Scan barcode
erlhopkins's review against another edition
2.0
2/5
eh. i know it’s an adaptation but i still don’t get the hype of the story
eh. i know it’s an adaptation but i still don’t get the hype of the story
hayleybeale's review against another edition
3.0
This graphic adaptation of Fitzgerald's Jazz Age classic hits all the beats of the novel’s plot and, while it isn’t quite able to carry all the richness of the symbolism and metaphor of the original, the illustrations add atmosphere and mood.
The palette of pastel yellows, terracottas, and lilacs fit the 1920’s setting of East and West Egg and Gatsby’s house and parties are evocatively brought to life, along with the famous green light. Woodman-Maynard recreates the “valley of ashes” where Tom Buchanan’s mistress lives with sickly grays and New York is washed in darker reds and blues.
The character illustrations, however, feel a little caricatured, perhaps deliberately: Nick has no definition, Gatsby’s jaw is absurdly square, and Tom looks like a Tintin villain, though the author deliberately avoids stereotyping Wolfsheim.
The author plays around with interesting placement of text, frequently using block capitals across parts of the scenery to share Nick’s commentary.
Gatsby is still read in high schools and this graphic adaptation might serve as a good introduction to students before they get immersed in the novel.
Thanks to Candlewick and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
The palette of pastel yellows, terracottas, and lilacs fit the 1920’s setting of East and West Egg and Gatsby’s house and parties are evocatively brought to life, along with the famous green light. Woodman-Maynard recreates the “valley of ashes” where Tom Buchanan’s mistress lives with sickly grays and New York is washed in darker reds and blues.
The character illustrations, however, feel a little caricatured, perhaps deliberately: Nick has no definition, Gatsby’s jaw is absurdly square, and Tom looks like a Tintin villain, though the author deliberately avoids stereotyping Wolfsheim.
The author plays around with interesting placement of text, frequently using block capitals across parts of the scenery to share Nick’s commentary.
Gatsby is still read in high schools and this graphic adaptation might serve as a good introduction to students before they get immersed in the novel.
Thanks to Candlewick and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
sohxpie's review against another edition
2.0
This book is absolutely stunning. The artwork is mesmerising, the use of watercolours is absolutely gorgeous. Aesthetically, it's perfect. As a graphic novel, it's pretty solid. However, as a graphic novel adaptation of a novel, I was left quite disappointed. There's mystery and magic in the novel The Great Gatsby that I feel this adaptation just can't convey. The illusion of the mystery 'Jay Gatsby' is nowhere near as strong in this graphic novel as it is in the original book and for me, that's one of the biggest elements of The Great Gatsby. The story just doesn't sit the same when the intrigue surrounding this man doesn't really exist. The graphic novel just feels less suspenseful, it's lacking the build-up that the novel has. I was constantly left feeling like I was missing something. I get that it must be extremely difficult to adapt a novel into a graphic novel but unfortunately for me, this adaptation doesn't work. I wanted so much to enjoy it but sadly, it wasn't to be.
squid_elise's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
Adapting a great book is hard. I liked the pictures but the story was hard to follow in many ways. I do not think the book lacks because of any particular skill missing from the author, but maybe just a book that should be left in its original form.
carla20's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nice adaptation. some of the chapters caught off abruptly and it felt incomplete in some parts, but is still enjoyable if you want to revisit the story in a different format. i wouldn’t recommend this as your first read of The Great Gatsby.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Murder, and Suicide
loupyca's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kablecar's review against another edition
reflective
sad
2.5
I don't think I like the novel enough or remember it well enough to appreciate this book. Some of the transitions/storylines were hard to follow if you don't know the story well.