Read for class. It's super short but I'm logging it nonetheless!

Way back in the day, when I was in grade 12, I read "The Great Gatsby". Obviously, over the years, my memory had faded. However, upon returning to his prose, I have found its clear-cut beauty to be somehow a surprise. Time had let my impression of him grow cobwebbed and dusty. How wonderful it is to have the opportunity to dial up the resolution and appreciate the caliber of his work, or at least his metaphoric skills. (Ha! That's a joke about the mixed metaphor in the last sentence. Never mind.)

I'm glad to be revisiting this classic and rediscovering the magic within Fitzgerald's words. It's a reminder that great literature has the power to withstand the test of time and still amaze us with its beauty and depth.

Babylon Revisited is a concise yet powerful story that delves into the life of a man who is desperate for an opportunity to rectify his past mistakes and create a new start for himself and his nine-year-old daughter.

Published in 1931, the narrative is set in Paris following the stock market crash of 1929. Charlie Wales, an American of Czech descent, pays a visit to his sister-in-law, who has legal guardianship of Honoria. Despite achieving financial stability and security in the wake of the Wall Street debacle, Charlie deeply regrets his former life of excess, marked by wild parties and alcoholism, which ultimately caused irreversible harm to his marriage. He realizes that he has forfeited the most precious thing in his life. Charlie aspires to be a better father, but the path to redemption is far from straightforward.

Evidently, this story draws inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s personal experiences. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that Charlie’s regrets, pain, fear, and glimmer of hope are vividly and tangibly portrayed.

This story can be accessed here: Babylon Revisited

In November, I had an unexpected encounter with F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited" at one of Karachi's flea markets. Through this book, I discovered that the writer had a relatively short life. He was born on 24 September 1896 in Saint Paul, Minnesota and passed away on 21 December 1940 in Hollywood, California. However, during his lifetime, he had already made a significant mark on the literary world.

"Babylon Revisited" consists of three stories: Babylon Revisited, The Cut-Glass Bowl, and The Lost Decade. The first two stories are more than 30 pages long, while the last one is only six pages. I was completely captivated by the first two stories.

The protagonist of Babylon Revisited, Charles J. Wales, visits Paris to regain custody of his daughter Honoria from her maternal aunt Helen. But Helen is a difficult person to deal with and makes it really tough for him to achieve his goal. One day, Charles takes his daughter out for a fine dining experience at a posh restaurant. Here is a part of what happens there:
“When there had been her mother and a French nurse he had been inclined to be strict; now he extended himself, reached out for a new tolerance; he must be both parents to her and not shut any of her out of communication.
‘I want to get to know you,’ he said gravely. ‘First let me introduce myself. My name is Charles J. Wales, of Prague.’
‘Oh daddy!’ her voice cracked with laughter.
‘And who are you please,’ he persisted, and she accepted a role immediately: ‘Honoria Wales, Rue Palatine, Paris.’
‘Married or single?’
‘No, not married. Single.’
He indicated the doll. ‘But I see you have a child, madame.’
Unwilling to disinherit it, she took it to her heart and thought quickly: ‘Yes, I’ve been married, but I am not married now. My husband is dead.’
He went on quickly, ‘And the child’s name?’
‘Simone. That’s after my best friend at school.’”

You, the reader, also get to see a bit of Paris by night through Mr Fitzgerald’s pen. And if you have not seen Paris when the lights go on, you have not seen anything at all.
“He left soon after dinner but not to go home. He was curious to see Paris by night with clearer and more judicious eyes than those of other days. He bought a serapontin for the Casino and watched Josephine Baker go through her chocolate arabesques.
After an hour he left and strolled towards Montmartre, up the Rue Pigalle into the Place Blanche. The rain had stopped and there were a few people in evening clothes disembarking from taxis in front of cabarets, and cocottes prowling, singly or in pairs, and many Negroes. He passed a lighted door from which issued music, and stopped with the sense of familiarity; it was Bricktop’s where he had parted with so many hours and so much money.
A few doors further on he found another ancient rendezvous and incautiously put his head inside. Immediately an orchestra burst into sound, a pair of professional dancers leaped to their feet and a maitre d’hotel swooped towards him, crying, ‘Crowd just arriving, sir!’ But he withdrew quickly.”

