The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott-Fitzgerald

Plot:

Narrator Nick Carroway, a well off young man, moves to the new money neighbourhood of West Egg where he resides adjacent to the mansion of the illusive Gatsby. Night after night, extravagant parties are thrown there, drawing in people of all sorts, yet not one of them knows who Gatsby is or what secrets he hides. The story takes a turn when an old love is rekindled but these star-crossed lovers begin to feel the weight of their reality.

My Thoughts:

I selected the Great Gatsby because I had heard many good things about it from numerous people and was interested in reading a classic. This novel didn’t disappoint! Anyone from grade 10 and up could easily read this despite the slight change in language due to the settings taking place in the roaring 20’s. I found the author, F. Scott-Fitzgerald, to be an eloquent writer who used themes that almost mirror those in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. There are many similarities between these heartbreaking love stories in that forbidden romances both flourish and die fleetingly, leaving behind an irreparable mess. Fitzgerald’s use of writing techniques such as emphasis of sensory details and his insightful foreshadowing allows the reader to see beneath the surface of the story. By diving deeply into each character's distinct personality Fitzgerald was able to highlight every strength and every flaw. His accentuation of many of the characters flaws made for a more interesting and dynamic read. The connections between this novel and the wildly popular Romeo and Juliet allows this novel to appeal to many audiences, especially teens.

I highly recommend this novel and hope others will enjoy as much as I did. I would give this book a 8/10. Enjoy!

reviewed by M.L., Grade 10 Scona student