Thank goodness, you can't do history with ifs and buts.

History is based on facts and events that have actually occurred. We cannot change or rewrite the past by imagining different scenarios.

And Scott and Zelda, no more flawless, were real. They were real people with their own flaws and imperfections.

Scott Fitzgerald was a renowned American writer, and Zelda was his wife. Their relationship was complex and often tumultuous.

Despite their flaws, they were an important part of history. Their lives and works have had a significant impact on American literature and culture.

We should not try to idealize or romanticize them, but rather study and understand them as they truly were.

By doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the past and learn from their experiences.

I have long held a deep love and profound fascination for the Fitzgeralds.

It all began with Scott's captivating novels, which drew me in with their vivid characters and engaging storylines.

From there, I delved into his short stories and autobiographical essays, eager to explore more of his literary genius.

But my interest didn't stop at Scott. I also discovered Zelda's remarkable works, including her stories, novels, plays, and even the biographies written about the two of them.

This book has provided me with such incredible insights into their lives, marriage, the culture of their time, and especially their work.

It has opened my eyes to a whole new perspective, and I am now eager to re-read my favorite works of theirs with this newfound understanding.

Although the story of the Fitzgeralds is tragically sad and hopelessly (unhealthy) romantic, it is also a story that has endured and continues to captivate readers to this day.

I can't wait to immerse myself in their world once again and discover even more of the hidden gems within their literary masterpieces.

I read this book 40 years ago and it has remained firmly etched in my memory.

I can still vividly recall the details and the profound sadness that permeated the lives of these two people.

It is truly a testament to the power and quality of a good book.

The story must have had a profound impact on me, as I can still feel the emotions it evoked all those years ago.

It makes me wonder how many other people have been touched by this book and how it has influenced their lives.

A good book has the ability to transport us to different worlds, make us empathize with the characters, and leave a lasting impression.

This particular book has achieved that for me, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it.

I would highly recommend it to others, as it is a classic that is well worth revisiting.

The fun-loving crazy ones, they are truly a unique breed. They seem to live life on the edge, always seeking out the most exciting and wild experiences. Their energy is contagious, but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. They are constantly in motion, never content to just sit still and enjoy the moment.

This kind of lifestyle is not for everyone, and it makes me glad to be boring. I prefer the simple pleasures in life, like a good book, a cup of coffee, and a quiet walk in the park. I don't need to be constantly entertained or stimulated. I am happy with my routine and my little comforts.

Of course, there are times when I羡慕 the fun-loving crazy ones. Their lives seem so full and exciting, while mine can sometimes feel a bit平淡. But then I remind myself that everyone has their own path in life, and what works for them may not work for me. I am happy with who I am, and that's all that really matters.

In my paperback copy of The Great Gatsby, the biographical note at the end painted a rather one-sided picture of Zelda. She was simply dismissed as Scott's mentally ill wife who took up ballet for no reason and wrote Save Me the Waltz out of spite towards her husband. Naturally, I couldn't help but think that there must be much more to Zelda's story than that simplistic portrayal.

This biography, however, did attempt to give Zelda an equal \\"voice\\" in her life and her relationship with Scott. It delved into their complex dynamic and tried to present a more nuanced view. But unfortunately, the several pages spent on literary analysis of Zelda's written work made some parts of the book drag for me.

I actually wasn't a huge fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald to begin with, and after reading this biography, he really didn't come off well at all. He was clearly jealous of Zelda's artistic and literary talents. He even used portions of her diaries and private letters to him in his work without considering her feelings. It was quite disheartening to see how he treated her.

The author also didn't probe too deeply into the deeper causes of Zelda's mental illness later in life. Although there was enough evidence in this book for me to suspect that it was at least partially hereditary, dealing with the extremely unhealthy dynamics in her marriage probably had a significant impact on poor Zelda as well.

Furthermore, the author spent an excessive amount of time analyzing Zelda's written works chapter by chapter. After a while, it got downright boring. I understand that Zelda's works were largely autobiographical, but I wish the author would have been more selective in her analysis and perhaps focused on a few significant passages.

Despite these drawbacks, I did learn a great deal about Zelda Fitzgerald in this biography. And I'm glad that Nancy Milford thought to shed some light on her perspective and give her the recognition she deserved.

