The Great Gatsby is among the best F Scott Fitzgerald books and has gained immense popularity, likely catching the attention of many readers, some of whom might have already delved into its pages or contemplated doing so. Additionally, The Great Gatsby movie adaptation further contributed to its widespread recognition. While I may be joining the readership later than others, I am eager to share my thoughts on this work.
In my edition, The Great Gatsby book spans 164 pages, but the page count can vary across different editions. In this blog post, I aim to provide a concise summary of the book and my personal impressions. My goal is to help you decide whether this book aligns with your reading preferences.
Having had high expectations, I’m pleased to say that the book met and even exceeded them. There’s so much I want to discuss, but I fear delving too deeply would lead to spoilers, dissuading potential readers.
Before delving into The Great Gatsby book, let’s take a moment to learn about the author.
Who was F. Scott Fitzgerald?
Scott Fitzgerald was a renowned American novelist, writer, scriptwriter, and essayist. He emerged as one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century. Interestingly, much like numerous other literary figures, Fitzgerald’s works gained significant appreciation and popularity posthumously rather than during his lifetime. His literary repertoire includes four novels, including Winter Dreams F Scott Fitzgerald, F Scott Fitzgerald She Was Beautiful, F Scott Fitzgerald Ted 2, and the iconic ‘The Great Gatsby,’ as well as over 150 F. Scott Fitzgerald short stories, a testament to his prolific creativity.
That’s all about the author, now, let’s delve into the book itself.
My Perspective of the The Great Gatsby Book
‘The Great Gatsby’ belongs to the realm of classical fiction and defies easy categorization, as it incorporates elements from various genres. Its genre classification is subjective, depending on the reader’s perspective and interpretation. The story can be seen as a thrilling narrative, a mystery novel filled with suspense, and a romantic tale, blending popular elements from multiple genres. This versatility makes it appealing to readers with diverse preferences; regardless of your favored genre, you are likely to find something captivating in this book.
Notably, there is a film adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, but personally, I prefer reading the book before watching its cinematic counterpart. The novel was originally published in 1920 and is set in the same era. For readers of that time, it was remarkably modern and contemporary.
Moving on to the characters, they are intricately woven into the narrative. If there’s one aspect that could be perceived as a slight drawback, it’s the abundance of characters. While not necessarily a flaw, the numerous characters can be a tad perplexing due to the book’s relatively concise length. However, this minor complexity does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the book.
The central character around whom the plot revolves is Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire known for hosting extravagant parties yet remaining enigmatic and aloof. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor, who is new to the area called West Egg. Through Nick’s eyes, readers are introduced to Gatsby’s enigmatic world. Despite the unfolding plot revealing more about Gatsby, he remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue of the narrative.
Additionally, there are two other key characters: Daisy, Nick’s cousin, and Tom, Daisy’s husband. Daisy happens to be Gatsby’s former lover, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship. While the interplay of these characters might seem overwhelming at first, it is precisely this intricacy that makes the story compelling. As you read, allow the plot to unravel at its own pace, and you’ll find yourself engrossed in the rich tapestry of ‘The Great Gatsby.’
The Great Gatsby's Plot Summary
I won’t delve too deeply into the plot to avoid spoilers, but here’s a quick overview. Gatsby throws extravagant parties and uses his wealth in an attempt to rekindle his relationship with Daisy, who is currently married to Tom. Complicating matters further, Tom himself has a mistress. The plot intricacies make the story incredibly engaging.
While the initial chapters of the Great Gatsby might not captivate you as much, I urge you not to judge the book prematurely. Some sections may seem daunting, but I encourage you to persist. As you progress, you’ll find the narrative becoming increasingly enthralling. There might be moments where you’re tempted to put the book down, but I recommend pressing on. By the end, you’ll realize the depth and brilliance of the story. Even if you’re late to the party and haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend picking it up.
F Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby” pic.twitter.com/cPHh9Ouk98
— Lady Ultrasuede ☮️🥗 (@LadyUltrasuede) October 30, 2023
Conclusion
At the end of the blog, let’s take a look at F. Scott Fitzgerald writing style, which is truly exceptional. The book is filled with eloquent, metaphorical phrases and symbolic elements, even in the smallest details. Upon closer inspection, these nuances may appear insignificant, yet they contribute significantly to the overall narrative. The language used to describe these seemingly minor aspects is masterful, adding a layer of richness to the storytelling.