Since it is a short story, I won't reveal any more details. You have to read the story to fully enjoy it. Fitzgerald's short story was later adapted into a film called "The Last Time I Saw Paris" (1954), starring Elizabeth Taylor and Van Johnson. I had seen it in the mid-1990s without even knowing that it was based on Fitzgerald's story. However, I watched it again recently and was disappointed to realize that its director, Richard Brooks, had loosely adapted it from the book. Besides, the film ends on a happy note. Don't think about the book and you are bound to enjoy it.

If it was up to me, I would probably have made The Cut-Glass Bowl the lead story and titled the book after it because I enjoyed it even more than Babylon Revisited. The story is quite horrific and it reminded me of Edgar Allan Poe. However, please don't think that it is a horror tale as it is not. The protagonist of this story is a beautiful married woman called Evelyn. Mr. Fitzgerald’s opening paragraph is simply beautiful. As soon as I read it, I got hooked on to the story. “There was a rough stone age and a smooth stone age and a bronze age, and many years afterward a cut-glass age. In the cut-glass age, when young ladies had persuaded young men with long curly moustaches to marry them, they sat down several months afterward and wrote thank you notes for all sorts of cut-glass presents – punch-bowls, finger-bowls, dinner-glasses, wine-glasses, ice-cream dishes, bonbon dishes, decanters, and cases – for though cut-glass was nothing new in the nineties, it was then especially busy reflecting the dazzling light of fashion from the Back Bay to the freshness of the Middle West.” I should remind you that Mr. Fitzgerald is talking about the 1890s, the decade he was born. The entire story revolves around the cut-glass bowl. Need I say more?
Since The Lost Decade is such a short story, I won't tell you anything about it except provide an extract to pique your curiosity. “He had seen this visitor go into the editor’s office – a pale tall man of forty with blond statuesque hair and a manner that was neither shy nor timid nor otherworldly like a monk, but something of all three. The name on his card, Louis Trimble, evoked some vague memory, but having nothing to start on, Orrison did not puzzle over it – until a buzzer sounded on his desk, and previous experience warned him that Mr Trimble was to be his first course at lunch.”

Eiffel Tower on a moonlit night.

"Babylon Revisited" appears on the front page of The Saturday Evening Post (February 21, 1931).

What better than a rainy night for romancing in Paris!

F. Scott Fitzgerald at work on his desk.

Elizabeth Taylor and Van Johnson closely huddled on a bench near the Notre Dame.

An amazing antique cut-glass bowl.

A rain-drenched Paris.

This little freebie

consisting of three short stories by F Scott Fitzgerald

was indeed both entertaining and interesting. The last story was so brief that it hardly merited much comment. However, the two longer stories, namely the titular tale and 'The Cut Glass Bowl', had some truly remarkable qualities.

At times, the prose seemed to be overly styled, almost drowning in its own elegance. But beneath the surface, there were some very well-observed aspects. The author's sharp wit shone through, adding a touch of humor and intelligence to the narratives.

Particularly in 'The Cut Glass Bowl', there was a creepy darkness that was reminiscent of Roald Dahl's short stories. This added an element of mystery and unease, making the story all the more engaging.

While I'm not certain that I'll immediately rush to read a novel-length work by this author, this collection of short stories was a decent wee read. It provided a glimpse into Fitzgerald's writing style and his ability to create engaging and thought-provoking stories.

Overall, I would recommend this little freebie to anyone who enjoys short stories and is looking for something a bit different.

