I really liked the writing style. The short story form was extremely convenient for me to follow and understand. It was like a gentle breeze guiding me through the pages. Although I can't recall specific details about it at the moment, I do remember that reading some of the stories was a truly wonderful experience. These stories had a unique charm as they often delved into human emotions that are usually very hard to put into words. They managed to capture the essence of those complex feelings, making me feel a deep connection with the characters and their experiences. It was as if the authors had a magical pen that could bring those intangible emotions to life on the paper.
I had to put this book aside several times and turn to other books in order to finish it. Fitzgerald is, of course, a good writer. However, it was his storyline and characters that I found unbearable. I simply cannot identify with wealthy aristocratic families, regardless of the time period they are in. Therefore, stories about boys at Yale, people's annual vacations in France, governesses and boarding schools, fraternity dances, and so on, just make me extremely bored. Sorry, Fitzgerald. The prose is great, but the subject matter is dull. Clearly, these were practice stories for Fitzgerald's greater successes.
Babylon Revisited is a remarkable collection that holds what I firmly believe to be Fitzgerald's finest piece. This particular piece, known as "May Day", is so called due to its rather precarious length, falling somewhere neatly between a short story and a novella. Fitzgerald himself described this story as a vivid illustration of "general hysteria [...] that inaugurated the Jazz Age". It has also been characterized in other quarters as Fitzgerald's most raw, most political, and most desperate work.
The story delves deep into the complex and often chaotic emotions and events of that era. It展现了 the wild abandon and underlying tensions that defined the Jazz Age. Through his masterful prose, Fitzgerald brings to life the characters and their experiences, making "May Day" a truly unforgettable piece of literature. It is a work that not only reflects the times but also offers profound insights into the human condition.
Whether you are a die-hard Fitzgerald fan or a newcomer to his works, "May Day" is a must-read. It showcases Fitzgerald's unique talent for capturing the essence of an era and the hearts and minds of his readers.
I read this when I was a high school junior, and I immediately fell in love with Fitzgerald and his muse. The story was so captivating that it left an indelible mark on my heart. Even now, I still go back to it, not only for the sake of nostalgia but also for the brilliant writing that Fitzgerald is renowned for.
His words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures and evoking a wide range of emotions. The characters come alive, and I find myself completely immersed in their world. The relationship between Fitzgerald and his muse is both beautiful and tragic, and it serves as a source of inspiration for me.
Each time I read this, I discover something new, a hidden nuance or a profound thought that I may have missed before. It is like uncovering a precious gem, and it never fails to bring me joy and a sense of wonder. I am truly grateful to have discovered Fitzgerald's work, and I know that it will continue to be a part of my life for many years to come.