51 pages • 1 hour read
This Side of Paradise
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Book Brief
275
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1910s
1920
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
This Side of Paradise follows Amory Blaine’s journey from a privileged childhood to an adulthood marked by disillusionment. Attending prep school and Princeton, Amory grapples with relationships, personal ambitions, and societal expectations amid the backdrop of the Jazz Age. Through various friendships and romantic entanglements, Amory matures, ultimately facing the harsh realities of love, wealth, and identity. This novel discusses death by suicide.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
79,046 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald is widely praised for its lyrical prose, capturing the post-World War I era with intricate character explorations. Critics appreciate its innovative narrative style and rich depiction of youth and ambition. However, some note its episodic structure can feel disjointed, impacting narrative flow. Overall, a significant debut.
Who Should Read This Side of Paradise?
A reader who would enjoy This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald is likely to appreciate literary fiction with rich, introspective character development and themes of youthful ambition and disillusionment. Fans of The Great Gatsby and J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye will find similar allure in its exploration of the American Dream.
79,046 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Beatrice Blaine
Beatrice Blaine
Amory's mother, Beatrice is a charming woman from a wealthy background who influences Amory's education and development during his youth.
Monsignor Thayer Darcy
Monsignor Thayer Darcy
A Catholic priest and former romantic interest of Beatrice, Darcy becomes a mentor and father figure to Amory, providing spiritual guidance and support.
Isabelle Borgé
Isabelle Borgé
A wealthy debutante from Minneapolis, Isabelle is Amory's first significant romantic interest, representing his initial foray into adult relationships.
Rosalind Connage
Rosalind Connage
A wealthy debutante from New York and Amory’s most significant love interest, Rosalind challenges societal norms with her feminist traits and influences Amory's views on love.
Eleanor Savage
Eleanor Savage
An intelligent and passionate young woman from Maryland with European roots, Eleanor is Amory’s final romantic interest and shares his love for poetry and literature.
275
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1910s
1920
Adult
18+ years
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