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tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
5.0
This book has so much, ideas about Fitzgerald and the complications of his life, glimpses into a complicated love, exploration of friendship, nurturing and healing, both of self and of someone loved. I really loved it, the way it was told, the authentic voice and how the historical setting felt so natural. I will read this author again.
utahmomreads's review against another edition
3.0
Read my review here : http://utahmomslife.blogspot.com/2013/04/call-me-zelda-book-review.html
mslenakay's review against another edition
4.0
I read this shortly after reading [b:Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|15994634|Z A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|Therese Anne Fowler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360236506s/15994634.jpg|21763986] so I found it very interesting to compare these two different views of Zelda Fitzgerald's life, though they were both fictional.
In [b:Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|15994634|Z A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|Therese Anne Fowler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360236506s/15994634.jpg|21763986] the story is told from Zelda's point of view and it covers the "good years" (the parties and the fame) and goes into the painful years, but not quite as much. It focuses a lot on Scott meeting, courting, then marrying Zelda, as well as the period of time when he tries to make a name for himself, living in New York and Paris. This book is from a nurse's perspective, who worked for the Fitzgeralds after the "good years", when Zelda was admitted into psychiatric care. Although I did like the book I didn't like it as much as the other books I've read about these people and the Roaring Twenties, mostly because I don't like just how painful this time seemed. After reading "Z" I came out thinking that they weren't good together and both needed help, but reading this only increased that thought. It was almost painful to read about this period in their lives, which I suppose is a good thing in a way, because the author was trying to show how painful it must have been for Zelda to live through.
While I did find it painful to read I'm really happy that the author managed to explain mental illness in an understanding and sensitive light that not only wouldn't have existed then, but still doesn't to this day. She could have easily been insensitive about this and gotten away with it because of the period she was writing about, but she didn't and I really appreciated that.
Great read over all. My only other comment is that I suggest others not read this unless they have read other books about Zelda Fitzgerald first. Some of the background information would have been really lost on me had I not read [b:Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|15994634|Z A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|Therese Anne Fowler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360236506s/15994634.jpg|21763986].
In [b:Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|15994634|Z A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|Therese Anne Fowler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360236506s/15994634.jpg|21763986] the story is told from Zelda's point of view and it covers the "good years" (the parties and the fame) and goes into the painful years, but not quite as much. It focuses a lot on Scott meeting, courting, then marrying Zelda, as well as the period of time when he tries to make a name for himself, living in New York and Paris. This book is from a nurse's perspective, who worked for the Fitzgeralds after the "good years", when Zelda was admitted into psychiatric care. Although I did like the book I didn't like it as much as the other books I've read about these people and the Roaring Twenties, mostly because I don't like just how painful this time seemed. After reading "Z" I came out thinking that they weren't good together and both needed help, but reading this only increased that thought. It was almost painful to read about this period in their lives, which I suppose is a good thing in a way, because the author was trying to show how painful it must have been for Zelda to live through.
While I did find it painful to read I'm really happy that the author managed to explain mental illness in an understanding and sensitive light that not only wouldn't have existed then, but still doesn't to this day. She could have easily been insensitive about this and gotten away with it because of the period she was writing about, but she didn't and I really appreciated that.
Great read over all. My only other comment is that I suggest others not read this unless they have read other books about Zelda Fitzgerald first. Some of the background information would have been really lost on me had I not read [b:Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|15994634|Z A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|Therese Anne Fowler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360236506s/15994634.jpg|21763986].
gwen_pageturner's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book if you are interested in "the woman behind the man" stories or if you have read any of [a:F. Scott Fitzgerald|3190|F. Scott Fitzgerald|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517864008p2/3190.jpg]'s works.
An fictionalized look at one of history's most famous flappers and the potential aftermath of living in someone's shadow. I have yet to read any stories by Fitzgerald, but I'm glad that I now have another perspective for when I do
An fictionalized look at one of history's most famous flappers and the potential aftermath of living in someone's shadow. I have yet to read any stories by Fitzgerald, but I'm glad that I now have another perspective for when I do
kanejim57's review against another edition
4.0
“”Art is a form of madness, I think,” he said.”
Spanning a time frame of just over 16 years Erika Robuck in her second novel, Call Me Zelda, creates a fascinating and multilevel narrative of one of American Literature’s most famous couples – F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Told through the voice of nurse Anna Howard Brennan, whose care of and friendship with Zelda spans sixteen years, it is a story of love and hate, art – both written and visual and business, of the unresolved past and the troubled present; mental illness and emotional resilience and terrible loss and tremendous gain.
