Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Another interesting read...

People often act in ways that unknowingly undermine their own future. They may make hasty decisions, engage in self-destructive behaviors, or simply fail to plan ahead.

For example, some people might choose to spend their money on immediate pleasures rather than saving for the future. Others might neglect their health by not exercising or eating properly, which could lead to serious health problems down the road.

It's important for people to be more aware of the consequences of their actions and to take steps to protect their future. This could involve setting goals, making a budget, or developing healthy habits.

By being more intentional and proactive, people can avoid tearing down their own future and instead build a brighter and more fulfilling one.
July 14,2025
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This novel is based on the life of Genevra King, who was F. Scott Fitzgerald's first love and served as the inspiration for numerous of his early female characters.

As a die-hard Fitzgerald lover, I truly relished this book, not only because of its connection to the great author but also for its own inherent qualities. Genevra's fictionalized life is utterly captivating, and her relationship with Scott and Zelda is just one aspect of it.

That being said, the encounter Genevra has with Scott in the late 1930s, shortly before his untimely death, brought tears to my eyes. After being apart for 21 long years, she meets him and witnesses the state her once golden-haired, romantic former beau has fallen into. He is empty, drunken, constantly idealizing the past while being mired in a horribly tragic present. This scene is truly affecting and makes one deeply reflect on the passage of time and the toll it can take on a person.

Overall, this novel offers a unique and poignant perspective on the life of Genevra King and her connection to F. Scott Fitzgerald, making it a must-read for fans of both the author and historical fiction.
July 14,2025
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This is a well-researched book that I truly loved.

I have a particular fondness for books that are based on real people, and this one did not disappoint.

The story delves into F. Scott Fitzgerald's first love and reveals how several of his characters were inspired by her.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the author and the sources of his inspiration.

The details are rich and engaging, making it a captivating read from start to finish.

Whether you're a fan of Fitzgerald or simply interested in a good story, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It provides a unique perspective on the man and his work, and will leave you with a deeper appreciation for both.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting and thought-provoking read.
July 14,2025
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I wasn't completely overcome by this story.

In the beginning, I thought it held great promise. Even as Ginvera grew up and made the decision (spoiler alert) not to pursue a relationship with the young F. Scott Fitzgerald, there was still a glimmer of potential.

However, as the story progressed, it seemed to lose its momentum. I understand that the lives of both main characters had such great potential before they disintegrated, and that they both had a profound impact on each other's later lives.

But for some reason, the story of Ginvera simply didn't capture my interest. Between her complex relationships with her family, Julian, and later her closest friend's husband, I just didn't have the desire to learn more about her life or her story.

Perhaps it was the way the story was told, or maybe it was just a personal preference. Either way, I found myself disengaged and uninterested in Ginvera's journey.
July 14,2025
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This was an extremely enjoyable read.

It truly captivated my attention from start to finish.

The writing style was engaging and the story had a certain charm that made it impossible to put down.

It has left me with a strong desire to explore more of F. Scott Fitzgerald's works.

I am eager to see what other literary gems he has created.

I suspect that his other books will be just as fascinating and thought-provoking as this one.

His ability to bring characters to life and create vivid settings is truly remarkable.

I can't wait to embark on this new literary adventure and discover the magic of F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing.
July 14,2025
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A poignant, fictional exploration of Fitzgerald's muse offers a captivating read. It unfolds like a biography from the cult of celebrity, vividly highlighting Ginevra's shallowness. Preston's take on the facts of Ginevra King is both liberating and engaging. After all, this is a novel, and the author's style serves as a clear-eyed counterpoint to Fitzgerald's lyricism.

The story delves into the complex relationship between Fitzgerald and Ginevra, painting a vivid picture of their interactions. It shows how Ginevra's superficial nature may have influenced Fitzgerald's work and his perception of love and beauty.

Through Preston's narrative, readers gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the era in which they lived. The novel provides a unique perspective on Fitzgerald's muse, making it a must-read for fans of Fitzgerald and those interested in the intersection of literature and life.
July 14,2025
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Preston reimagines the life of Ginevra King, who was F. Scott Fitzgerald's first love and served as the inspiration for many of his novel’s leading ladies, such as Daisy Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby", Isabelle Borge in "This Side of Paradise", and Josephine Perry in "The Basil and Josephine Stories".

