I know! I cut a paragraph from this post that delved deeper into the dumb luck of it. There was a war and with it a need/desire to get books to thousands of soldiers that would feed their patriotism and macho identity. Otherwise, it would be buried. Instead, it produces about $500,000 a year in royalties for his descendants.
Ha, that reminds me of Hemingway implication that Fitzgerald was effeminate, fascinating that his book was used to promote "macho identity"!
It made me think of Jane Austen, who was also a "failure" and never made much money in her lifetime, but today is so popular. Or how Virginia Woolf sold fewer books than Vita Sackville-West during their lifetimes...
The poetic writing style of The Great Gatsby—flow and use of metaphor—carried me away on first reading in my first stint in college. And then there’s the very quotable lines, my favorite being: “Her voice is full of money.” It’s remained with me through the decades. Also, I was interested to learn how the book finally got traction. Who would have guessed that outcome?
Katie Kitamura is one of my most favorite authors and I can't wait to read Audition (any day now)... I did NOT read your post because I am terrified of spoilers on this book but wanted to tell you that I will come back and can't wait to compare notes on this book.
Thanks, Jenovia. I know— he really blew up his life and then Hollywood ran him into the ground. Interesting fellow and sad he never knew how Gatsby would blow up.
I just ordered A Separation as I’ve decided to read the not-trilogy in order to very excited! I hope Fitzgerald is in a pub in the sky witnessing his literary legacy
I adored AUDITION and loved reading your thoughts on it! I appreciate when an author respects the intelligence of her readers—plus more questions than answers always makes for a great experience for me.
Thanks Sara. Totally agree— fun to read a book that assumes the reader will pay attention. It is a book that is hard to discuss without spoiling it, so I have not had anyone in IRL to share thoughts with yet. Happy that this connected with you here!
Thanks, Plain Jane. When you read her work, I would love to know what you think. It is good to know someone understands the urgency. Can’t believe there’s no 911 to call.
Did not know Gatsby had flopped at first! So fascinating to think of which novels did well in their time, versus which stand the test of time.
I know! I cut a paragraph from this post that delved deeper into the dumb luck of it. There was a war and with it a need/desire to get books to thousands of soldiers that would feed their patriotism and macho identity. Otherwise, it would be buried. Instead, it produces about $500,000 a year in royalties for his descendants.
Ha, that reminds me of Hemingway implication that Fitzgerald was effeminate, fascinating that his book was used to promote "macho identity"!
It made me think of Jane Austen, who was also a "failure" and never made much money in her lifetime, but today is so popular. Or how Virginia Woolf sold fewer books than Vita Sackville-West during their lifetimes...
Kitamura sounds like she's channeling Rachel Cusk.
Oft compared, yes, with Cusk having the temporal edge.
The poetic writing style of The Great Gatsby—flow and use of metaphor—carried me away on first reading in my first stint in college. And then there’s the very quotable lines, my favorite being: “Her voice is full of money.” It’s remained with me through the decades. Also, I was interested to learn how the book finally got traction. Who would have guessed that outcome?
Katie Kitamura is one of my most favorite authors and I can't wait to read Audition (any day now)... I did NOT read your post because I am terrified of spoilers on this book but wanted to tell you that I will come back and can't wait to compare notes on this book.
Definitely read the book first. I almost DM’d you about it because I was very affected —but I didn’t want to spoil anything.
I loved this, Abra! I found Fitzgerald's feelings of failure fascinating because he is such a behemoth in American literature.
Thanks, Jenovia. I know— he really blew up his life and then Hollywood ran him into the ground. Interesting fellow and sad he never knew how Gatsby would blow up.
I just ordered A Separation as I’ve decided to read the not-trilogy in order to very excited! I hope Fitzgerald is in a pub in the sky witnessing his literary legacy
I am happy you will get to read them in order! Can’t wait to hear what you think.
I adored AUDITION and loved reading your thoughts on it! I appreciate when an author respects the intelligence of her readers—plus more questions than answers always makes for a great experience for me.
Thanks Sara. Totally agree— fun to read a book that assumes the reader will pay attention. It is a book that is hard to discuss without spoiling it, so I have not had anyone in IRL to share thoughts with yet. Happy that this connected with you here!
So true and good to remember to keep going.
A very thoughtful study of this body of work - I love reader emergencies, and I'm going to make sure to dive into Kitamura very soon.
Thanks, Plain Jane. When you read her work, I would love to know what you think. It is good to know someone understands the urgency. Can’t believe there’s no 911 to call.