A review by jlebon
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have read this book twice now for my upcoming A-Level English Literature exam and, having now read it once outside of the classroom, it's safe to say the text has really grown on me.
'The Great Gatsby' is one of those wonderfully cynical novels, reflective of the post-war literary time period in which it was written and published, where every character is deeply flawed. This even includes the narrator Nick, which I love because his role as the lens for the reader distorts our perception of the text - which is always an interesting dynamic.
Gatsby is definitely an irritating character in some respects due to his mannerisms and naïvety. His obsession towards Daisy is also quite uncomfortable in places however, this is counter-balanced as Fitzgerald drip feeds us background to their previous relationship throughout the novel. Nevertheless, the final chapter can't help but leave you feeling sorry for the character.
The hedonism, reflective of the time of writing, established by Fitzgerald is masterfully cut through with every character being violently thrust away from the serenity of carelessness into elements of despair - affected by the subsequent events of the novel.
What holds the rating back for me is I didn't find myself longing to delve back into the story as I do with my all-time favourite reads. However, this may well be due to the texts association to work, given my upcoming exam and motivation for re-reading the text, which will always sap some enjoyment out of reading. Therefore, I would interested in re-reading the text to see if my rating of the novel will improve once more.
Nevertheless an absolute classic that everyone should endeavour to read and enjoy.
'The Great Gatsby' is one of those wonderfully cynical novels, reflective of the post-war literary time period in which it was written and published, where every character is deeply flawed. This even includes the narrator Nick, which I love because his role as the lens for the reader distorts our perception of the text - which is always an interesting dynamic.
Gatsby is definitely an irritating character in some respects due to his mannerisms and naïvety. His obsession towards Daisy is also quite uncomfortable in places however, this is counter-balanced as Fitzgerald drip feeds us background to their previous relationship throughout the novel. Nevertheless, the final chapter can't help but leave you feeling sorry for the character.
The hedonism, reflective of the time of writing, established by Fitzgerald is masterfully cut through with every character being violently thrust away from the serenity of carelessness into elements of despair - affected by the subsequent events of the novel.
What holds the rating back for me is I didn't find myself longing to delve back into the story as I do with my all-time favourite reads. However, this may well be due to the texts association to work, given my upcoming exam and motivation for re-reading the text, which will always sap some enjoyment out of reading. Therefore, I would interested in re-reading the text to see if my rating of the novel will improve once more.
Nevertheless an absolute classic that everyone should endeavour to read and enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Murder
Moderate: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence and Suicide