Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
38(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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I absolutely adored this little book! It was an extremely easy read, which made it a joy to pick up and breeze through. The content was not only simple to understand but also quite entertaining.

It had a charm that kept me engaged from start to finish. The author's writing style was so accessible that even those who don't typically enjoy reading could find this book enjoyable.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of the humorous parts and getting completely lost in the story. It was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Whether you're looking for a quick read to pass the time or something to brighten your day, this little book is definitely worth checking out. I can't wait to recommend it to all my friends and family.
July 14,2025
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I really enjoyed this book.

The reason is that I lived in Lake Forest, IL, and it was so easy for me to picture all the locations described in the story.

It was like taking a walk through my own neighborhood, but with a fictional twist.

This book is especially good for a F. Scott Fitzgerald lover.

Supposedly, the gal in the book was Fitzgerald’s inspiration for Daisy in the Great Gatsby.

It's fascinating to think about how real-life people and places can inspire such iconic fictional characters and stories.

The author did a great job of bringing the setting to life and making me feel like I was a part of the story.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story set in a beautiful location.

It's a quick and enjoyable read that will leave you with a new appreciation for the power of inspiration.
July 14,2025
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Ginevra was just 15 when, during Christmas break, she visited her boarding school roommate and encountered 19-year-old Princeton undergraduate Scott Fitzgerald. From that very first meeting, there was an immediate spark, which led to a flurry of letters in the following months.

Initially, Ginevra was completely awed by his romanticism. They then spent another magical evening in New York at the end of the school year. However, when Scott asked to visit her at her Lake Forest home that summer, she quickly lost interest and dumped him rather harshly. Despite this shabby treatment, he still regarded her as his first love.

Years later, married and unhappy, Ginevra learned that Scott had become a published author. As she followed his career and his writing, she recognized herself in many of Scott’s female characters, both their positive and negative traits. Yes, she was selfish, haughty, and blasé, but she also had some redeeming qualities.

I really enjoyed how this imperfect woman was idealized and became Scott’s muse. The historical backdrop was expertly written, and I particularly appreciated the familiar Chicago and suburban settings. One of Ginevra’s girlfriends was clearly an inspiration for Jordan Baker, and there were a few other small literary nods throughout. Seeing a literary giant through Ginevra’s perspective was highly entertaining, even though she wasn’t always the most likable character.
July 14,2025
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Since I have a profound affection for Fitzgerald, not merely for his literary works but also for his life story (I once delved into a biography about Zelda), this particular piece was an enjoyable read. It is a historical fiction that delves into Fitzgerald's first love prior to Zelda.

The references to Chicago added an interesting dimension to the narrative. It made me envision the vibrant city during that era and how it might have influenced Fitzgerald's experiences and emotions.

Reading about his early romance provided a new perspective on his life and work. It made me wonder how this relationship might have shaped his views on love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams.

Overall, this was a captivating read that offered a unique glimpse into Fitzgerald's past and added to my appreciation of his body of work.
July 14,2025
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This is a very interesting book.

It is especially great when read as a literary pairings book club choice. However, it wasn't a truly compelling read for me.

Interestingly, it did manage to change my opinion of The Great Gatsby, which the club read first.

The pairing of these two books was really smart. It provided a wealth of food for thought and great topics for discussion.

Now, I find myself having to go and upgrade my rating of The Great Gatsby.

I think this shows the power of reading books in pairs and how it can open up new perspectives and interpretations.

Although this particular book may not have been a personal favorite, it has definitely had an impact on my overall reading experience and my understanding of other works.

I look forward to seeing what other interesting pairings the book club comes up with in the future.

July 14,2025
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This was by far the best book I have ever read.

Personally, I adored how it coincided with The Great Gatsby. Just as Gatsby had always loved Daisy, F. Scott Fitzgerald had always loved Ginevra. It was truly unique to read, as it led you to conclude why Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby and all of his other famous novels.

Gatsby's Girl was about the main character Ginevra, the narrator. She fell in love easily, making her as careless as Daisy in The Great Gatsby. She met Scott at her friend's party during winter break. He wasn't the type of man her parents hoped she would marry, as he didn't have much money, but they fell madly in love.

Sadly, with the influence of her parents, she decided to leave him and find someone more suitable for her lifestyle, just like Daisy did to Gatsby. She married an aviator she loved, but it wasn't the same as it was with Scott. Scott was forced to move on and married the socialite Zelda Fitzgerald (this actually happened in real life).

She was crazy, and though he had fun at times, he was often depressed because he missed Ginevra. Through a series of events, after Ginevra realizes the novels he wrote were about her, she does everything she can to find Scott, and finally they meet again. I won't give away what happens in the end to avoid spoiling it.

The reason I loved this book so much was because I fell in love with the story of The Great Gatsby, and to know what might have happened to create the storyline of The Great Gatsby was simply fascinating to me. While reading the book, I often found myself getting lost in the reading, as it was so interesting. It was descriptive yet tasteful and did a great job of creating suspense at the end of each chapter.

