45 pages • 1 hour read
The Last Tycoon
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Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Last Tycoon is an unfinished novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald set in 1930s Hollywood, following Monroe Stahr, a film producer drawn from real-life producer Irving Thalberg. The narrative delves into the film industry’s inner workings, Stahr’s complex relationships, and his relentless pursuit of excellence, amidst Hollywood’s deceptive glamor. Themes explored include desire, love, loss, societal decay, and the corruption of the American Dream. The text contains references to death by suicide and uses outdated, offensive, and racist terms for people of color in direct quotes.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Romantic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
13,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon has garnered acclaim for its intricate portrayal of Hollywood's golden age and its compelling characterization of the ambitious protagonist, Monroe Stahr. However, some critics argue that the unfinished nature of the novel leaves certain plotlines unresolved, impacting narrative cohesion. Despite this, Fitzgerald's lyrical prose continues to captivate readers.
Who Should Read The Last Tycoon?
A reader who would enjoy The Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald is likely intrigued by intricate character studies, the glamour and pitfalls of Hollywood, and the complexities of ambition. Comparable to those who appreciate The Great Gatsby and The Sun Also Rises, this reader values classic American literature and nuanced, eloquent prose.
13,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Monroe Stahr
Monroe Stahr
A brilliant and enigmatic Hollywood studio executive, modeled after a real-life producer, whose professional acumen and personal entanglements define his role as the novel’s tragic hero.
Pat Brady
Pat Brady
A powerful Hollywood studio executive and Cecilia's father, whose business acumen and internal struggles highlight the complexities and tensions within the entertainment industry.
Kathleen Moore
Kathleen Moore
A mysterious and beautiful woman whose enigmatic presence and connection to Monroe Stahr drive portions of the novel's exploration of love and desire.
192
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
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