The collection ‘Babylon Revisited’ (including ‘The Cut-Glass Bowl’ and ‘The Lost Decade’) marked my initial exploration into Fitzgerald's work and the ‘Short Story’ genre as a classic example. I'm not overstating when I say that while I thoroughly enjoyed reading Babylon Revisited, I don't entirely ‘get’ (at least, not currently) what makes it so remarkable. I'm certain that if I were to delve deeper into Fitzgerald's œuvre, I'd gain a better understanding, both literally and symbolically. Even from this small sample of his work, it's evident that Fitzgerald is a talented writer worthy of our attention.

I'm not entirely familiar with the universality of how short story collections function, so I'll discuss each story in this edition of Babylon Revisited, assuming all copies are the same or at least very similar.

Firstly, we should be grateful that ‘Babylon Revisited’ is the eponymous work and the first story we encounter, as it's the best - and, from the reviews I've read, the most similar to Fitzgerald's other works - of the three stories here. We meet Charlie, a man who was clearly a heavy drinker in the past, a habit that damaged his friendships and led to a particularly nasty and harrowing situation. We get a brief glimpse into his time in Paris as he bumps into old friends Duncan and Lorraine (a woman with whom he still has strong feelings), and, in more detailed terms, converses with two former friends - Lincoln and Marion - about his changed state. While reminiscing, Marion doesn't take kindly to his remarks and demeanor (whether Charlie intends it or not), and it becomes clear that some reparations, as Charlie discovers during his time in Paris, are impossible to make. That's the essence of the story, but immediately we're drawn into the lives and conversations of Charlie and his associates. As he revisits this area and the old life, some things simply can't be fixed.

The second story, ‘The Cut-Glass Bowl’, fundamentally revolves around exactly that - a Cut-Glass Bowl - the centerpiece of a slightly gruesome and surprisingly visceral story. Once again, drunkenness plays a crucial role in the story and causes conflict and danger in the present situation. Ever since a wedding, this cut-glass bowl has held a place of pride, and, in what seems like a well-placed cliché, this pride quickly turns into a fall as a plethora of events occur in such a short time. It's a slightly disconcerting story, and, although somewhat similar in theme to the first, it's much more uncomfortable and at times slightly Kafka-esque in the way it's told. It makes for great reading.

The Lost Decade is something of a lost story in itself. The shortest of the three, it's really just a conversation between two people who had only met each other in the past, and, in what seems like a rather vague reminiscence, we see the two bond over, to put it simply, ‘the lost decade’. It's a simple and short story, but, in my opinion, the worst and least exciting of the three. There's undoubtedly a reason for this, but if you read this story, don't expect complete brilliance.

Fitzgerald is a good writer and excels at incorporating recurring themes into short stories in different ways. That being said, however, there's nothing in this collection that, to me, feels ultimately spectacular. It's only about 74 pages long, so no harm done if you fancy a short read, right?

My very first encounter with Fitzgerald - and it's absolutely certain that it won't be my last!

The two longer short stories, namely "Babylon Revisited" and "The Cut-Glass Bowl", were, to put it simply, remarkable! I truly can't fathom a more fitting word to describe them.

I firmly believe that I'll remember these stories for a considerable period of time. Despite being completely different from each other, they both managed to be touching, sad, and in a strange way, still felt incredibly real.

They seemed to encapsulate the essence of the 1920s, yet at the same time, they could have easily occurred to my neighbors just yesterday.

However, the last very short story, "The Lost Decade", was a little too strange for my personal taste. And that's precisely the only reason why I'm rating it with one star less.

Overall, this collection has left a profound impression on me and has definitely piqued my interest in exploring more of Fitzgerald's works.

Some of them were truly FANTASTIC. They presented unique ideas and engaging storylines that kept me hooked from start to finish.

However, the CC of BB was perhaps my least favorite. It seemed to lack the same level of excitement and innovation as the others.

By the end, I found myself a bit tired of the similar themes that were being repeated. But then again, maybe I read it too quickly and didn't give it enough time to fully develop.

