It’s a classic and it’s one of the most recommended books. The Great Gatsby. It is also called the great American novel. This is my fifth book of the year. I was a little skeptical about this book as I read a string of disappointing popular books lately. But looking at the book, I was a little relieved cause it’s just a book of 164 pages. I thought, good or bad, it will be quick.
These were the initial thoughts but I didn’t want to start a book with a judgemental mind. So, I cleared my mind and began reading it. I read the first paragraph and felt I might like this book. But who am I kidding, I thought just the same way for Norwegian Wood and it turned out to be something else.
Oh-oh, no judgments, please.
‘The Great Gatsby’ Book Blurb:
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book stands as the supreme achievement of his career. This exemplary novel of the Jazz Age has been acclaimed by generations of readers. The story is of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his new love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. It is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s. The Great Gatsby is one of the great classics of twentieth-century literature.
The parties at Jay Gatsby’s Long Island mansion are legendarily glamorous affairs. Yet, amid the throng of guests, starlets, and champagne waiters, their host seems oddly aloof. For there is only one person Gatsby seeks to impress. She is Daisy Buchanan.
Review:
Although it is not as old as Frankenstein, The Great Gatsby is also a hundred years old book when people used to love describing every minute detail. So much it felt boring at some points. But the language isn’t as medieval as in Frankenstein. Still, it’s somehow hard to read continuously. I needed intervals for every few pages. I thought I could finish this one in just a day or two as it has only 164 pages, but it took me longer than two days. A very slow read, indeed.
The story is fine. It goes slowly and I think after around 60 or 70 pages it gets a little interesting. I had mixed feelings about this Gatsby’s character but at the end of the book, I pitied him and he felt real. I love it when fictional characters seem real. It’s a sign that the author did a good job of creating such a character. Throughout the book, the climax is where I engrossed the most in the story.
The story engrossed me at some points and then again felt the lag at some other. Finally, yes, I liked the book but I did not love it. If someone comes to me and says “I like classics, recommend me a book”, I’m going to suggest The Great Gatsby for now.
Basically, I’m a fast reader so I felt a bit impatient while reading it but if you can be a little patient with this book, I guess you could enjoy it.
Plus:
- The beginning
- The ending
- Gatsby’s character.
Minus:
- There was lag at some points.
- Rather a slow book to read.
Rating:
2.5 out of 5
I would recommend it to someone who enjoys reading classics. Since maybe I’m not that someone I did not enjoy this as much. Although I’m not saying it’s bad. But if you are a fan of classics, you might enjoy this book.
That’s all for now. My next read is going to be “The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern”. I am pretty excited about this book, let’s see how it goes.
I’ll see you soon again with another book review. Leave a comment down below and let me know any books that you enjoyed.
Hasta Luego, Amigos!
Lots of LOVE,
Nikki.
(Penname: Sarvani)
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