May Day
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1920
40
Short Story • Fiction
1920
Adult
18+ years
"May Day" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a short story set in New York City where a group of young, mostly upper-class Yale graduates gather for a social event amid the backdrop of riots involving recently decommissioned World War I soldiers. As the narrative unfolds, we follow characters like Gordon Sterrett, who struggles with unemployment and blackmail, and Edith Bradin, who navigates changing affections, all while societal tensions and personal crises culminate in tragic consequences.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Mysterious
Gritty
1,571 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Reviews for May Day by F. Scott Fitzgerald praise its vivid portrayal of post-World War I American society and masterful character development. Critiques focus on its complex narrative structure, which some find confusing. Despite this, Fitzgerald's skillful prose and thematic depth are consistently acclaimed, making it a worthwhile but demanding read.
Readers who would enjoy F. Scott Fitzgerald's May Day often appreciate Jazz Age settings, intricate character studies, and social commentary. Fans of Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence would likely find this novella compelling for its exploration of post-World War I disillusionment.
1,571 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
40
Short Story • Fiction
1920
Adult
18+ years
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