A review by merle_bookdragon
The Chosen and the Beautiful, by Nghi Vo

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really, really enjoyed this book. I had not read and/or seen the Great Gatsby before, I only knew the basics of what has been widely shared in popular culture, like his crazy parties and his yearning for Daisy. Beyond that I went into this story with basically zero knowledge of the story.

I loved the writing style, and the mystery of it all. I liked that there was always a lot hidden away from the reader, that not everything (like the magic) was always explained in minute detail because this wasn't the book for a pages long description of the magic system. This was a book in which the magic enhanced the other-worldliness and magic of the Jazz Age and in a very discreet way in supported different beliefs and attitudes, for example relating to class.

I think I am really glad that we got to see Jordan's POV in this story. I read about 10 pages of The Great Gatsby in the middle of it, hoping to somehow read them alongside each other (I failed) but even after those few pages I was not a fan of Nick's POV. But I guess a lot of that has to do with the fact that he is a male character written by a male author and in this case we have a female narrating character written by a female author. Jordan was "different" from the people around her in so many ways and it was so interesting to see her point of view but also how her position and class privilege have influenced her. I loved her free attitude (even if she had adopted it to protect herself) and that she wasn't afraid to visit places that were maybe improper to be in (even if her background allowed her more freedom in the eyes of society).
I especially enjoyed seeing the Cendrillon, simply a wonderful place that I would love to visit sometimes.

By now I know that many events in this book mirror the ones in The Great Gatsby quite closely but I am glad that I didn't know before because this way some things still came as a surprise to me.

I loved Jordan's paper cutting and wish we had seen more of it.
Spoiler The entire scene with paper Daisy and real Daisy (and then the latter killing the former) was SO interesting had I could honestly analyze it for a good while. The same goes for the scene in which she (finally, after it was already teased in the blurb) cut out a man's heart. Specifically, Nick's. The paper heart, the names and places written on it... her making a new one with only an edge of lipstick... just ... paper Nick is so interesting to me.
Anyways, that's it for now I guess lol.
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