It's possible that upon a second reading, I might discover more depth and appreciate it better.

Overall, while there were some standouts, there were also a few that fell short of my expectations. But that's the nature of any collection, and it's always interesting to explore different works and see what they have to offer.

Fitzgerald attains a remarkable equilibrium in this short story.

It is both intimate, drawing the reader in with its detailed portrayal of emotions and relationships, and foreboding, hinting at the troubles and conflicts that lie ahead.

Moreover, it is filled with missing pieces, leaving a significant amount of space for the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps and create a more complete picture.

A man, who was once a party enthusiast, returns to the playground of Paris.

His intention is to regain custody of his daughter following the death of her mother.

Temptations swirl around him like menacing obsessions.

However, he manages to control one of his cravings by restricting himself to just one drink per day.

As he revisits this familiar territory, old flames resurface, and old resentments flare up.

Yet, he must keep his anger hidden, adding an extra layer of complexity to his character.

This story earns five stars because there is truly so much happening within its pages.

In terms of plot, it is engaging and full of twists and turns.

The character development is excellent, with the protagonist evolving and facing numerous challenges.

And the writing technique is masterful, creating a vivid and immersive world that the reader can easily get lost in.

In some ways, this 1931 short story stands as the antithesis of Fitzgerald’s 1925 masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. One of the most poignant aspects of Gatsby is the treatment of Daisy and Tom's daughter, Pammy. Or rather, the lack thereof: she’s scarcely mentioned, perhaps only once. She seems largely irrelevant to their lives and to the tragic narrative that unfolds.

This story is set just after the glamorous Jazz Age of Gatsby and the subsequent Wall Street crash. At first glance, it appears to be about an American in Paris, revisiting the haunts of Babylonian excess and reminiscing about the obscene extravagance and non-stop partying of the past.

“It was nice while it lasted… We were a sort of royalty, almost infallible, with a sort of magic around us.” He mourns the loss of not just his wealth but also the life he once knew. Clearly, he sees that the city has changed, as have the people he thought he knew so well.

However, the true essence of the story lies in the heartfelt desire of a father to do what is best for his child. It’s about trying to right past wrongs, heal the damage inflicted, and show love and understanding rather than simply showering her with gifts. It’s about overcoming obstacles to forge a new and positive life.

There are themes of guilt, blame, addiction, jealousy, greed, grief, revenge, reform, trust, and forgiveness aplenty. But at its core, it’s about a little girl and her father. What is truly in her best interests?

“The present was the thing.” Charlie comes to understand that this means the here and now, not another material possession. Yet, his realization doesn’t guarantee a clear or certain outcome. The ambiguity is heightened because those in power know less than the reader does. It’s a brilliant narrative device.

Gatsby is a tragedy; Babylon might not be.

The story is rich with evocative quotes that paint a vivid picture of the time and place. For example, “It was not an American bar any more - he felt polite in it, and not as if he owned it.” and “Now at least you [an American] can go into a store without their assuming you're a millionaire. We've suffered like everybody, but on the whole it's a good deal pleasanter.”

The setting and atmosphere are further brought to life by descriptions such as “Outside, the fire-red, gas-blue, ghost-green signs shone smokily through the tranquil rain. It was late afternoon and the streets were in movement; the bistros gleamed.”

There are also several references and related works that add depth to the understanding of the story. George Gershwin’s innovative orchestral piece, An American in Paris, premiered three years before this story was published. The Great Gatsby, which the author has previously reviewed, is another significant work in Fitzgerald’s oeuvre.

Interestingly, significant aspects of this story are autobiographical, as detailed HERE. In this story, Honoria is nine, and Fitzgerald also wrote a letter to his 11-year-old daughter with a unique list of things to and not to worry about, which can be read HERE.

The author read this story as part of The Art of the Short Story by Dana Gioia, as part of a weekly reading challenge with The Short Story Club, starting on 2 May 2022.

