LoveReading Says
August 2011 Guest Editor Deborah Lawrenson on F Scott Fitzgerald...
F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is so full of exquisite prose it’s like being glutted on champagne and diamonds and fluttering silk. And it’s the contrast between the glittering words, and the lost illusions and tawdry underside of the American Dream in the 1920s that makes this such a poignant read. That and the best closing lines of any novel, ever.
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One of Giles Coren's favourite books.
A classic that captures the mood of the 1920's, the time after the great War when life was for living. Gatsby in pursuing the 'American Dream' finds, with devastating consequences, that money may not be the route to happiness.
November 2009 Guest Editor Katie Agnew on F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
Whenever I'm asked what my favourite book of all time is I never hesitate - 'The Great Gatsby'. For me there's no contest. I first read this novel at school and I've re-read it every couple of years since. I'm obsessed with it - Fitzgerald's flawless writing style, his painfully flawed characters, the deliciously decadent Jazz Age setting and, ah, that tragic ending. The story breaks my heart every time but like a moth to the flame, I can't help myself. I love it! I want to be in it! In fact, whenever I need a pseudonym, I use the name Jordan Buchanan, a character from 'The Great Gatsby'.
A survey recently named The Great Gatsby as one of the greatest fictional playboys of all time … click to find out more
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The Great Gatsby Synopsis
Experience The Great Gatsby like never before.
Part of the Contested Classics series, this insightful edition of The Great Gatsby uncovers the layers beneath its glamorous surface. Published in 1925, the novel is renowned for its portrayal of the Roaring Twenties and its exploration of themes such as the American Dream, love, and betrayal. This special edition illuminates why this celebrated masterpiece has also faced its share of controversy and challenges in the modern era.
Our editors provide a richer understanding of the text and its historical context with annotations throughout the text where the top reasons why The Great Gatsby has been banned or challenged.
- Language and Adult References: The book contains language and scenes that some have deemed inappropriate for students. This includes mild profanity and some adult references which were considered risqué, especially in the context of the time when the book was first published.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: The Great Gatsby portrays a lifestyle of lavish parties and excessive alcohol consumption during the Prohibition era. This depiction of alcohol use and the associated culture has been a point of contention.
- Moral Decadence and Materialism: Often criticized for its portrayal of the moral decadence and materialism of the 1920s, it paints a picture of a society obsessed with wealth and status, which some argue sets a bad example for students.
- Depictions of Violence: There are instances of violence in the novel, including domestic violence and a car accident resulting in death. These scenes have been cited as reasons for the book being challenged or banned.
This edition of The Great Gatsby offers a comprehensive exploration of both the allure and the controversies of Fitzgerald's iconic work, making it an invaluable addition for readers seeking to understand the novel in the context of contemporary debates and societal reflections.
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