It is also a story of two women – Fitzgerald and Anna, whose husband Ben is MIA after the First World War and whose daughter Katie, died in early childhood and how in helping the one, the other begins to find life again. Woven into the story line are a cast of supporting characters, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, who truly fill out the story.
Call Me Zelda blends historical fiction with elements of a supernatural thriller which adds to the book. It is interesting that the main setting of the novel takes place in Baltimore and with what I believe is a nod to Edgar Allen Poe, Robuck uses elements that reflects Poe such as fear and terror when describing Anna’s visit to a former Fitzgerald home that has fallen into disuse:
“When I reached the top of the stairs I saw it. A shadow slipped into the room down the hall. Everything in my body said to run, but instead I strode toward it and opened the door. I gasped when I saw what was inside.
A grand dollhouse nearly filled the room… I knew that Zelda had made it for Scottie… I photographed the dollhouse from every angle, overcome by the sheer enormity of Zelda’s expression of love for her daughter… But the bad thing in the house was back…I started walking swiftly from the room but felt the thing at my back and broke into a run down the stairs, through the hallway, through the kitchen, and out the back door of the house.”
Written with more of an edge than Hemingway’s Girl and more psychological in tone than her previous work; filled with symbolism that reflected Zelda’s troubled mind, the Fitzgerald’s troubled relationship, Anna’s troubled and painful past, and the trouble times of the 1930′s; Call Me Zelda is good fiction. I liked the book for its historical detail, good characterization, and rich narrative.
I rate Call Me Zelda a ‘very good’ read.
Note: I received an uncorrected proof of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for review. I was not required to write a positive review.
migimon2002's review against another edition
3.0
This story mixes a fictional character with literary figures of the past - specifically, in this case, with Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set mostly in the jazz age, of flappers and prohibition, this novel highlights how relationships can create both inspiration and devastation. I thought the novel was well written, although the "second act" seemed a bit hurried. This could, however, have been intentional on Robuck's part and it would be interesting to actually discuss a book like this with others. I have now read three novels centred around the lives of authors writing within this time period, and I find it fascinating. Pick up Call Me Zelda if you're looking for a quick read that has a little bit of everything (drama, heartache, history, literary references, mystery, music, and romance).
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
After finishing a stunning advanced reading copy of Erica Robuck’s upcoming THE HOUSE OF HAWTHORNE, a literary historical fiction of Nathaniel and Sophie Hawthorne (May 5, 2015)- highly recommend; as well as her collaboration of Grand Central Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion--found I had missed some of Robuck’s previous books, and quickly purchased them on audible.
CALL ME ZELDA, is a captivating multi-layered historic literary fiction, focusing on Anna Howard, a young nurse who connects with flapper, Zelda Fitzgerald--as her personal nurse and later management of the Fitzgerald household; Zelda, Scott, and daughter, Scottie.
Anna becomes an important part of their family, developing a deep personal connection with Zelda on many emotional levels. Anna has experienced a tragic past and has buried her life in her work. Her husband is still missing in action and her daughter died of tuberculosis. When Anna meets Zelda at the Phipps Psychiatric Clinic in Baltimore, in 1932, she wanted the best for Zelda and could quickly see her talents, and thought she may be able to get better, if she were moved to a more private setting with her encouragement.
Soon, Anna agrees to work for the Fitzgerald’s as Zelda’s personal nurse at the La Paix, their Baltimore mansion. Zelda, a girl from southern Alabama, is multi-talented – a ballet dancer, an artist, a writer, and complicated. Being married to Scott, a famous writer, always struggling with deadlines, financial woes, and creating the next story--has his own issues with alcohol, depression, and controls Zelda, even though he loves her. Anna, of course is a life saver for Scott, helping control Zelda’s energy, while Scott tries to write, always worried about Zelda's interference.
Zelda of course has mental illness issues, with constant ups and downs. Anna encourages her to write her stories; however, Zelda tells Anna she cannot show them to Scott, as he does not like her writing. From one house to another, from Baltimore to North Carolina, Anna desperately tries to protect Zelda and yearns for the happiness and love between this couple, while her own personal life has been so sad and unhappy. However, Anna may be able to find her happiness and a second chance.
Ah, Zelda, what is not to love about this talented, mysterious woman, as always have been fascinated with this literary couple, and love stories with different twists. Robuck cleverly adds another layer by adding Anna’s character with a different spin for a heartwarming and touching story.
