A review by gatzby
The Pursued and the Pursuing by AJ Odasso

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? Yes

4.0

taking this for what it is, a  slice of life fix-it fic, it’s perfect. lots of healing, lots of fluff, exactly what the characters deserved after the events of the book.

[slight spoilers below]

but as a direct sequel of the great gatsby, it’s not as compelling as i would hope. a lot of great setup at the end of the book that’s put on the back burner in favor of honeymooning across europe. most things were mentioned only in passing, from jordan baker to pam’s implied intersexuality. even the storm towards the end of the book, which i thought was going to be a pivotal moment, turned out to really be nothing at all. i would’ve preferred some higher stakes and more introspection.

i loved this book, and odasso’s writing is gorgeous and fit to rival fitzgerald’s own, but i just wish it was given some more substance going from ao3 to publication. i’m left wanting so much more!!