“He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced–or seemed to face–the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.”
I feel like I read this book at the right time or the right age. Because I would not have been able to appreciate it completely two or three years ago, requires a certain level of maturity, I guess. I have not been as surprised, amazed and overwhelmed by a book before. Never have I had to ponder so much or align my incoherent thoughts before framing a review. I’m absolutely in love with everything that this book is, or more accurately, everything that I’ve gathered from it.
The Plot centers around the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his obstinate dream to find his way back into the heart of the beautiful-Daisy Buchanan, whose voice ‘is full of money’ But is it just about that? eh, no. The Great Gatsby is a book centered around a fickle and vapid society with loose morals and meaningless lives. It is about dreams, disillusionment, and the shameful tragedy revolving around the same. Surprisingly, none of the characters are likable, or decent in its true sense except maybe Nick Carraway, the narrator of the story and the neighbor to Jay Gatsby. It has flawed characters and a magnificent story, with no bounds to its depth. Fitzgerald’s writing makes me want to stare at the moon all night, it is so frickin beautiful. It contains some of the most gorgeous prose I’ve come across in English Literature.
“Through all he said, even through his appalling sentimentality, I was reminded of something—an elusive rhythm, a fragment of lost words, that I had heard somewhere a long time ago. For a moment a phrase tried to take shape in my mouth and my lips parted like a dumb man’s, as though there was more struggling upon them than a wisp of startled air. But they made no sound, and what I had almost remembered was uncommunicable forever.”
Although problematic, Gatsby was my favorite character. Maybe because he didn’t acquire wealth to delve in the luxuries of life, or maybe because he was just a poor sweetheart on a fruitless quest for love. He was charismatic, unique and believed one could repeat the past. He threw lavish parties but was never seen anywhere in it, he owned a grand house but had never used his own pool..um..technically? But most of all, I found him relatable. Yes, The Great Gatsby was written exploring the Jazz age and in the context of the ‘American Dream’, But is the general theme still not as relevant today? This piece of fiction was like a slap on the face, which wore away the deception of foolish dreams and introduced me to the real world, where even enormous wealth and ‘success’ amounts to only loneliness in the end. **
**Thank you for the rec. Chammu XD
Personally, I find the comparison of this book to Wuthering Heights unflattering, due to my extreme dislike for the latter. No doubt, I’ve discovered another book to add to my favorites list. I strongly recommend it. I understand that classics can be intimidating and boring but The Great Gatsby is short, crisp and has the most impactful and luscious closing lines.
“Gatsby believed in the green light…”
Awesome review! The Great Gatsby is one of my all time favourite classics. How can you not like Gatsby? haha!
Have you seen The Great Gatsby movie that you used the gif from? I LOVEEEEE it so much. I thought it was a perfect adaptation.
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Thank you ❤ Noo, I haven’t. I’m planning to real soon. Heard great things about it 😍
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Hope you enjoy it! 😁
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This is one of my absolute favourite books. I’m so glad you enjoyed.
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Yes, I loved it so much 😍❤
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I’m so pleased!! X
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A lovely review, Anushka. I read this one a very, very long time ago – but I do recall the fabulous prose. Though I did find it a bit of a problem that I didn’t really like any of the characters very much – but you’re right. This critique on the society of the time is both beautiful and thought-provoking…
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Thank you ❤❤ Yes, It is a book hard to like especially because of the characters, but I still love it so much. X. And yes it is very thought provoking!
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YAAAAAS THE GREAT GATSBY FOR THE WIN!! The writing had me flat right from the first page. Oh and do watch the movie! You’ll love it!
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YESSSS. so beautiful ☀☀ oh I’m watching it tomorrow or today night. I’m sure I’ll love it , will let you know X🌸
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Beautiful ❤️❤️
I’m reading it because of your review.🙇
You still haven’t answered me though.
Gatsby or shatter me?😝
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Warner.
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Ahhh The Great Gatsby has been on my TBR for the longest time ever! I really need to read it soon. 🙈
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Yesss, it’s really a good book 🙈😻 and I hope you like it ❤
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I’m glad to hear you enjoyed that one so much! I’ve heard a lot about it overall and even if I don’t read many classics, I’m looking forward to trying this one out someday 🙂 x
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Yes, I hope you doo ❤❤🙈
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