While capturing the Fitzgerald’s turbulent marriage, and reliving some of their glamorous days from the Jazz Age to the Depression, from New York to Paris, and the journey, leading to the end of their lives-- A bittersweet complex story which combines a nurse who becomes Zelda’s best friend, and little does she know, Zelda in the end wants the best for Anna with two women bound by friendship, hope, love, tragedy and life.
I have read Beautiful Fools: The Last Affair of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald by R. Clifton Spargo, Therese Anne Fowler’s “Z”, a Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby and many others, with twists of Zelda. Each of course, is unique and different, so would encourage readers to experience each of them.
CALL ME ZELDA, a spellbinding story for historic and literary lovers, alike, will appreciate this compelling story, especially told by Robuck, as her passion for literary characters, is reflected throughout the pages as her characters come to life.
Listening to the audiobook, the narrator, Amy Landon delivers a soft pleasant voice, and definitely captured Zelda's southern charm. Looking forward to reading Hemingway's Girl .
CALL ME ZELDA, is a captivating multi-layered historic literary fiction, focusing on Anna Howard, a young nurse who connects with flapper, Zelda Fitzgerald--as her personal nurse and later management of the Fitzgerald household; Zelda, Scott, and daughter, Scottie.
Anna becomes an important part of their family, developing a deep personal connection with Zelda on many emotional levels. Anna has experienced a tragic past and has buried her life in her work. Her husband is still missing in action and her daughter died of tuberculosis. When Anna meets Zelda at the Phipps Psychiatric Clinic in Baltimore, in 1932, she wanted the best for Zelda and could quickly see her talents, and thought she may be able to get better, if she were moved to a more private setting with her encouragement.
Soon, Anna agrees to work for the Fitzgerald’s as Zelda’s personal nurse at the La Paix, their Baltimore mansion. Zelda, a girl from southern Alabama, is multi-talented – a ballet dancer, an artist, a writer, and complicated. Being married to Scott, a famous writer, always struggling with deadlines, financial woes, and creating the next story--has his own issues with alcohol, depression, and controls Zelda, even though he loves her. Anna, of course is a life saver for Scott, helping control Zelda’s energy, while Scott tries to write, always worried about Zelda's interference.
Zelda of course has mental illness issues, with constant ups and downs. Anna encourages her to write her stories; however, Zelda tells Anna she cannot show them to Scott, as he does not like her writing. From one house to another, from Baltimore to North Carolina, Anna desperately tries to protect Zelda and yearns for the happiness and love between this couple, while her own personal life has been so sad and unhappy. However, Anna may be able to find her happiness and a second chance.
Ah, Zelda, what is not to love about this talented, mysterious woman, as always have been fascinated with this literary couple, and love stories with different twists. Robuck cleverly adds another layer by adding Anna’s character with a different spin for a heartwarming and touching story.
While capturing the Fitzgerald’s turbulent marriage, and reliving some of their glamorous days from the Jazz Age to the Depression, from New York to Paris, and the journey, leading to the end of their lives-- A bittersweet complex story which combines a nurse who becomes Zelda’s best friend, and little does she know, Zelda in the end wants the best for Anna with two women bound by friendship, hope, love, tragedy and life.
I have read Beautiful Fools: The Last Affair of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald by R. Clifton Spargo, Therese Anne Fowler’s “Z”, a Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby and many others, with twists of Zelda. Each of course, is unique and different, so would encourage readers to experience each of them.
CALL ME ZELDA, a spellbinding story for historic and literary lovers, alike, will appreciate this compelling story, especially told by Robuck, as her passion for literary characters, is reflected throughout the pages as her characters come to life.
Listening to the audiobook, the narrator, Amy Landon delivers a soft pleasant voice, and definitely captured Zelda's southern charm. Looking forward to reading Hemingway's Girl .
libbyraebelle's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book. Surprised me, as I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Beautiful character development - I liked that the Fitzgeralds were secondary characters, with the fictional character of Anna being the primary protagonist. This allowed the author a little more freedom to not be entirely historically accurate, but still respectful to the people and the time period referenced. I will be adding Robuck's other books to my "to-read" list now.
dsbressette's review against another edition
5.0
I can't say enough good things about this book! It is historical fiction at its finest. I like how Robuck brought Zelda and Scott to life in such a real way. I liked the character/narrator of Anna and was just as interested in her story as I was in her telling of her time with Zelda and Scott. Amazing book! Next on to Hemingway's Girl....