The July Book Club read was the movie of moment The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald.
The variety of book covers is a dead give away of just how popular this book is, although I couldn't find an image for the cover of my book which I borrowed from a friend who bought it over from Ireland.
The variety of book covers is a dead give away of just how popular this book is, although I couldn't find an image for the cover of my book which I borrowed from a friend who bought it over from Ireland.
The Great Gatsby is a story based in the 1920s in New York City after the war. The main character Nick moves to NYC and lives next door to the wealthy and much talked about Jay Gatsby who is mostly known for his wild parties and other unfounded rumours that surround the rich and famous. The story is based around Nick and a group of young men and women he meets and their life and love affairs.
I had to really try to envisioned how it must have been in those times because the book didn't describe in enough detail to paint a proper picture of the characters and the story. I never felt a full connection and bond with Nick or the other characters and I found the affairs and stories hard to follow and the attempt at a love story lacklustre and unconvincing.
I think because of all the hype with this book being made into a movie I expected more from it and was left quite disappointed.
I recommend this book to American history enthusiasts in particular the 1920s and 1930s era.
I think because of all the hype with this book being made into a movie I expected more from it and was left quite disappointed.
I recommend this book to American history enthusiasts in particular the 1920s and 1930s era.
I give this book 2 stars
Jarrah Jungle's Star Rating:
1 Bad - I'd rather eat brussel sprouts topped with anchovies
than read this again
2 Not Good - I'd rather watch re-runs of Neighbours than read this again
3 Ok - I'm sitting on the fence - its not great but not terrible either
4 Good - I'd pass up a pack of tim tams for this read
5 Great - I'd pass up a date with Johnny Depp for this read
2 Not Good - I'd rather watch re-runs of Neighbours than read this again
3 Ok - I'm sitting on the fence - its not great but not terrible either
4 Good - I'd pass up a pack of tim tams for this read
5 Great - I'd pass up a date with Johnny Depp for this read
[Image via The Library Thing - Book can be purchased at Random House Australia]
I did not realize this book had so many covers... wow!
ReplyDeleteIt always facinates me how many different covers are made for books, at book club we all put our books on the table and often there are no 2 covers the same!
DeleteThat was on my list to read...maybe I'll put it farther down the list!
ReplyDeleteI do feel a bit bad not scoring it higher but I need to be honest! Id definatley read something else first :)
DeleteI got a free e-book when the movie came out but have struggled to get into it! I'm with you 100% in that it doesn't paint a clear enough picture!
ReplyDeleteI've never thought about the perspective of a non-American reading this book--it makes sense that there's not enough background given! In American schools, the book is required reading in high school, and you typically get DRILLED with history that made up the American 1920s. Fitzgerald wrote about his world and is known as the master of capturing the mood, feel, and attitudes of the 20s flawlessly (I LOVE reading his collection of short stories), BUT you're right--he doesn't give any historical/setting detail. He wrote for a 1920s audience, and left out important notes for any audience outside that time period and outside his country. I've never thought about it that way before! Totally sheds new light on it :]
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorites, despite being an affair story and I usually dislike those. I guess I just like the mood of it, or something, and I love Gatsby. He's just charming and full of mystery.
Thanks for the review!
That makes so much more sense to me now that its because Im Australian and dont know the American history. Now I dont feel so silly for not loving it like the rest of the world seems to! Thanks Sarah and I agree I did like Gatsby he was my favourite character from the book :)
DeleteI bought the book after watching the movie but still haven't had time to read it yet. I've read Fitzgerald's tender is the night and thought it was a pretty good read though. I hope this one won't disappoint.
ReplyDeleteIf you're familiar with the author that usually helps as you know their writing style. And if you've seen the movie I'd say you will definately follow the book a lot better, as I havent seen the movie I was going in completely blind and just didnt feel the book gave enough.
DeleteI seem to recall reading it as a kid. Perhaps I had to read it at school? Only vague recollections. I seem to recall at the time that Neighbours was a much better option ...
ReplyDeleteLeanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
We didnt read this one although if we did maybe I may have liked it more - we were given Ernest Hemmingway!
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