jenniferdmle

Just finished The Great Gatsby and I don't see what all the fuss is about. There are some impressive turns of phrase, some nice symbolic elements, and an agreeably detached first-person narrator, but I don't think it hangs together. It's also rather parochial. Who really cares about the difference between Midwestern and Atlantic American sensibilities? Is the exploding of a national myth (the American dream) really of interest to readers in London, Paris or Beijing? I don't think this book aims high enough to deserve its current status. I would be amazed if it were still considered classic in 100 years time. The set-up promises more than is delivered in the end...which may be the American way, but shouldn't be the way of the so called great American novel. Maybe my expectaions were too high, and I don't think it's a bad book at all. I just don't think it's great.

2022-11-14 16:01