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- 10 Riveting Novels Inspired by The Great Gatsby and F. Scott Fitzgerald's Life
10 Riveting Novels Inspired by The Great Gatsby and F. Scott Fitzgerald's Life
The Chosen and the Beautiful
Nghi Vo’s debut novel, The Chosen and the Beautiful, offers a vibrant queer reinvention of Fitzgerald's classic. Jordan Baker, queer and a Vietnamese adoptee, navigates the exclusive circles of 1920s American society filled with magic, mystery, and dazzling illusions. This retelling turns the original tale into a coming-of-age story with layers of enchantment and societal critique.
Read more on LikewiseBeautiful Little Fools
Jillian Cantor's Beautiful Little Fools shifts the focus to the women in The Great Gatsby. Set against the luxurious backdrop of the Jazz Age, the book reveals untold stories through Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Catherine McCoy. This atmospheric historical novel delves into secrets, heartbreak, and the women overshadowed by Gatsby’s grand tale.
Read more on LikewiseSelf-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix
Anna-Marie McLemore’s Self-Made Boys reweaves the fabric of The Great Gatsby through the eyes of Nicolás Caraveo, a 17-year-old transgender boy. Set in 1922 New York, this magical tale explores themes of identity, love, and the American Dream, providing a fresh and achingly romantic take on the classic story.
Read more on LikewiseThe Great Gatsby (Graphic Novel)
This graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby brings Fitzgerald’s timeless story to life with stunning illustrations by Aya Morton and a skillful distillation of the text by Fred Fordham. Perfect for new readers and longtime fans, this edition captures the essence of the classic with a modern visual twist.
Read more on LikewiseNick
Michael Farris Smith's Nick sheds light on Nick Carraway’s life before he became Gatsby’s chronicler. Following his experiences in World War I, Nick's journey is one of redemption and self-discovery, exploring themes of trauma, love, and resilience. This novel provides a deeper understanding of the enigmatic narrator we thought we knew.
Read more on LikewiseGreat
In this contemporary retelling, Sara Benincasa’s Great transports The Great Gatsby to the Hamptons. The story follows Naomi Rye as she becomes entangled in the mysterious and glamorous world of Jacinta, a charismatic socialite. This modern twist on the classic explores themes of wealth, identity, and scandal.
Read more on LikewiseZ
Z by Therese Anne Fowler delves into the life of Zelda Sayre, the woman who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald. This rich and poignant novel explores their passionate and tumultuous relationship, chronicling Zelda’s journey from Southern belle to an iconic figure in Fitzgerald’s literary world.
Read more on LikewiseWest of Sunset
Stewart O’Nan’s West of Sunset captures the last years of F. Scott Fitzgerald in Hollywood. It’s a poignant exploration of his struggles, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of creativity amidst personal and professional turmoil. This novel offers a deep and moving portrait of the iconic author’s final chapter.
Read more on LikewiseBeautiful Fools
R. Clifton Spargo’s Beautiful Fools depicts a heartfelt and dramatic episode in the lives of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The novel follows their tumultuous trip to Cuba in 1939 as they try to salvage their fractured marriage, offering a tender and tragic glimpse into their enduring yet troubled love story.
Read more on LikewiseDaisy
Daisy reimagines The Great Gatsby from Daisy Buchanan’s perspective. This novel provides a fresh lens on the story, highlighting Daisy’s inner world, desires, and regrets, transforming a character often seen as frivolous into a deeply complex and relatable figure.
Read more on LikewiseThe enduring allure of Fitzgerald's masterpiece and his own extraordinary life continues to inspire fresh and imaginative stories. These ten novels offer new interpretations and expand upon the iconic world of The Great Gatsby, enriching our understanding and appreciation of this literary classic.