(book review)

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the light of future happiness, which year after year became less and less achievable for us.”
— Francis Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

‘The Great Gatsby,’ Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous novel, depicts the lives of America’s elite in the jazz-filled, prohibition era of the 1920s. This work became a landmark in American literature, symbolizing the glamorous yet hollow life of the early 20th-century upper class.

The story is told through Nick Carraway, who arrives in New York to study banking while dreaming of a writer’s life. His mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby, hosts extravagant parties that captivate the local elite. Gatsby’s life is surrounded by rumors and suspicions of crime, but Nick learns the real reason behind these gatherings: five years earlier, Gatsby had fallen in love with Daisy, Nick’s third cousin, who chose a wealthier man. Now, Gatsby hopes to win her back by flaunting his success, wanting her to see what she missed.

This tale of love, betrayal, dreams, and disappointment weaves through the narrative, presented through symbols and hints that allow each reader to find personal meaning. Gatsby is a self-made man, yet tragically lonely despite his success. His deep love for Daisy ultimately leads to tragedy, impacting not just him but all people around.

Though the novel is celebrated as a masterpiece, some characters may feel “flat” or underdeveloped. Figures like Daisy, Tom, and Jordan seem more symbolic, embodying social stereotypes rather than fully developed individuals.

Despite these, ‘The Great Gatsby’ endures as one of the most influential works of the 20th century. It earns a solid nine out of ten and deserves not only to be read but also to be deeply contemplated.