I wish the book was longer because I'm sad it's over. The story was just so great, and I would recommend this book to anyone. It's an easy read but a wonderful story.
July 14,2025
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My actual rating: 3.25.

This fictionalized account of F. Scott Fitzgerald's first love is based on fact and offers valuable insights. It not only delves into Fitzgerald's early life but also provides a window into the life and personality of Ginerva.

The story gives an in-depth look at the period between 1916 and the late 30s, as well as into Fitzgerald himself. Sadly, by the age of 19, he was already on the path to alcoholism.

It's interesting to note that he wasn't truly regarded as a "great" author until many years after his death. His star shone brightly for a brief moment and then faded away.

In the end, he found himself penniless and writing scripts for MGM, a far cry from the literary heights he had once reached.

Overall, this fictionalized account offers a fascinating perspective on Fitzgerald's life and the events that shaped him as an author.
July 14,2025
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I read this article last year and truly enjoyed it.

The content was engaging and held my attention from start to finish.

It presented unique perspectives and ideas that made me think deeply.

The writing style was clear and concise, making it easy to understand.

I found myself constantly turning the pages, eager to see what would come next.

The article also had a certain charm and appeal that made it stand out from others.

It was not only informative but also entertaining, which is a rare combination.

Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting and thought-provoking article.

I am looking forward to reading more from the same author in the future.

July 14,2025
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This was a highly fictionalized story of F. Scott Fitzgerald's supposed first love.

It appears to offer an accurate perspective on how Scott perceived Ginevra and utilized her as a model for some of his characters. However, it doesn't necessarily provide an accurate portrayal of Ginevra or most of the specific events. I frequently encounter difficulties in liking fiction based on true events when they lack accuracy, and that is an issue here. Nevertheless, I did like the novel itself. I think it might have been better served by using a fictionalized name for Scott, as she did for most of the other characters, including changing the last name of the main character.

The story is truly about a spoiled rich girl who begins to fall for the charming boy from the wrong side of the tracks with big dreams. But then, she grows bored and embarrassed by his failure to meet her - or her father's - standards of refinement. She treats him rather meanly and then marries an aviator whom she builds up to be this romantic war hero and later comes to regret. Once Scott becomes famous, she obsesses over him and what she missed out on.

Some of my favorite parts of the book had nothing to do with Scott. They focused on the time right after marriage when she has to live in Army housing and figure out how to cook and clean without servants. It was amusing, especially since Ginevra isn't particularly likeable.

This book made me eager to read more of Fitzgerald's works and the biography of him and Zelda that I purchased at the library book sale this year.
July 14,2025
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An interesting speculative historical fiction combines the real person Ginevra King from F. Scott Fitzgerald's life with the fictional characters he created. It presents a unique and engaging narrative that weaves together fact and fiction in an imaginative way.


The plot, while having some elements that might seem slightly unbelievable at times, is overall quite plausible. It takes the reader on a journey through a world that is both familiar and yet full of surprises.


For a fan of The Great Gatsby, this book offers a pretty interesting read as it delves into the life and mind of Fitzgerald and his relationships. However, for those who are specifically looking for a book with a direct and strong connection to The Great Gatsby, this one might not quite meet their expectations. Nevertheless, it still has its own charm and value as a work of speculative fiction.

July 14,2025
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An interesting fictionalized account of F Scott Fitzgerald's so-called muse and the basis of Daisy Buchanan is presented. The beginning of the book is well-written, featuring many believable plot twists and characters that resemble those in Fitzgerald's stories. However, the main character, Ginerva Perry Granger Pullman, becomes taxing and tedious, similar to the tortured players in many of Fitzgerald's works.


At best, the plot descends into idiocy towards the conclusion, with an overly dramatic climax that fizzles out afterwards and simply drifts into oblivion. It is a story of the lost generation, full of losers in whom the reader is likely to lose interest before the end. The book fails to maintain the initial promise and instead devolves into a rather disappointing read.


Perhaps more could have been done to develop the characters and the plot in a more engaging and meaningful way. As it stands, it is a somewhat forgettable piece that does not do justice to the rich source material it is based on.

July 14,2025
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This story is loosely inspired by the life of Ginevra King, who was F. Scott Fitzgerald's early lover and is said to have been the inspiration for his character Daisy Buchanan.

If you had a penchant for "Little Women" during your girlhood, you are likely to find this story captivating as an adult.

While it will predominantly appeal to women, it cannot be simply categorized as "chick lit" due to the fascinating historical details it contains.

The narrative delves into the life and times of Ginevra King, offering a unique perspective on her relationship with Fitzgerald and the events that shaped their lives.

Readers will be drawn into the story by the richly developed characters and the vivid portrayal of the historical context.

Whether you are a fan of Fitzgerald's works or simply interested in a good historical romance, this story is sure to satisfy.

It combines elements of love, loss, and historical significance to create a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

So, if you're looking for a book that goes beyond the typical "chick lit" fare and offers a deeper exploration of history and human relationships, give this story a try.

You might just be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
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