As a dedicated Fitzgerald enthusiast, the amount of time it took me to get around to reading 'Zelda' is truly absurd. This is the definitive biography of a woman I hold in the highest regard, and yet, prior to this, I had never read a comprehensive account of her life. I had only come across snippets in Judith Mackrell's remarkable 'Flappers' and through Scott's perspective in Matthew J. Bruccoli's masterful 'Some Sort of Epic Grandeur: The Life of F. Scott Fitzgerald'. In hindsight, I should have read this much earlier, as it would have provided me with a more informed understanding when delving into other works by and about the Fitzgeralds.

It is important to note that 'Zelda' is not without its flaws. However, it does offer a balanced view by presenting both sides of the story. Milford does an excellent job of chronicling the hardships that Zelda endured, such as her mental illness, eczema, and years of sanitarium treatment, without glorifying or mythologizing her. The book dedicates almost as much space to the difficult 1930s as it does to the glamorous 1920s, which I found to be a refreshing approach.

Zelda Fitzgerald无疑在她的一生中遭受了许多痛苦。Milford并没有回避这一点，她详细描述了Zelda所经历的磨难，同时也展现了她的坚强和勇气。此外，Milford还深入探讨了Zelda的艺术成就，包括她的舞蹈、绘画和写作。尽管Zelda在这些领域都展现出了一定的天赋，但由于各种原因，她并没有充分发挥自己的潜力。Milford在书中对Zelda的作品进行了深入的分析和评价，既肯定了它们的优点，也指出了它们的不足之处。

Although there are parts of the book that focus on Scott's achievements and his actions during the Fitzgeralds' separations, Zelda remains the central figure throughout. Milford provides a comprehensive and non-mythologized portrayal of Zelda, going beyond the typical image of her as a flapper or muse. The book also sheds light on Zelda's life before and after Scott, something that I found particularly interesting.

I also appreciated that Milford did not completely villainize F. Scott Fitzgerald. While she includes details of his mistreatment of Zelda, she also acknowledges that he was a complex person with his own issues. The picture that emerges of their marriage is one of co-dependency and toxicity, but also of love and perseverance.

Despite its many strengths, 'Zelda' does have a few drawbacks. Some parts of the book had to be censored due to concerns from the Fitzgeralds' daughter, Scottie, which makes me wonder if there is still more to the story that has yet to be uncovered. Additionally, Milford's tendency to conflate characters in the Fitzgeralds' works with the Fitzgeralds themselves and to presume Zelda's feelings and reactions in certain situations felt a bit off to me.

Overall, however, I am extremely glad to have finally read 'Zelda'. It has given me a new perspective on my two favorite literary figures and has deepened my understanding of their lives and relationship. Milford's research and writing are both excellent, and this biography is a significant achievement. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Fitzgeralds or in American literature and culture.

"Half of our friends would tell you in all seriousness that my drinking drove Zelda mad. The other half would tell you that her madness drove me to drink." - Scott Fitzgerald

This biography is an in-depth exploration of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, a captivating and mysterious subject for Milford. The early years of the Fitzgeralds are engaging and easy to read, but as time progresses, the author details their explosive fights and drunken escapades with equal precision.

Milford skillfully chronicles Zelda's descent into mental illness, using primary sources like letters, writings, and interviews to paint a vivid picture of her character. Her unique syntax and conversational leaps come alive on the pages, leaving readers with the sense that they know her a little, despite her remaining an enigma.

Interestingly, Zelda seems to age more gracefully than Scott, despite her illness. It's also remarkable to discover how much her writing influenced Scott's female characters. Her diary entries, letters, and conversations were often incorporated into his works with little revision. Additionally, she wrote many of his magazine stories, which he published under both their names. Her later obsession with ballet is intriguing, and her breakdowns are heartbreaking to read about.

However, the book can be too dense at times. The chapters that summarize novels are cumbersome, and Milford sometimes includes too many letters to make a point. Images, especially of Zelda's paintings, would have been a great addition. Overall, this epic biography covers the tragic story of the Fitzgeralds, with all its highs and lows.

I almost wish I hadn't read this book. It has truly opened my eyes to the writing methods of F. Scott Fitzgerald. It has not only changed my perception of him but also of his work in a rather harsh new light.

He seemingly drove his wife insane by appropriating her life, writings, and personality for his own literary pursuits. When she got published, his name was included as the author. When she attempted to write a novel about her experience with mental illness, he threatened her publisher (who was also his publisher) with defection if her work was published before his own "Tender Is The Night". He told her she was a third-rate writer, yet he often quoted her diaries and letters word for word in his novels and short stories.

