Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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Fitzgerald's short story "Babylon Revisited" delves deep into the complex psyche of Charles Wales.

He is an American who once indulged in the wild and extravagant lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties in Paris. Now, in 1931, he is on a quest to regain custody of his daughter.

The story makes us wonder if he can truly reverse the consequences of his boisterous and eccentric ways.

With the advent of the Great Depression, the glamorous façade of the nouveau riche has crumbled, leaving behind a trail of financial and emotional ruin.

The title of the short story is highly appropriate. Paris is like Babylon to Charles Wales (and perhaps to Fitzgerald himself), a place of opulence yet rife with moral decay and wickedness.

I am truly captivated by Fitzgerald's immersive writing style. His stories are not only timeless classics in terms of their content but also in their beautiful and evocative wording. It's an easy 5-star rating for me!

Don't forget to find me on Instagram at https://instagram.com/nilguen_reads.
July 15,2025
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“Babylon Revisited” is a petite book that consists of short stories centered around the theme of loss.

In this volume, there are three short stories - “Babylon Revisited”, “The Cut Glass Bowl”, and “The Lost Decade.”

The first story is about a father who, after making numerous mistakes, endeavors to redeem himself for the sake of his daughter.

The second story is about a woman who, once having no other concern than suitors, finds herself descending deeper and deeper into the wretchedness of an unfulfilling life.

The third story is about an alcoholic who forfeited 10 years of his life due to his addiction.

In the typical Fitzgeraldian style, there is a pervading sense of melancholy and regret in each of the stories, which I truly relished.

I also greatly appreciated the insight into American life during the 1930s. Fitzgerald has a remarkable ability to depict the ordinary in a profoundly sad and poignant manner.

I enjoyed this collection of short stories, yet I felt that it was lacking that certain extra element to make me truly adore it. Despite the vivid and descriptive writing and the portrayal of very unfortunate events, I still experienced a certain detachment that I struggle to explain.

Nonetheless, I still recommend it as it is exquisitely written and, I believe, highly representative of Fitzgerald’s unique style.

July 15,2025
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F Scott Fitzgerald's writing is consistently marred by misogyny. He makes the assumption that women must be beautiful, yet at the same time, he blames beautiful women for all the suffering of men. This is a deeply flawed and unfair perspective. Additionally, his work often glorifies alcoholism, presenting it as something glamorous or desirable.

These themes are evident in his stories, which unfortunately follow this pattern. However, on a positive note, the stories are mercifully brief. This means that while the reader may be exposed to these unappealing ideas, they don't have to endure them for an overly long period of time.

Despite these flaws, Fitzgerald's writing is still widely studied and admired for its literary merit. His use of language and his ability to create vivid characters and settings are undeniable. However, it's important to also recognize and critique the negative aspects of his work, especially when it comes to his treatment of women and his glorification of alcoholism.
July 15,2025
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Though the label says 'Short Stories', it should actually be 'Short Story' as this particular volume contains only one story. It was given to me by a friend who got it for free from some newspaper.

However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that it has three stories in it! And all three are really quite brilliant. I deducted a star for the last one, 'The Lost Decade', due to what I felt was underdevelopment. The title story was excellent. It's about a former drunk and widower in Paris who attempts to regain custody of his daughter from his sister-in-law and her husband. The dialogue sequences with the daughter are marvellous, showing great insight and reminding me of Salinger's later stories about children, like the one about the Bananafish. The second story, 'The Cut Glass Bowl', was also a gem, although perhaps a bit contrived. The bowl given to the heroine by a spurned lover shows up in crucial ways at turning points in her life.

I'm definitely going to get more of this series. I had to go into the hospital for a minor (but embarrassing) procedure, and these books fit perfectly in my dressing gown pocket. They provided great entertainment during my stay.
July 15,2025
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I mean, I really should've known that it would be a depressing read because it's Fitzgerald. His works are often known for their exploration of the darker side of human nature and the disappointments of life.

