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Summary: The Cornerstone of American Literature
Review: Fitzgerald's most notable work, "The Great Gatsby" defined a generation; that of the Jazz Age (1920's upper-crust America). Told in first-person through the young, middle-class metaphor Nick Carraway, the story has one of the most overarching themes I have ever encountered. On one level a tragic love triangle between Daisy Buchanan, Tom Miller, and Jay Gatsby. On another, it tells the story of New York's middle- and upper-classes, and the aftereffects of a lavish lifestyle on both societies.The narrative unfolds in a straightforward manner, and the language is beautiful, the prose intricately crafted with the care of a master gardener. The novel also touches briefly on the theme of war as well; Gatsby returns to find his idea of feminine perfection, Daisy, has married the bellicose Tom Buchanan. Gatsby becomes infatuated with the acquisition of wealth, material possessions and appearances the centerpoint of his existence. Which makes his ending all the more powerful; in the end, Gatsby is undone by his greed and egocentrism. There is much, much more to the book--including the character of Jordan Baker, the significance of Gatsby's surname, and Meyer Wolfsheim--but there is not nearly enough space to discuss this masterpiece of American Literature. Yes, it has been the hallmark of high school English classes, but that should not be it's grave; indeed, it is the foundation of modern literature and the defining moment for an entire generation.
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Summary: Undeniably Great
Review: A librarian, from Mount Vernon: In THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald, we are presented with an extremely flawed, frequently loathsome cast of characters. Tom is morally repulsive, Daisy is obnoxiously self-absorbed, Jordan comes off as vindictive, and even Nick has a few moments of pomposity here and there. In fact, Gatsby, while perhaps a bit pathetic, ends up being the character who least elicits our scorn at the end. And yet ironically, it is he and another relatively innocent character, Wilson, who end up dead. Fitzgerald therefore leaves us with this depressing message: Gatsby is an admirable, romantic figure for believing so long in one dream, but ultimately, this immoral, ever-changing world has no room for dreamers like him. This book is a masterpiece, and Gatsby is perhaps the quintessential tragic hero in modern American literature. I challenge anyone to come to the conclusion of the book, and then say that the plight of Jay Gatbsy did not move them in the slightest, because that person would be lying. Another recommended novel: THE LOSERS' CLUB by Richard Perez
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Summary: sweet yo
Review: This was a good book that was short and that was pretty cool. long books annoy me. It told the story of jay gatsby, a man who had everything he wanted except his love of five year ago, Daisy Buchannan, who now is married to Tom Buchanan, who hates Gatsby. Eventually Gatsby is shot by a man who thinks gatsby killed his wife. ... Go read it. ...
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Summary: A True Classic
Review: "The Great Gatsby" is a story full of sound and fury ultimately signifying everything about life in the 20's. A tall full of suprises that make the mind wonder if a novel was ever supposed to be this good. Truly a classic work in every respect of the word.
I have read very few books that match "The Great Gatsby's" immaculate construction and storyline.
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Summary: student review
Review: The novel critizes many of the themes and trends of the 1920s.The main character is a self-made man but, he giained his money through bootlegging, he is also extremely materialsitc. One of the themes in the novel that material possessions cannot equal the love a person. This book was an excellent social commentary of the roaing 1920s.Fitzgerald used frequent symbolism and complex language but, he kept the book simple enough to be easily enjoyed.
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Summary: I suppose it's great
Review: Life in the 1920s. although it may seem wonderful, was unfulfilling. In the Great Gatsby, follow Nick Carraway and discover the dramatic stories of great and not so great individuals. No book ever has shown you such a reality of twenties life behind the limelight.
This book was in my mind worth reading the 200 some odd pages. This story is not a happy happy book that many books are and chooses the reality approach. This book is definatley worth the hour it takes to read. ...
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Summary: The Great Gatsby
Review: The book, The Great Gatsby, is about a man, Jay Gatsby who embodies the very essence of the decade known as the Roaring Twenties. A wealthy man, obsessed with material possessions, Gatsby is convinced that through these he can obtain happiness, and more importantly, the heart of the woman he loves. He finds however, that his wealth and possessions can do nothing to give him personal fulfillment, and that they are of no worth in the end.
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Summary: A Timeless Question
Review: The Great Gatsby is the story of a man who, in a fairy tale manner, went from rags to riches, just in time for the roaring twenties to begin. This story explores his newly found riches and contemplates the still controversial question, "What truly makes a person happy and successful?" This book drew me into a time and place I had never experienced before; the center of rich, lavish, 1920's New York City. I was given a close look at the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Thought it was written 80 years ago, I realized I could relate to the characters--their lifestyles and personalities are still applicable to life in America today. This book speaks to the reader, allowing them to feel the same emotions the narrarator is feeling, experience the same events the narrarator is. The descriptions made me feel as if I were there, in the midst of the wild New York City life. The Great Gatsby is a different, ingenius, dramatic tale sure to appeal to most anyone.
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Summary: The amazing Great Gatsby
Review: The Great Gatsby is a captivating novel depicting the lavish lifestyle of the 1920s. The novel follows, protagonist, Jay Gatsby, through [illegal activity] and high society in his quest to regain a past love. Experience the trials and tribulations when people become absorbed in material possessions, while searching for fulfillment. Fitsgerald's description of society gave a greater understanding to the "Jazz" age and the "glitz" in wealth during this period in American History. The life of pretending that Jay Gatsby portayed, allowed me to walk away asking myself, "What truly makes me happy and would I ever be willing to sacrifce true self and honesty for what I desire?"
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Summary: A classic love story with a twist....
Review: Glamour, glitze, romance, sin, and tragedy: The Great Gatsby. A novel of great portrayal of the Jazz Age, where a mysterious man holds parties he does not attend, and fixates his attention on his life-long love. Whether or not he can win her love again, only time can tell... This novel is rich in description of the 1920's, and it will grip you from start to finish. Fitzgerald truly did a great job with this one, and it's twists will surely please you.
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