The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby cover
Good Books rating 4.24
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £3.50–£18.00 Hardback • £7.99–£70.99
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  • ID: 36
  • Added: 2025-08-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9788726644289
  • Publisher: Lindhardt og Ringhof
  • Published: 2024-01-04
  • Formats: 1258
  • Reviews: 4

Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald captures the essence of an era defined by opulence and excess. The novel follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who hosts lavish parties at his Long Island mansion, drawing the bright young things of New York. His new neighbor, Nick Carraway, becomes entangled in Gatsby's world, uncovering the tragic truth behind his relentless pursuit of the American Dream and his unrequited love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald's masterpiece is not just a tale of love and longing but also a critique of the era's moral decay and the illusion of the American Dream. The novel's vivid imagery and rich symbolism, combined with Fitzgerald's own experiences as a prominent socialite, offer a poignant exploration of wealth, ambition, and the price of obsession.

Reviews
This Splendid Shambles · 2025-09-03
engaging 4.00

The novel is thoroughly enjoyed and recommended for its vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age and insightful first-person narration.

The reviewer found The Great Gatsby to be a thoroughly enjoyable read, recommending it for capturing the essence of the early 1920s. They appreciated the first-person perspective of Nick Carraway, which adds a personal and reflective tone to the story, enriching the reader's connection to the themes of ambition, love, and social change during the Jazz Age.

Quick quotes

    I thoroughly enjoyed The Great Gatsby, and recommend it.

    Set in the early 1920s, and written in the first person from the perspective of Nick Carraway.

    It has a vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age.

Amazon UK · 2025-09-03
admiring 4.40

The novel is adored as a classic favorite that is reread multiple times, admired for its enduring appeal and literary significance.

This review expresses deep affection for The Great Gatsby, describing it as a timeless classic that readers return to repeatedly. The reviewer recalls studying it for A-level English and falling in love with Fitzgerald's style and themes, emphasizing the novel's ability to resonate across generations as a quintessential piece of modern classic literature.

Quick quotes

    I adore The Great Gatsby, it's my favourite classic which I could read again and again.

    I first read this when I studied it for my A-level English and I fell in love.

    It is a quintessential modern classic.

High Tide · 2022-10-06
critical 4.25

This novel critiques the 1920s American Dream through Gatsby’s obsessive love and tragic downfall. It portrays the era’s fragmented relationships and societal flaws with sharp social commentary.

The review highlights Gatsby as a symbol of the flawed American Dream, emphasizing his obsessive pursuit of love and wealth that ultimately leads to tragedy. The reviewer appreciates Fitzgerald’s critique of the Roaring Twenties, focusing on themes of illusion, obsession, and the social fragmentation that defines the characters’ lives. This perspective underscores the novel’s role as both a romantic tragedy and a cultural critique.

Quick quotes

    Gatsby represents the fallacy of the American Dream.

    This novel presents a case of fragmented love and obsession, a critique of the 1920s.

    Fitzgerald exposes the social decay behind the glittering façade of the Jazz Age.

The Telegraph · 2022-09-27
insightful 4.30

The book is praised for its beautiful writing and insightful narration by Nick Carraway, who observes the complex romance and societal interactions.

This review highlights the novel's exquisite prose and the compelling perspective of Nick Carraway, the narrator who offers a clear yet nuanced view of Jay Gatsby's tragic romance with Daisy Buchanan. The story's strength lies not merely in its plot but in Fitzgerald's ability to depict human flaws and desires realistically, making the characters and their interactions deeply engaging and memorable.

Quick quotes

    The Great Gatsby is a beautifully written book.

    The story is told by Nick Carraway, he observes the romance between his cousin Daisy Buchannan and Jay Gatsby.

    It is a fitting portrayal of humanity.

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