Scan barcode
A review by hayleybeale
The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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.