Fitzgerald met Ginevra at a party in St. Paul when she was visiting her boarding-school roommate. The two instantly hit it off and corresponded for eight months, with only one meeting. However, Ginevra soon lost interest. She was a very self-absorbed, vain, and spoilt young woman. She then turned her attention to Bill Granger, a solid but rather boring man, and married him at just 18.

Life with Bill and their two children was not the grand romance that Ginevra had envisioned. As Fitzgerald's literary star rose, she couldn't help but wonder what life with him would have been like. When she discovered that she was depicted in his novels and stories, it became clear that Scott had never stopped thinking about her either.

This fictional Ginevra undergoes some maturation, and the prose is both enjoyable and richly imaginative. It would make a great companion to "The Great Gatsby", offering readers a different perspective on the life and loves of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
July 14,2025
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A book that I have possessed for a considerable number of years and have finally managed to get around to reading.

However, I wasn't as completely amazed as I had initially anticipated. The entire premise of the book seemed to hold so much greater promise. Ginevra Perry is portrayed as "the girl who got away", serving as an inspiration for the heroines in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and "This Side of Paradise". These are both FSF books that I have read and re-read multiple times. In fact, "This Side of Paradise" was almost a summer staple for me from my late teens until my 20's, after I stopped re-reading "Little Women" every summer!

I think I was longing for more of the essence of "Gatsby" and less of the "Girl" aspect. I guess I will have to seek that in other books or perhaps re-read those old favorites yet again. Fortunately, I do have two new books about Zelda that I recently obtained from the library. Maybe these will help to satisfy my craving for more FSF-related content...
July 14,2025
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A little dry - sometimes an author's life is a complete bore compared to the luxurious one he creates in his novels.

Authors often spend countless hours alone, sitting in front of a computer or with a pen and paper, lost in their own fictional worlds. They may describe glamorous parties, exotic locations, and thrilling adventures in their books, but in reality, their days may be filled with routine and monotony.

They might wake up, have breakfast, and then immediately dive into writing. They may spend the entire day editing, revising, and trying to come up with new ideas. There may be no glamorous events or exciting travels in their immediate future.

However, it is this contrast between their ordinary lives and the extraordinary ones they create that often fuels their creativity. The desire to escape from the dullness of reality and explore new possibilities through their writing is what drives many authors to continue.

So, while an author's life may seem dry and uninteresting at times, it is the hidden passion and imagination within them that gives birth to the captivating stories we love to read.
July 14,2025
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I absolutely loved this book. It is truly a remarkable piece of literature that has the power to captivate readers from start to finish. The story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the writing style is simply beautiful.


If you have read and remember "The Great Gatsby", you will enjoy this book even more. There are certain themes and motifs that are similar, such as the pursuit of wealth and status, the corrupting influence of money, and the hollowness of the upper class. However, this book also has its own unique charm and perspective.


Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

July 14,2025
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I truly relished this book.

It is a novel that is somewhat loosely founded on the life of Ginevra King, who is believed to be the inspiration behind several of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most renowned characters.

Nevertheless, this book has its own independent charm and allure.

It is not only interesting but also extremely well-written.

The author has managed to bring the story to life in a vivid and engaging manner, captivating the reader from the very beginning.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read.
July 14,2025
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F. Scott Fitzgerald is a renowned American author, and there is a cute story regarding the muse who inspired many of his books.

This muse was a significant influence on his writing, adding depth and charm to his works.

However, it should be noted that while Fitzgerald's muse is an interesting aspect of his creative process, I, personally, didn't find all of his books to be truly great.

Some of his works may have had moments of brilliance, but overall, they didn't quite resonate with me on a profound level.

Nevertheless, the story of his muse remains an engaging part of Fitzgerald's literary legacy.

It gives us a glimpse into the inspiration that drove him to create some of the most iconic works in American literature.

Whether or not one enjoys Fitzgerald's books, the role of his muse is an important part of his story.

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