A review by claudcloud
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

Beautiful, beautiful writing, that shines when coupled with the atmosphere of Gatsby and the 1920s and renders it all the more vivid than the original, while still paying tribute to its themes and critiques of high society. Jordan and the exploration of what it meant to live through those times not only being queer, but also foreign, broadened the scope of the book immensely and added a much-needed level of depth that Fitzgerald perhaps failed to capture - however, I wanted this exploration to be even more incisive, to be relentless and cut right to the quick of America's rottenness. That, coupled with the magical realism elements that felt all too quick and never reasoned enough, made this book a wonderful experience, but which also felt lacking in some ways.

With all that being said, though, Nghi Vo is an incredible talent without a shadow of a doubt, and I very much look forward to reading more of her works!