A review by rorikae
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

reflective medium-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

4.0

'The Chosen and the Beautiful' by Nghi Vo is a lush Great Gatsby retelling that incorporates a dash of magic and focuses on Jordan Baker. If you are familiar with The Great Gatsby, this follows along with the same main plot points but we get to see much more of Jordan Baker, who is the narrator of our story. Jordan in this story is Vietnamese and Vo does a great job of weaving in and commenting on her experience within upper crust White society. Vo has also added a magical element to this story, including paper cutting magic. The magical limitations of the world are never quite pinned down, which I think is one failing of the story. People float to the ceilings, shirts become birds, and there is a reveal later in the story that hints at more sinister forces but I never had a good grasp of how this magic fully functioned in the world. Where Vo uses the magic, I think it adds a great deal to the story and made the story far more interesting than the original tale. 
The highlight of this story is Vo's writing. It is lush and perfectly fits to the lavish parties and eccentricities that are present throughout the story. I have long been excited to read her books and though there were a few moments where the story fell a little flat, I do think it showcases her talent. I can't wait to pick up her novellas and follow what she writes next. 
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