Reviews

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

thechaliceofaries's review against another edition

4.0

A very short, easy and enjoyable read. At its core this is basically a book about a group of very rich, very miserable people, and somehow manages to pack a real punch in such few pages. I really enjoyed the commentary on wealth and social status, the vividness with which Fitzgerald captured Gatsby’s parties, and the way this novel calls out the American dream for the sham that it is. The writing is lovely but never superfluous, and I can definitely understand why this book is taught in so many American schools as it does pass along several important messages.

readingbuzz's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.0

sofiakavita's review against another edition

i have to read in for class in like 2 months anyways

samgalanor's review against another edition

2.0

There are classics that are not enjoyable, but you see why there are classics. Then there are classics, where elite white men pat each other on the back for the jolly good book this chap wrote and it’s mediocre.

Well, I guess it takes some talent to turn such a tragic love story into such a boring read. I also don’t get why this is the statement piece of the roaring twenties vibe. It feels like the text is over interpreted. Not worth the hype.

I read this first many years ago for my English A level class and all I could remember was the car crash that didn’t make sense. It still doesn’t, and it reads like the author could find a better way to finish the book.
Overall, a boring story, badly written characters (Especially the women, but alas, I don’t expect much from dead male writers.), the writing style was ok but not able to make up for the rest.

daisygatsby24's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

alreadyemily's review against another edition

4.0

Much shorter, simpler, and more enjoyable than when I first read this decades ago.

Nick Carraway seemed to think being 30 was a big deal and a turning point, and maybe you have to be past that yourself to fully appreciate the book.

enemieseverywhere's review against another edition

dark funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

the book that went whoosh over my head in 9th grade is absolutely incredible to read as an adult. masterpiece status 100% earned 

katiescho741's review against another edition

5.0

Fitzgerald usually writes about young, beautiful, wealthy Americans who are exceptionally unhappy and bored with life.
This is essentially what this book is about, and yet, I love it! It's one of my favourite books.
It's wonderfully written and he gives 1920's New York City such energy and personality. Some of the main characters are pretty unlikable...Daisy is spoilt and selfish, Tom is a womaniser, and Gatsby is unoriginal. But I think that's what makes it compelling.
I find this novel irresistible every time I read it!

paulineverelst's review against another edition

2.0

Well, it's clear that this is one of the most famous books ever. There is a film and everything too. The problem is that I don't understand all of the commotion. The book is not 5 stars worth. It was good but it doesn't reach my level of " a classic". Maybe I am the only one or am I just the only one who is willing to critize it.

perzyval's review against another edition

inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75