A review by wynne_ronareads
The Best Early Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald by F. Scott Fitzgerald
4.0
I recently read F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story (or novella) "May Day," published by Art of the Novella, which makes beautiful graphically designed books. I'm adding this book cover since it doesn't exist as a single title.
I read it alongside "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," which I am about 20 pgs. away from finishing.
"May Day" was unlike other Fitzgerald I'd read. First, the language was very simple to understand. It follows four characters who interact with each other over the period of single afternoon and evening. There's down on his luck Garret (I think), beautiful but finicky Edith, and soldiers Kay and Rose. In typical Fitzgerald style, all are generally unlikeable. Edith looks at herself in the mirror while she tells herself she's pretty and ready for love, the soldiers are slimy guys hell bent on scoring some booze, and the story opens on Garret begging money off of a friend because he's caught in a toxic relationship with a woman named Jewel.
Not much happens other than watching the characters maneuver through as the night deteoriates. But it's still beautiful. The novella I had included a single quote on the back: "All crowds need to howl." What a great line...
I've read a couple places that Scott took credit for a few short stories that Zelda wrote. It just so happened I read that while I was reading this and it made me wonder (since the language seemed so different) but who cares who wrote it? It's still great.
I read it alongside "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," which I am about 20 pgs. away from finishing.
"May Day" was unlike other Fitzgerald I'd read. First, the language was very simple to understand. It follows four characters who interact with each other over the period of single afternoon and evening. There's down on his luck Garret (I think), beautiful but finicky Edith, and soldiers Kay and Rose. In typical Fitzgerald style, all are generally unlikeable. Edith looks at herself in the mirror while she tells herself she's pretty and ready for love, the soldiers are slimy guys hell bent on scoring some booze, and the story opens on Garret begging money off of a friend because he's caught in a toxic relationship with a woman named Jewel.
Not much happens other than watching the characters maneuver through as the night deteoriates. But it's still beautiful. The novella I had included a single quote on the back: "All crowds need to howl." What a great line...
I've read a couple places that Scott took credit for a few short stories that Zelda wrote. It just so happened I read that while I was reading this and it made me wonder (since the language seemed so different) but who cares who wrote it? It's still great.