But geez, this particular piece was really sad. It delved deep into the emotions and experiences that can bring a person down.

The way Fitzgerald described the characters and their situations made it feel so real and palpable. You could almost feel the pain and sorrow that they were going through.

It's one of those stories that really makes you think about life and all its hardships. It's not an easy read, but it's definitely a powerful one.

Despite the sadness, there is also a certain beauty in the way Fitzgerald writes. His prose is so elegant and descriptive that it draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end.

Overall, it was a bittersweet experience reading this, but one that I'm glad I had. It made me appreciate the power of literature to evoke such strong emotions and make us think about the world around us.
July 15,2025
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A collection of three short stories with diverse themes has been presented.

The second short story within this collection truly captured my interest and was the one I enjoyed the most. It had a unique charm and engaging plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.

However, the last short story did not quite have the same appeal for me. It failed to resonate as strongly, and I found myself not particularly enjoying it.

Despite this, the book as a whole is still a great little find. It offers a range of stories that can satisfy different tastes and preferences. It is well-written and the author has managed to create distinct worlds and characters within each story.

Overall, it is well worth a read, especially for those who enjoy short stories and are looking for something new and different to explore.
July 15,2025
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**"Fitzgerald's Tales: A Mixed Bag of Emotions"**

"Babylon Revisited" presents a complex story. A man loved his wife, but after her death, he turned to drinking and had to give his daughter to his wife's sister for upbringing. After a long time of drinking, he came to his senses and decided to take back his daughter. However, I find it hard to understand the main character's feelings as I firmly side with the sister of the deceased wife. His attempts and statements seem rather unsure. It's strange that he thinks he can take on the responsibility of the child when he has only stepped out of the darkness with one foot.




"The Lost Decade" is a tiny story, just a few pages long, but it contains so much meaning and is such a powerful history. I've read a lot about the period described by Fitzgerald, and in my opinion, this is one of the best works about the "lost generation".




"The Cut-Glass Bowl" made me question myself again. I deliberately arranged my mini-reviews in ascending order, not as they are in the book. This story made me wonder if Fitzgerald is really my writer. Maybe I should discard my previous impressions and start getting to know his work from scratch. Oh, the sharp phrases, the amazing descriptions and comparisons! And despite the sprinkles of sparkling humor, there is such a terrible truth and a poignant and sad ending. May we all have a peaceful sky.




Overall, I rate these stories 8 out of 10.
July 15,2025
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Charlie Wales, with a heavy heart and a glimmer of hope, returns to Paris. His mission: to reclaim custody of his beloved daughter from his in-laws. As he walks the familiar streets, memories of his wild and extravagant days during the Roaring Twenties flood back.

He recalls the thousand-franc notes carelessly given to an orchestra for playing a single number, and the hundred-franc notes tossed to a doorman for calling a cab. But he knows it wasn't all for nothing. Those挥霍的钱财, in a strange way, were an offering to destiny, an attempt to forget the things that now haunt him - his child taken from his control and his wife gone forever.

The short story "Babylon Revisited" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a powerful exploration of regret and the aftermath of a life lived recklessly. It is a melancholy reminder of the consequences that follow the party.

Charlie's downward spiral began with the stock market crash of 1929. His and his wife's hard partying, free-spending, and liquor-fueled lifestyle left them unable to care for their daughter, Honoria. In the wake of his wife's death, Charlie has managed to pull himself together. He claims to have his drinking under control and has a steady job with a good income. He believes he is ready to be a father again, hoping it will fill the void of loneliness and guilt within him.

Just when Charlie's plan seems within reach, everything goes wrong. Two drunken former friends burst in, embarrassing his respectable in-laws and casting doubt on his supposed reforms. His sister-in-law, Marion, refuses to give up guardianship of Honoria, and his brother-in-law tells him they will discuss the custody agreement at a later date.

