I truly have a deep affection for books such as this.

Books that are firmly rooted in fact and are skillfully combined with the talent of a wonderful writer. That is precisely what I discovered in "Gatsby's Girl".

This was an outstanding read, and it is abundantly clear that a great deal of research was invested in creating this book.

Even though there are elements that are the product of the writer's imagination, they sound astonishingly real.

Immense effort was exerted to get the setting and the overall feeling of the book just right.

And this is precisely the way I would have envisioned the story unfolding in real life.

It didn't meander or drone on; instead, it maintained your engagement in the story in a highly personal manner.

I had never previously heard of this book and randomly came across it in the sale section of my local bookstore.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in F. Scott Fitzgerald, this particular era, biographical works, or fictional works.

It offers a captivating blend of fact and fiction that is sure to delight and engage readers.

Wow.

It is truly difficult to envision a heroine more shallow than Daisy Buchanan. However, Caroline Preston astonishingly managed to achieve this feat in her novel centered around Ginevra Perry.

Ginevra is loosely inspired by Ginevra King, a real individual, and Josephine Perry, a fictional character from F. Scott Fitzgerald's Josephine stories.

Interestingly, there are notes from a conversation with the author included at the back of the book, which is a great addition. Without them, I might have suspected Fitzgerald of being not only an alcoholic but also mentally impaired.

Ginevra King was Fitzgerald's first love, and their romance endured for a little over 2 years. In the novel, Preston condenses this romance to a mere 6 months when Ginevra is just 16 years old.

Ginevra seems to be the inspiration behind many of Fitzgerald's female characters. When I considered that their romance lasted only 6 months yet had an impact on his writing until his death, I truly began to question his perception of reality.

Next on the list: The Perfect Hour - a nonfiction biography of Ginevra King.

The plot of the story itself was indeed quite engaging, captivating my attention from the very beginning. However, to be completely honest, I have to admit that none of the characters within the narrative were particularly likable.

I did find a certain enjoyment in reading about Ginevra and then delving deeper into her real story. There was something about her that piqued my interest and made me want to know more.

But aside from that aspect, I'm now left with a sense of uncertainty. I'm wondering whether I would even go so far as to say that this book is truly worth 3 stars. It has its moments, but overall, the lack of likable characters makes it a bit of a difficult sell.

I'm not sure if I would recommend it wholeheartedly or if I would just suggest it with some reservations. It's a bit of a conundrum, really.

I liked this book more than I initially anticipated.

The author crafted her story based on a real-life early love, Ginevra, of F. Scott Fitzgerald, along with her actual letters found in the Princeton archive.

The narrative commences with their encounter and then envisions the events that unfold for them until their passing.

To be sure, a significant portion of it is fictionalized, especially the period after the letters ceased.

However, even with the knowledge that this is a work of fiction, I still found numerous captivating aspects within the story.

Firstly, it offers a glimpse into what it was like to grow up in Lake Forest, IL during the 1920s, as the author's grandmother experienced.

Secondly, it explores the nature of divorce during that era.

And thirdly, it delves into what it was like to have a child within that society.

This was a rapid and imaginative read that held my attention from start to finish.

The idea that the grass is always greener on the other side is a common one.

Sometimes, people strive for what they think they desire, only to find out that once they have it, they no longer want it.

This concept is explored in a story that may not be the most uplifting or cheerful of reads, but it has its own captivating charm.

The story feels realistic and true to its setting, which adds to its allure.

It makes the reader reflect on their own desires and the pursuit of happiness.

Perhaps we should be more careful about what we wish for, as we may not always get what we expect.

Or maybe we should learn to appreciate what we have and not always be looking for something better.

In any case, this story serves as a reminder that the grass isn't always greener, and that sometimes, what we think we want isn't really what we need.

Bitch.

Ginevra Perry, you are truly such a BITCH. I despise you with every fiber of my being. I loathe your stupid, convoluted, rambling, petty, and uninteresting failed book. You, with your wide-eyed look that seems to be the muse of the devil himself, and you, that sickening debutante who emerged from the flattest planes of Hell, are responsible for 70 percent of my hatred. You made me feel physically ill to my stomach.

Because of you and your absurd little life, with your having passionate sex with your son's tutor, which was such a predictable plot twist, you actually made me like "The Great Gatsby" ten times more than I initially did. Let me make this crystal clear: YOU. ARE. A. BITCH. And your life was nothing more than a poorly chronicled soap opera. Now go and deal with that fact.

