose, especially if you have just read the original novel, there is layer upon layer of meaning to uncover. (The parallels to Nick and Jay's storyline reenacted in a scene from <i>Hamlet</i>, near the end of this book, nearly took my breath away.)
The other strength of this story is in the treatment of the characters. This is particularly true of Pam, Daisy's daughter (three years old in the original canon, now a teenager and young adult), who becomes a pivotal presence in <i>TPATP</i>. Pam is a deftly woven character, a force of chaotic mischief; her troublemaking and pride evoke hints of Daisy's careless nature, but without the cruelty and self-importance the latter represents. Odasso gives her not only an interesting arc of her own, but also little quirks- an affinity for eating dessert before dinner, a love of pranks, a tendency towards shoelessness- that are repeated often enough to be distinct but not so much as to be heavy-handed. It is clear, both in the writing of our two leads and the effort made to develop supporting and original characters, that the author <i>loves</i> these characters. Odasso makes their love fervent and all-encompassing, even life-redeeming; as a reader, it results in breathtaking moments where the plot may not be all that grandiose, but the emotion behind it renders me helpless and incapable of not feeling the same love.
In the interest of fairness, I will admit that my own background with stories like this has a strong influence on my positive impression of the book. Had I not spent the past 20 years of my life immersed in the fanfiction world, where fix-its and quietly impressionistic stories like this are standard- or even had I not read this in an earlier format prior to its publication- I might not have been as glowing, although I believe I would still have enjoyed it. I can imagine a different version of myself who might have wanted a little more time to elapse before Nick and Jay become romantically involved in the story (although, given its economical structure, I admit I don't know what I would have filled that space with); similarly, I might have wanted individual events to impact one another more and lead up to something more specific, rather than just the passage of time and the settling into a life together, if I hadn't had the experience with these types of stories that I do. There are certainly critiques to be had, and I don't think this story is right for all readers because of them. But for me, it is like a glimpse into a beautiful little world. Instead of worrying about how it maps out in comparison to what I'd want from a traditional novel, I just let myself get carried away on the beautiful language and the hopefulness and possibility of a second chance at love. If you think you can do the same, I strongly suggest you get your hands on this book.
kcsunshine25's review
4.0
I did a quick re-read of The Great Gatsby before I read this to remind me of what happened. Can there be such a thing as a spoiler alert for a classic book? Jay Gatsby died and his many hangers on, who lived for the debauchery and hedonism of his parties, did not give a flying fuck about him.
Only Nick cared. Even Daisy Buchanan, the object of Jay’s love didn’t care and she let him down in the worst possible way. How could she?
The Pursued and The Pursuing picks up the story where Jay is found shot and it flips the ending. Jay is alive. AJ Odasso brings back the characters and puts them straight back into the story like he/she turned back the clock.
Nick and Jay make their own way in the world, relying on each other without the trappings of parties and socialising. Those people were no longer needed. Daisy does re-appear but she is no longer the sweet darling and the object of Jay’s affection. Her amazingly funny and delightful daughter Pam becomes the object of Jay and Nick’s affection instead. She’s the new darling. The dear heart.
I’m not a Gatsby die hard so this book was a good read for me. I think the re-read before hand definitely helped because it made me so happy about the turn of events that brought Jay back, he didn’t deserve that tragic ending. I wanted to see him full of life and love. Nicky so clearly, in The Great Gatsby, had this profound love of Jay that it felt a damn shame not to play on how that might progress.
I actually love the way the story turned. It just felt right. Like that was the way it was always meant to be.
Made me want to write a fan fiction and bring Tess Durbeyfield back to life. Now there’s a thought.
Only Nick cared. Even Daisy Buchanan, the object of Jay’s love didn’t care and she let him down in the worst possible way. How could she?
The Pursued and The Pursuing picks up the story where Jay is found shot and it flips the ending. Jay is alive. AJ Odasso brings back the characters and puts them straight back into the story like he/she turned back the clock.
Nick and Jay make their own way in the world, relying on each other without the trappings of parties and socialising. Those people were no longer needed. Daisy does re-appear but she is no longer the sweet darling and the object of Jay’s affection. Her amazingly funny and delightful daughter Pam becomes the object of Jay and Nick’s affection instead. She’s the new darling. The dear heart.
I’m not a Gatsby die hard so this book was a good read for me. I think the re-read before hand definitely helped because it made me so happy about the turn of events that brought Jay back, he didn’t deserve that tragic ending. I wanted to see him full of life and love. Nicky so clearly, in The Great Gatsby, had this profound love of Jay that it felt a damn shame not to play on how that might progress.
I actually love the way the story turned. It just felt right. Like that was the way it was always meant to be.
Made me want to write a fan fiction and bring Tess Durbeyfield back to life. Now there’s a thought.
vampirical_pirate's review
3.75
This book was a delight! It was easygoing, it was short but sweet and its simplicity as a story made it all the more enjoyable to read. The language and references fit the era of the story very well and I was delighted to see how society slowly changed as these characters aged. It felt exactly as it was presented: the memoir of a man who'd spent too many years of his life surrounded by conflict and questionable morals who now wanted to enjoy his days simply surrounded by those he loved.
