A review by queen_emmy
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Is this book pretentious? Yes. Did I enjoy it? Also, yes. Here’s the deal... this book really focuses in on the lives of a certain group of people (the “old monied upper class”) and this group of people don’t really develop over the course of the story (ie- Tom, Daisy, and Jordan.) However, I liked Nick as the narrator as he is the clear outlier of this group, clearly the one who doesn’t fit in, but he is observant and open in the way he tells his story. The way he is both an active participant in and a witness to the lives of those around him is an interesting way to approach the events of the story as a reader. In short, if you like celebrity drama...this book may be for you, if you’re looking for loveable characters with diverse backgrounds...maybe not.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Car accident, Death, Infidelity, and Racism
Minor: Drug use, Gun violence, Grief, and Suicide