3.5

I had an extremely nice time delving into this particular book. The storyline was truly captivating, keeping me engaged from the very beginning until the end. It was filled with interesting twists and turns that held my attention firmly.

The cultural references within the text added an extra layer of depth and richness. They provided valuable insights into the time period and the society in which the story was set. It was fascinating to learn about the different aspects of culture and how they influenced the characters and their actions.

The progression of the characters was also a highlight. Watching them grow and change throughout the story was both satisfying and thought-provoking. Their development felt natural and believable, and it made me invest even more in their fates.

As a result of this wonderful reading experience, I now have a strong desire to explore more of Fitzgerald's works. Out of sheer curiosity, I want to see what other masterpieces he has created. I am eager to discover the unique storylines, cultural references, and character progressions that await me in his other books.

I am confident that each new book by Fitzgerald will be just as enjoyable and rewarding as this one. I look forward to embarking on this literary journey and expanding my knowledge and appreciation of his writing.

This is a really easy read that has the remarkable ability to transport you to the time period and the lifestyle she lived.

As you turn the pages, you can almost envision the settings, the people, and the daily activities that were a part of her world.

The author's vivid descriptions bring everything to life, making it feel as if you are right there experiencing it all alongside her.

It's a captivating journey that allows you to step out of your own time and into a different era, gaining a unique perspective on the past.

Whether you're interested in history or simply enjoy a good story, this book is sure to engage and delight you.

So sit back, relax, and let the words carry you away to a time and place you may have never known before.

Ginevra met F. Scott Fitzgerald when she was 16 and he was 19. They developed a deep connection and exchanged long love letters, some of which required more than one envelope.

However, their relationship did not endure. Scott had already begun drinking, and he did not come from the same social background as was expected of Ginevra's suitors.

Years later, Ginevra married an aviator. Nevertheless, she still found everything about Scott fascinating. She could see herself in his books.

She was asked to escort his recovering wife to the World's Fair. Years after both of her parents had passed away, she met his daughter only to discover that Scott had never destroyed her letters. He had asked her to destroy his, and she had done so, which is truly a great loss for all of us.

Ginevra Perry, the muse of Fitzgerald, provides us with the story that inspired such a classic as The Great Gatsby.

She has a profound love for the concept of love itself. She yearns to discover the man who can truly personify that idea. However, it turns out that F. Scott Fitzgerald is not that man.

Perhaps Ginevra had high expectations and dreams when it came to love. She was constantly on the lookout for that perfect embodiment. But as fate would have it, Fitzgerald did not fulfill those expectations.

Nevertheless, her experiences and her search for true love might have influenced Fitzgerald's writing. Maybe her unfulfilled desires and the complex nature of her relationship with love served as the inspiration for the themes and characters in The Great Gatsby.

We can only imagine the emotions and thoughts that Ginevra went through during this time. Her story adds an interesting layer to the creation of one of the most iconic novels in American literature.

Although it is not precisely 'historically accurate', as the author is prompt to confess, this fictionalized portrayal of the girl who served as the inspiration for Daisy Buchanan is truly captivating.

The story offers a unique and engaging perspective, allowing readers to delve into the possible life and experiences of the real-life figure behind the iconic character.

It is a must-read for Fitzgerald enthusiasts, as it provides additional depth and context to the world of The Great Gatsby.

Moreover, I firmly believe that it serves as the ideal readalike to The Paris Wife by McLain.

Both books offer a fictionalized account of the lives of women who were associated with famous writers, and both are filled with rich detail, complex characters, and a sense of historical atmosphere.

If you enjoyed The Paris Wife, you are sure to love this fictionalized look at the girl who inspired Daisy Buchanan.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the life of Fitzgerald and his captivating romance with Ginerva. Before reading this book, I had no prior knowledge of this woman. I had mistakenly assumed that all of his female characters were modeled after Zelda.

As a proud Chicagoan, I found it truly fascinating to learn about the vibrant and exciting 1920s in Chicago. Ginerva's story is indeed a tragic one, filled with heartbreak and disappointment. However, in some ways, she does manage to fare better than the Fitzgeralds.

While there may not be anything overly profound about this novel, I would highly recommend it to anyone who, like me, is completely obsessed with the Lost Generation. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on this fascinating era and the people who lived through it.