Marion, the antagonist of the story, is a complex character. While she is portrayed as somewhat sympathetic, Fitzgerald also makes her unlikable. As a younger reader, one might have despised her, but as an older reader and a mother, it is easier to understand her position. She has witnessed Charlie at his worst and has been caring for Honoria for the past three years. She has nothing but his word when it comes to his sobriety, mental health, and commitment to work.

Charlie's motivations are a mix of honorable and selfish. He wants his child, but he focuses solely on his own needs without considering his daughter's right to stability and permanency. He treats her as a possession to be retrieved, rather than a person with her own feelings and needs. He wants to be the fun father, the bringer of gifts and entertainment, but he fails to see how this might be harmful to Honoria.

The story ends on a bittersweet note. Charlie is left to face the reality of his situation and the consequences of his past actions. He realizes that love is not just an idea but a behavior, and that he has a long way to go before he can truly be the father his daughter deserves. "Babylon Revisited" is a poignant reminder that we are all shaped by our pasts and that the choices we make have far-reaching consequences.
July 15,2025
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In a word, it was sad. That's all, goodnight.

No, just joking darling, stay with me another minute or so while I finish my chablis. For that story made me pour another, despite my better judgement.

Nevertheless, but Charlie, I mean, it's terrible luck one might say. What happens at the end, that is, with those two terrible old friends collapsing in on him when he was just so damn close. She was right there, in his arms. The way she came and whispered to him, "When?" then went to join her friends!

But some might say, now Acadia, that was no bad luck. That was precisely what he deserved! What these lot incorrectly refer to as karma. Unfortunately, the latter never have bothered to actually learn about karma's true meaning. But I digress. A crafty one may indeed argue convincingly how Charlie's ultimate conundrum resulted from his own actions regardless of how many years ago.

And to this I say, we are humans, and humans are (or should be) sentient beings. And to tell someone they are incapable of change, the way that menacing Marion did, is in itself morally reprehensible - particularly when she's selfishly holding onto something that's intrinsically someone else's: Charlie's.

So, my friends, don't fear the Marion's of the world! If you fought to change, and in your heart of hearts, you believe you indeed have changed, for the good, then go get what is yours, "by cheek or by jowl!" as my Grecian lover Demetrius would declaim.

I'll be rooting for you Charlie, tonight with another venerable chablis as I lay by the fire dreaming of your red fur, your maturity and your wisdom. And forget about a governess, you darling man! For, I'll keep your daughter from doodling, then make you flapjacks! And as for lunch, baby I got your sandwich!
July 15,2025
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I picked up this book in a charity shop for a mere 10p. At that time, I knew nothing about it. However, after reading "The Great Gatsby" at the beginning of the year, I was glad to finally read something else by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This book is a rather tiny one, consisting of only 76 pages and containing 3 short stories: "Babylon Revisited", "The Cut-Glass Bowl", and "The Lost Decade".

Although I'm happy that I read this collection, it's not something that I have strong feelings of love or hate towards. The stories in this book just didn't seem to have any significant impact on me at all. Unfortunately, I find them completely forgettable. The writing was truly enjoyable, but due to the lack of plot and character development in each of the stories, I personally found the collection quite bland and lack-lustre. It's a bit of a disappointment considering the author's reputation. I was hoping for more engaging and thought-provoking tales, but perhaps this is just a matter of personal taste.

July 15,2025
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The human race is truly fascinating when it comes to commentary and relationships.

We are constantly making comments about the world around us, about others, and even about ourselves. These commentaries can range from simple observations to profound insights, and they often shape our perspectives and interactions.

Relationships, on the other hand, are the building blocks of our social lives. We form connections with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers, and these relationships can bring us joy, support, and a sense of belonging. However, they can also be a source of conflict and stress.

Understanding the complex nature of human commentary and relationships is essential for navigating the social world and living a fulfilling life. By being more aware of our own comments and how they affect others, and by working to build healthy and meaningful relationships, we can enhance our own well-being and contribute to a more harmonious society.
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