The 1700-1939 Book Club! discussion

This is for the discussion of The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Sorry this is late!

I just got the book from the library and read the first couple of chapters. Very good beginning.

Diane wrote: "I just got the book from the library and read the first couple of chapters. Very good beginning."

Great! I need to start this weekend!

Well, right now I feel as though I have a hangover and never want to see read about booze again.
Onward to the next chapter. Do they sober up and join the real world? Or do they crash and burn?

This was one of the first of Scott's books I read when I went in pursuit of his career. I remember it as a sort of 'middling' effort. It was executed capably, but the overall idea behind the story seemed a little shopworn.

To me, it read as a somewhat sophomoric effort. Of course it is better by far than his first title, 'This Side of Paradise' which was near- unreadable. Ivory-tower stuff (not enough plot). But maybe his effort here, errs in the wrong direction.

This novel swings drastically towards melodrama. Too *much* plot. It doesn't really enhance his overall reputation. In terms of narrative, it's a simple pot-boiler, a tawdry domestic episode. Solid storytelling; but I found no pyrotechnics such as in the sister-titles of his which flank it.

That being said, I can add (by way of compensation) that I remember this book very fondly. It was a pleasure to read. If FSF had done nothing other than 'this kind of novel' he would be reckoned a fine American author--say, a predecessor to John O'Hara and Louis Auchincloss.

Make no mistake. It's a 'fun' novel; its a portrait of 1920s high-living; its well-paced and has an incredibly rousing finish. Still, it seems odd to even count it as a Scott Fitzgerald novel because all Scott's other books/stories are so rich in poetic imagery. This is the one effort from him which 'doesn't seem to fit the canon'.

The artistry in this case, is all in the book's use of allegory--unabashed, unmistakable, and even a little obvious at times. Allegory all over the place. Overall, a decent read--but merely a herald of much greater things to come in Jay Gatsby and Dick Diver.

By the way, there is currently a massive and extraordinary controversy swirling around Scott Fitzgerald here on Goodreads. A real witches' brew. All about 'Gatsby' though, not this title. Anyone seeking spleen can find it aplenty on the Goodreads 'Gatsby pages' (discussion pages).

Feliks wrote: "By the way, there is currently a massive and extraordinary controversy swirling around Scott Fitzgerald here on Goodreads. A real witches' brew. All about 'Gatsby' though, not this title. Anyone se..."

Good to know! :)

Diane wrote: "Do they sober up and join the real world? Or do they crash and burn?"

Ouch. This is a pretty poor view of alcoholism! :D

This was an unrelentingly sad book and with a totally pathetic ending. In a curious way, I liked it though, or will when I've finished with AA.

Feliks wrote: "The artistry in this case, is all in the book's use of allegory--unabashed, unmistakable, and even a little obvious at times. Allegory all over the place ..."

The allegories apparently went right over my head. Would you give me some examples?

Sure. A joke I like to make is: how many characters in the novel are named Adam? lol

Anyway I agree the ending was pathetic and abrupt but at least it had some excitement to it; which was what the moribund tale sorta needed. The book was sad, too--I'd forgotten. Or maybe I like sad books, so it didn't strike me as awry.

When I wrote that the ending was pathetic, I was actually thinking of Anthony and Gloria. I thought ending perfect and in keeping with the character of the book. I like the book more the longer I'm away from it and a year from now may upgrade it to four stars.
My definition of a classic is if it still resonates years after I read it. Other books that I thought wonderful at the time of reading, ix months later I can't even remember the basic plot. I suspect that this is one that will remain. But we will see, maybe not.

Jamie wrote: "Diane wrote: "I just got the book from the library and read the first couple of chapters. Very good beginning."

Great! I need to start this weekend!"

Jamie, are you still with us? I wonder what happened to all those who voted for this book. Weren't there around nineteen voters?

I'm a slacker, I started an online class this month and 3 other group reads. I have the book, just haven't gotten to it yet.

I'm one of your missing voters. I read the book a few years ago, and really intended to re-read it this month. I bought a copy at the second-hand book store. It's sitting on the little table next to my recliner. But as so often happens, other things got in the way.
I remember liking the book, though it wasn't Fitzgerald's best.
Back when I read it before, I did highlight on my Kindle one sentence I particularly liked. (I have frustrated writers in my family.)

"Anthony was glad he wasn't going to work on his book. The notion of sitting down and conjuring up, not only words in which to clothe thoughts but thoughts worthy of being clothed--the whole thing was absurdly beyond his desires." (From p. 20 of whatever edition that was.)

I read this one a year ago and adored the writing!

Casceil wrote: "Anthony was glad he wasn't going to work on his book. The notion of sitting down and conjuring up, not only words in which to clothe thoughts but thoughts worthy of being clothed--the whole thing was absurdly beyond his desires."

I like that too. It pretty much sums up Anthony's entire life.

What a sad waste of lives - he writes beautifully, but I find this book so depressing. It seems so auto biographical. Fitzgerald must have been writing about his marriage to Zelda, the love of his life. But if he was aware enough of their problems to write a book, why couldn't he help himself?

Fitzgerald struggled to bring in money most of his career. He wrote a lot of short stories because they brought in cash on a regular basis. I think part of why he couldn't help himself had to do with this constant worry. And, of course, he was an alcoholic.

Diane wrote: "Jamie wrote: "Diane wrote: "I just got the book from the library and read the first couple of chapters. Very good beginning."

Great! I need to start this weekend!"

Jamie, are you still with us? I..."

Haha! I'm still here. I have a hard time reading these days but I'm working on setting aside time. At my last job I was able to read but life has changed. I've started the book but I'm not very far in. Once I get into the story I'll be able to get through the book faster and participate more! So sorry guys! Keep the discussion up!

Terry wrote: "I'm a slacker, I started an online class this month and 3 other group reads. I have the book, just haven't gotten to it yet."

I'm a slacker too! And I haven't even started school yet! I'm planning on going back to get my master's degree.

Casceil wrote: "I'm one of your missing voters. I read the book a few years ago, and really intended to re-read it this month. I bought a copy at the second-hand book store. It's sitting on the little table next t..."

I liked that line also!

Jamie wrote: "Terry wrote: "I'm a slacker, I started an online class this month and 3 other group reads. I have the book, just haven't gotten to it yet."

I'm a slacker too! And I haven't even started school yet..."

Jamie, what will your degree be in? Working full time, going to school, and reading for pleasure will be difficult. Been there, done that.

Diane wrote: "Jamie wrote: "Terry wrote: "I'm a slacker, I started an online class this month and 3 other group reads. I have the book, just haven't gotten to it yet."

I'm a slacker too! And I haven't even star..."

Elementary Education :)

Is there a poll up for the March read?

Is there a poll up for the March read?