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I thought this book was really great. I read it in high school and I found the whole book just rich with meaning, not to mention that the language was beautiful too.
Profound in it's simplicity. A great snapshot of the “Jazz era” of American culture. Full of tidbits sure to thrill lovers of words, such as “undeserted pubs” and a picture of a fat gangster eating with “ferocious delicacy”. Why 'undeserted'? Apparently they should have been deserted. How can one eat ferociously and delicately at the same time? Don't know, but the concept fits.
Fitzgerald's economy of words parallels that of Steinbeck, another great American writer. Though I believe Steibeck's view of America to be more accurate and instructive, Fitzgerald provides an intriguing counterpoint. The short life of the 'great' Jay Gatsby shows that wealth, rather than being a protection from loneliness and isolation, may, in fact, be more of a cause.
Extremely disappointed with this book. This book has a Catcher-like following, especially for being the “classic” that it is. Maybe Fitzgerald's writing style was novel for his time, but I doubt it. I happened to read this book first from the library with a special annotation section to explain the references that I wouldn't understand. There were entire sections that I found completely unnecessary, whether I would have known the names being dropped or not—especially after I looked up a number of the names. The book was not particuarly enjoyable or “great” in terms of wit, a smart plot, or any motivating force. His blatant disregard for the serial comma was also distasteful—excellent use of the em dash, though (my favorite).
On the other hand, it's easy to have a discussion about this book and how reflective it is of the golden coast Long Island era at the time—if this is how history should be remembered…
Full text: http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/f/fitzgerald/f_scott/gatsby/
I honestly didn't think this book would be that great when I first heard about it. I knew it was one that alot of people were required to read in school but I never had to. A friend gave me a copy & I gave it a chance. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.