As an avid fanfiction reader, I'm always delighted to see different authors' perspectives on characters and AJ Odasso really brought life to Pam (Tom and Daisy's daughter) who was witty, deeply enticed by knowledge and desperate for a chance outside of the life that had been decided for her. Overall it was a nice story about forming your own family and being determined to thrive in a society that wasn't made for you.
As an avid fanfiction reader, I'm always delighted to see different authors' perspectives on characters and AJ Odasso really brought life to Pam (Tom and Daisy's daughter) who was witty, deeply enticed by knowledge and desperate for a chance outside of the life that had been decided for her. Overall it was a nice story about forming your own family and being determined to thrive in a society that wasn't made for you.
belial's review
3.0
i was really waiting a while for this to become available to read ever since i heard it was getting published after i came across it in a03, i even went and put the release date on my calendar.
when the book finally came out (and when i finally started reading it), i was really excited because i loved the great gatsby (and of course, the underlying queer themes in it)
i finally finished it tonight and all i can really say is that...eh, ok.
i dont think the lack of a central conflict is what drags this book down, but the characterization. im sure other reviewers have said it before, but the way odasso treats the character of daisy buchanan is... unsavory.
daisy isn't my favorite character at all in the original book, but the way she was written here really just erases the tragic undertones of her characterization in the great gatsby, being essentially a trophy wife or someone to fight for and nothing else.
not to mention the lack of jordan baker is really disappointing. jordan could've been such a great character in a story like this but she's only mentioned in passing. we know next to nothing of what could've happened to her in the events following gatsby's death (or survival in this case).
i also feel that jay as a character also felt...dull, which is particularly odd as he's literally the great gatsby.
idk, i wanted so much to love this book but it really is just short and sweet, and something to read if you really wanted to see nick and jay get together and grow old together (+pam and the found family trope she adds to the fic, which is always welcome).
overall, i think it could've definitely been better, but it's a nice casual read if you don't wanna put too much thought into it.
when the book finally came out (and when i finally started reading it), i was really excited because i loved the great gatsby (and of course, the underlying queer themes in it)
i finally finished it tonight and all i can really say is that...eh, ok.
Spoiler
i personally dont think it's a terrible affront to humanity or anything, but it's not a blessing either. it is fairly slow and fluffy, little to no (if any) conflict really happens-- it really is just a straight sequel picking up from the end of the great gatsby (and even then it really reads like a fix-it fanfic, which in its defense, it is).i dont think the lack of a central conflict is what drags this book down, but the characterization. im sure other reviewers have said it before, but the way odasso treats the character of daisy buchanan is... unsavory.
daisy isn't my favorite character at all in the original book, but the way she was written here really just erases the tragic undertones of her characterization in the great gatsby, being essentially a trophy wife or someone to fight for and nothing else.
not to mention the lack of jordan baker is really disappointing. jordan could've been such a great character in a story like this but she's only mentioned in passing. we know next to nothing of what could've happened to her in the events following gatsby's death (or survival in this case).
i also feel that jay as a character also felt...dull, which is particularly odd as he's literally the great gatsby.
idk, i wanted so much to love this book but it really is just short and sweet, and something to read if you really wanted to see nick and jay get together and grow old together (+pam and the found family trope she adds to the fic, which is always welcome).
overall, i think it could've definitely been better, but it's a nice casual read if you don't wanna put too much thought into it.
cecewho's review
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sofivear's review
4.0
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read I read as fast as I could, imagining a different ending for TGG had Jay survived, and developing a romance between him and Nick that was just under the surface for many readers in the original novel.
Nick’s voice felt spot-on, specially in the earlier passages, but it is hard to measure up with the prose of the original.
Something I rescue from this novella was the smartly woven-in queerness of the characters, given the hardships of the context of its time and what we already know about these characters from the original; it came through as carefully researched and well portrayed.
The characterisation of Nick and Jay was believable and at the same time is not static, it was nice seeing them shift and develop as they age.
It takes time to break down certain prejudices that were brushed aside, like Nick’s original dismissal of his housekeeper.
Pam’s reintroduction into their lives was lovely and her character was a big highlight for me.
However, I felt the pacing and direction of the story a bit meandering/erratic and overly sweet, but you’ve got to meet it where it’s at; which is a sort of imagined refuge for these characters to live out the rest of their lives, free from the phantoms of their pasts.
Nick’s voice felt spot-on, specially in the earlier passages, but it is hard to measure up with the prose of the original.
Something I rescue from this novella was the smartly woven-in queerness of the characters, given the hardships of the context of its time and what we already know about these characters from the original; it came through as carefully researched and well portrayed.
The characterisation of Nick and Jay was believable and at the same time is not static, it was nice seeing them shift and develop as they age.
It takes time to break down certain prejudices that were brushed aside, like Nick’s original dismissal of his housekeeper.
Pam’s reintroduction into their lives was lovely and her character was a big highlight for me.
However, I felt the pacing and direction of the story a bit meandering/erratic and overly sweet, but you’ve got to meet it where it’s at; which is a sort of imagined refuge for these characters to live out the rest of their lives, free from the phantoms of their pasts.