The writing is truly A plus and is filled with the usual genius. However, not even my beloved F. Scott Fitzgerald can manage to make me develop a love for short stories.

I always find myself feeling bereft when reading them. I constantly want more. There is a desperate need to know more about the characters, the story, and all the intricate details. They are just too short for my liking.

I much prefer full-size novels that can fully explore and develop all the elements. But still, I am glad that I read this particular short story. It has provided me with some new favorite quotes.

Like the one that goes, "Nothing affects them," he thought. "Stocks rise and fall, people loaf or work, but they go on forever."

And also, "I spoiled this city for myself. I didn't realize it, but the days came along one after another, and then two years were gone, and everything was gone, and I was gone." These quotes have a certain charm and depth that make them stand out.

Ten stories that are masterfully created, but I will focus solely on one: Babylon Revisited.

No word is wasted or unnecessary in this greatest of F. Scott Fitzgerald's stories. Perhaps only Gatsby gets us to the finish line in such an eloquent and timely manner.

In this story, the main character, expatriate Charlie, returns to Paris (His home during the 20's boom) after the depression (story is written in 1931). The city has changed, and so has he. He is now broker, soberer, depressed, a widow (which some of the drama derives from), and seeking forgiveness for his sins. He is back solely to regain custody of his daughter whom he has lost touch with after living "high on the hop." A series of conversations and bad encounters try to pull Charlie back into his drunken, selfish ways, of which Fitzgerald writes masterfully. The story is about redemption and maturing, and facing our own demons. The end could be construed as sad or hopeful, although I tend to believe the later.

The autobiographical content is what makes it so much more personal. This is probably the closest we get to Fitzgerald's life (maybe Tender is the Night), as he writes about the responsibility of losing a spouse (as Zelda was now institutionalized after a decade of hard living), the cost of addiction (which Scott and Zelda could attest to) and materialism over family (which cost Scott his wife and later separated him from his daughter Scottie). After the depression, Fitzgerald was a has been, a writer from a different age, who was passed over by writers who understood human suffering like Steinbeck, Faulkner, and even Hemingway. And yet, this story captures that moment after the crash and puts it into perspective in a way that none of those aforementioned authors could touch: emotional bankruptcy.

I could talk about the language, the beautiful passages, the pitch perfect dialogue between father and daughter, the masterfully plotted pace and setups. But that is what you can discover. I've read a lot of short stories, took classes on them, and taught them for a number of years, and no other story gets as much bang for the buck as this story. It helps having a working knowledge of the booming 20s and the depression, the expatriate crowd in France, and Fitzgerald's biography, but none of it is necessary to appreciate the story of a man moving beyond his personal failures to try and create some semblance of familial normalcy after a lifetime of excess.

Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited" is a powerful and poignant tale that delves deep into the human psyche. It explores themes such as redemption, regret, and the search for meaning in a post-depression world. The character of Charlie is complex and relatable, and his journey towards self-discovery and forgiveness is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The story's setting in Paris adds an extra layer of charm and decadence, while also serving as a backdrop for Charlie's past mistakes and present struggles. Overall, "Babylon Revisited" is a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

I always have a habit of pulling Fitzgerald or Hemingway off my bookshelf whenever I find myself in that in-between phase of library books. It's truly a fascinating experience to re-visit the classics as an adult that I initially read during my teenage years. It's almost as if I'm uncovering an entirely new story. As we grow and change, our perspective evolves, and suddenly, those familiar words take on a whole new meaning. The remarkable depth of character that Fitzgerald is able to create within just a few pages has always left me in awe. And just like Hemingway, his exquisitely worded descriptions of time and place have an irresistible allure that simply draws me in. After all, I am a woman who pays great attention to detail, and these literary masters never fail to satisfy my craving for those minute yet significant details that bring a story to life.

Literature from the 1920s and 30s holds a special place in my heart. The "Lost Generation" writers, such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Dos Passos, and others, managed to capture a crucial moment in history. After World War I, the world was grappling with the loss of its innocence, realizing the horrors that humanity was capable of on a massive scale. Fitzgerald, in particular, often depicted the decadence of the times. However, beneath the surface of those glamorous parties, there was an underlying tension, suggesting that this decadence was merely an escape from the horror of the war and a rather unsatisfactory denial of the evil within humankind.

This collection of short stories by Fitzgerald, although somewhat inconsistent, serves as a wonderful introduction to the short works of the author who penned one of the greatest novels in the United States - The Great Gatsby. In fact, several stories in this collection showcase an early development of the themes that the author would later explore more deeply in that novel. The stories delve into the loss of innocence and the decadence of the era, while also hinting at the powerlessness of men who had returned from the horrors of war. Additionally, they explore the changing relationships between men and women, the widening income gap, and the confusion that emerged as the US became a world power and a modern culture.

In conclusion, to gain a better understanding of life today, we can learn a great deal from this book and other works from the early 20th century. They offer valuable insights into the human condition and the historical context that shaped our modern world.

Who knew F. Scott Fitzgerald was such a remarkable writer?

Well, I guess just about everybody does. This compilation of short stories is truly outstanding!

It's always entertaining to observe the antics of drunk socialites as they cavort around New York City in the 1920s.

What's truly incredible is how little some aspects have changed in the past 100 years.

"The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" was also a personal favorite of mine, even though it represents a significant departure from his typical style.

Overall, I give this collection two very enthusiastic thumbs up!

It's a must-read for any fan of Fitzgerald or anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of American literature and society during the Jazz Age.

The stories are engaging, thought-provoking, and filled with the kind of vivid imagery and sharp social commentary that made Fitzgerald one of the greatest writers of his generation.