Moreover, he believed he should be her personal psychiatrist and master. He felt he knew best how to treat her illness and frequently insisted that her real doctors concur with him, allowing him to dictate what she could and couldn't do in all aspects of her life. He even blamed her for his alcoholism. Despite all of this, he never abandoned her and truly did seem to love her, which paradoxically makes the whole situation even worse.

It's a complex and rather disturbing tale that makes one question the ethics and morality of Fitzgerald's actions.

She was an odd mix, a complex individual who was both incredibly talented and deeply troubled.

She was one half of the Golden Couple of the roaring twenties, and the tales of her adventures with Scott Fitzgerald continue to evoke smiles or scowls.

However, her final years were极其悲惨, and her death was truly tragic.

Nancy Milford provides a sensitive portrayal of her in this biography.

Milford delves into her life, exploring her joys and sorrows, her triumphs and failures.

She brings to life the woman behind the legend, painting a vivid picture of her personality and the events that shaped her.

Through Milford's words, we gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable and tragic figure.

The biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and times of the roaring twenties and the complex individuals who inhabited that era.

I discovered this book for a mere 50 cents at a book sale. I had听闻 about how fascinating she was, so it appeared to be the ideal chance to find out.

I already endured teasing that it must be due to the video game, The Legend of Zelda, that I cared. The character in the game was named after Fitzgerald, so perhaps being aware of all this did unconsciously make me more intrigued by the topic.

A great number of the reviews seem to be critiquing the characters, their actions, and their lives, which strikes me as rather odd. Milford has a wealth of information in this book that clearly stems from excellent research. She told the story adeptly, and as someone who enjoys reading about mental health or an individual going through psychological issues, this was an engaging read.

It's interesting how a simple find at a book sale can lead to such an unexpected exploration. I'm glad I took the chance and picked up this book. I look forward to delving deeper into Fitzgerald's story and seeing what else I can discover.

Overall, it was a great purchase, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Fitzgerald or in reading a well-written account of a life filled with challenges and triumphs.

Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald - a relationship that remains a complex enigma.

Their marriage, which commenced with the allure and sparkle of the Jazz Age (Zelda being regarded as the first Flapper), was filled with wild parties and a penchant for drama, often played out in public. However, Scott's excessive drinking and Zelda's descent into schizophrenia took a toll on them, ruining them physically, psychologically, and financially.

Contrary to what I initially thought, Zelda was not truly "institutionalized" as she had the freedom to leave the hospitals (some more like resorts) at any time. The focus was always on integrating her back with Scott and their daughter, yet despite numerous attempts, she tragically couldn't manage it.

Their extensive correspondence is captivating. Given their literary backgrounds, I had to look up a few words. One of my favorite letters is Zelda's response to Scott after his doctor told him to stop drinking. Scott wrote to her doctor, essentially stating that he needed to drink to tolerate Zelda. Zelda's reply was in part: "Your letter is not difficult to answer with promptitude since I have done nothing but turn over cause and effect in my mind for some time. Also your presentation of the situation is poetic, even if it has no bearing on the truth.... I envy you the mental processes which can so distort conditions into a rectitude of attitude for you..."

Zelda's fiction and paintings, especially the play Scandalabra, were not well received. But I believe her art was ahead of its time. Critics thought her perspective was too surreal, considering she was a schizophrenic with poor eyesight. If that doesn't define a tragic artist, I don't know what does.

I discovered that Scott and Zelda are buried together, just 30 miles from my home. So, I will be making a journey to pay my respects to this complex and tragic couple.

Fascinating book!

I've always had a profound love for reading about this particular period in our history. This book, in particular, has truly taken me on an immersive journey into the minds, lives, and writings of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Zelda was a remarkable writer in her own right. However, she never quite managed to fully discover and understand herself.

One of the most captivating and revealing things she wrote about her husband's writing was: “It seems to me that on one page I recognized a portion of an old diary of mine which mysteriously disappeared shortly after my marriage, and, also, scraps of letters which, though considerably edited, sound to me vaguely familiar. In fact, Mr. Fitzgerald (I believe that is how he spells his name) seems to believe that plagiarism begins at home.”

This statement not only provides a glimpse into the complex relationship between the two but also adds an element of mystery and intrigue to their story. It makes one wonder about the true nature of their creative processes and the potential influences they had on each other.

Overall, this book offers a fascinating exploration of a bygone era and the lives of two iconic literary figures.