You can read this story here, and you can join the group here.

"Babylon Revisited" is a captivating short story that has the potential to develop into a full-fledged family drama. The narrative is filled with rich and complex characters that draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish. However, I can't help but wish that the story was more extensive. There is so much drama and emotion that could have been explored in greater detail. Despite its brevity, the story manages to be deep and thought-provoking. It delves into themes such as regret, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. The characters' flaws and virtues are laid bare, making them relatable and human. Overall, "Babylon Revisited" is a great example of how a short story can pack a powerful punch.

Outside, the fire-red, gas-blue, ghost-green signs shone smokily through the tranquil rain. It was late afternoon, and the streets were bustling with activity. The bistros gleamed invitingly. At the corner of the Boulevard des Capucines, he hailed a taxi. The Place de la Concorde passed by in pink majesty, and as they crossed the Seine, Charlie felt the sudden provincial quality of the Left Bank.

Babylon Revisited is a semi-autobiographical story. Charles ‘Charlie’ Wales, after several wild years in Paris filled with excessive drinking, partying, and extravagant spending, returns to the city from Prague. He had gone there to live after the death of his wife, the stock market crash of 1929, and his own personal breakdown. Now, he humbly tries to convince his late wife’s family that he has distanced himself from his old life and is stable and sober enough to regain custody of his nine-year-old daughter, Honoria.

Babylon is a nickname for the immoral and lively Paris that catered to vice and waste, as lived recklessly by Charles Wales and his late wife with their circle of American expat friends during the Jazz Age. It was a Babylon of perpetual temptation and sin.

This is a poignant story about the longing for and the (im)possibility of redemption for past mistakes. Scott Fitzgerald shows how the demon of drink can shatter dreams and lives. Once sober, all the things that drinking helped to forget come back with a vengeance: loneliness, anxiety, boredom, and the damage done. Whether Charlie Wales will be able to start anew, reconnect with his daughter, and leave behind the loneliness, the past, and the feelings of guilt is uncertain. But one thing is for sure, the luster of Paris in the old days will never return. It is difficult to say goodbye to alcohol, the rose-colored glasses of life.

We encounter something, see something or daydream about something, and for several hours or days or years, that something, similar but not the same, pops up in a dream. Sometimes even more rarely (or maybe not), that something pops up in reality. And then when you think about it, about the chances that that same thing will suddenly meet you, it seems to you that maybe all these lives are just a dream.

So I came across on the Internet lectures that Neri Ungar uploaded on "The Great Gatsby" by Fitzgerald. I thought he had already uploaded something on the subject, but after a quick check I understood that the lectures I had come across before were on "This Side of Paradise". So of course I thought for a moment if it's worth reading these books already. As it came, so it went. I forgot all about it. After a couple of hours, while I was going to work, I almost stepped on something. I looked at the sidewalk and next to the tip of my shoe lay a small, gray square. At the corner, small but prominent, it seemed to me that I was looking at the imprinted logo of "Penguin" Publications. So I bent down and picked up this piece of paper that God had thrown at my feet. You probably already guessed - a small booklet of short stories by Fitzgerald in the "Penguin" Pocket Book series (tasty books that I don't really like in general). What are the chances - exactly on my route, exactly when I'm passing by and exactly Fitzgerald out of all the authors in the world. Well, this life dream is trying to tell me something. And also a short booklet. So I read it during a dead hour at work.

You will find three stories here. The first one, "Babylon Revisited" - another story of the lost generation in Paris between the two world wars. Not a bad story. The last one, "The Lost Decade" - a good idea and also beautifully written but really short. But the second story, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" surprised me for the better. Really a wonderful story. I didn't know he wrote horror stories, something gothic. In the story, an everyday object takes on a symbolic meaning. Quite suitable for this booklet that suddenly materialized under my shoe. I'm glad I read it.