#53 The Great Gatsby, by F Scott Fitzgerald (Penguin Group)

Remember when I stayed in a hotel room next to one which was famously used by the man who inspired the character of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby (if not, click here)? Good. You’ll therefore also recall I vowed to read F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic as part of this year-long challenge – and I’m glad I did.

There are some similarities between Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the last book I read, and The Great Gatsby. Both are considered to be among the greatest works of American literature, both are set in and around New York, both feature particularly memorable main characters (Holly Golightly and Gatsby respectively) and, in both books, the tale is told by a dispassionate narrator who gradually enters their world and is fascinated by them and their behaviour.

In truth, it’s hard to compete with Holly Golightly the character, but F Scott Fitzgerald has arguably created a better story in The Great Gatsby, the tale of a wealthy enigma who hosts the greatest parties ever held, but who doesn’t enjoy them himself and barely even knows any of the guests. For all the parties, the grand gestures and the frivolity, there is a sadness and melancholy within the pages as Gatsby attempts to reconnect with a long lost love. This is also demonstrated by the unhappiness of most of the characters, who are having affairs, arguing or struggling to get on in life.

Having grown to know Gatsby, and then grown to like him despite his clearly murky past, the denouement comes as a shock, but continues the sad theme and lament to lost love. If it’s a happy ending you’re after, look elsewhere, but if you prefer rewarding reads, look no further.

Oh, and you can read what the Friend of the Wench (whose copy I borrowed, incidentally) made of it all here.

So, rating time:

#53 The Great Gatsby, by F Scott Fitzgerald (Penguin Group) - 8/10

Next up: It’s Only a Movie, by Mark Kermode (Random House)

Click here for the full list of books so far, and their rating