F. Scott Fitzgerald Book summary

F. Scott Fitgerald (1886- 1940) first published “The Great Gatsby” in 1925. The book offers a glimpse of life that epitomizes the “Roaring 20’s/ Jazz Age,” an era and lifestyle that Fitzgerald was familiar with. The book was written during a time of American optimism, with the WW I ending in 1919, and hope for great success leading to optimism.  

Fitzgerald is a distant cousin of Francis Scott Key (and was named after him), the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  

His life shares some parallels with the character Gatsby. After his service in the military, he fell in love with a southern debutante, Zelda Sayre. His proposal was rejected, however, because he was not a man of great means, and could not provide the affluence she’d grown up with. However, after his first novel, “This Side of Paradise” was a commercial (and thus financial) success, she agreed to marry him. They remained married until his death, although the marriage was reportedly difficult, and at times, loveless, per F. Scott’s own description.  

In the 1930’s, Zelda’s mental condition had declined, and she was institutionalized. Fitzgerald completed his last book, “Tender is the Night.” A few years later, amid financial difficulties, he moved to Hollywood, California, in the hopes of becoming a screenwriter. This venture failed, and he struggled with alcoholism. He died in 1940, at age 44.