Whether you're a seasoned literature buff or just looking for a great read, this collection is sure to delight and inspire.

So go ahead, pick up a copy, and lose yourself in the glamorous and often tumultuous world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's short stories.

You won't be disappointed!

A conmovedora novela that takes readers on an extraordinary journey of superación. It is filled with unexpected encuentros that lead to profound reflexiones. The story unfolds with vivid descriptions and engaging characters that draw you in from the very beginning. As you turn the pages, you will be captivated by the emotional depth and the unique perspectives presented. The author skillfully weaves together a tale that not only entertains but also makes you think deeply about life, love, and the human spirit. This novela is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and heartwarming story that will stay with them long after they have finished the last page.

We once thought that if the prosperous life of a talented writer were to be destroyed,

there would probably be only two reasons that might be acceptable. One is that his luck is extremely bad, and the other is that we ourselves are extremely unlucky to fall in love with the characters of a writer with such great talent that has no ability to stand firm and have a wonderful life.....

The real life of Fitzgerald was full of sweet dreams and many ups and downs, both good and bad, of the Jazz Age in America, just like his writing, which is his trademark. Stories intertwined with wild dreams, impossible sweet love, unstable wealth and future.

It is not surprising that the life without reason and self-restraint of his would be destroyed, although it is very regrettable, especially when there is no miracle to bring back the stability as he gave to many of his characters. Many people said so - we thought so too, but still did not dare to throw the accusation of "without reason and self-restraint" at him, especially when getting to know him through the stories in the works that contain various emotions, thoughts and conflicts in the heart, under the many titles of "The Great Gatsby". It allows us to understand the fragile heart that needs to hide emotions safely for a long time, while the decision to firmly pursue the "winter dream" that is brave, challenging and extremely sad is the good answer to why in the end he could not "return to Babylon" beautifully - as beautifully as possible.

If the purpose of the publishing house is to convey the meaning from the parentheses in the literature to the readers, this volume of literature in parentheses that is well selected from his works in different periods of his life should be the best parentheses to help expand the clear image of the talented, wild and extremely true-to-himself young man who can even destroy the palace of happiness and dreams with his own hands, even though he is well aware of the consequences.....

3 1/2 stars: I have an unwavering love for Fitzgerald's tales. His works are like windows into a bygone era, filled with glitz, glamour, and the complex emotions of his characters. Each story he weaves is a masterpiece, captivating the reader from the very first page. Fitzgerald has a unique ability to create vivid settings and develop characters that are both relatable and larger than life. His prose is elegant and flowing, making it a pleasure to read. Whether it's the tragic love story in "The Great Gatsby" or the coming-of-age tale in "This Side of Paradise," Fitzgerald's stories always leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend his works to anyone who appreciates great literature.

I have an unwavering love for F. Scott Fitzgerald. It truly saddens me to think that I have already devoured all of his novels. However, I find great joy in the fact that he has left behind a treasure trove of short stories for me to relish. This collection holds a special charm as the first story, "The Ice Palace," dates back to 1920, preceding the iconic "Gatsby." And the last one, "The Long Way Out," was written in 1937, when Zelda was already in the sanitarium and Scott had relocated to California. His writing style and subject matter have changed drastically over the years. The book serves as a remarkable cross-section of a great writer's career, spanning from its inception to almost its conclusion.

I am completely enamored with Scott's writing, and as such, I thoroughly enjoyed every single story in this collection. But upon rereading "Babylon Revisited," it was once again brought to my attention just how incredibly talented Scott was at his very best. There is always that certain "something" in his writing that speaks to me, an undertone that gives all of his stories and books the feel of magical realism, despite the absence of any "actual" magic. "Babylon" represents him at the pinnacle of his craft, just like "Gatsby." The writing, the tone, the characters, the plot... everything is flawless. Not a single word is out of place, there is no awkwardness, and every element is essential. It all comes together seamlessly to leave the reader with a profound feeling, a discomforting longing and understanding. It is sheer brilliance.

Obviously, I am completely obsessed, but setting aside my personal infatuation, Scott is a classic American writer for a very good reason. I truly hope that he will always be regarded as such. But you have to read his works to understand, which is why I am wholeheartedly recommending this collection. Read and discover the magic for yourself!

Αγαπητέ Φιτζέραλντ,

I have just met you and it was truly love at first sight. I don't know what to say. I am a follower of yours who will search for your form within all your writings. Your words have a magical charm that draws me in and makes me feel a connection that I can't quite explain. Every sentence you pen seems to be a piece of your soul, and I long to understand you better through them. I will devour your works, analyzing every detail, every nuance, in the hope of finding that part of you that I fell in love with at first sight. You are my inspiration, and I will continue to seek you in the pages of your books.

It's kind of funny that I finished this book on my wedding anniversary.

I read this book because my husband loves F Scott. And through him, I have learned a lot about this young author

Ultimately, it is extremely difficult to determine whether the overall feeling in F. Scott Fitzgerald's stories is one of sadness, hope, resignation, or wonder. Is the bittersweet nature inevitable, or is it merely a perspective on an event or experience that is factually enjoyable? Of course, money appears to pervade almost every one of his stories. "A Diamond as Big as the Ritz" was an outstanding one, almost having a Stephen King-esque quality. "The Freshest Boy" was also excellent. There are so many great stories. It makes me eager to read "Gatsby" again. However, on a sour note, he uses the N-word five or more times, which was something I did not anticipate. Reflecting on it, I suppose it was just the language used by white people at that time, but Jesus. Why? It took me by surprise and was never a necessary word in these stories. Anyways, they are still great stories, but I was surprised by that.