Nine members of our group met to discuss this short, intense
story. We were looking forward to welcoming a new member to our group but a long
term road closure is currently splitting our little community in two and, in
the dark, she found the complex diversion along tiny, icy roads too nasty and
confusing to tackle. So we have our next meeting to do that and we look forward
to it and hope the weather in March is kinder.
So, on to the book:
This classic book was written in 1926, so is an ‘in the time’
story of how the wealthy Americans behaved. We believe that it is a fair
representation of life at the time and the overriding impression was of
a society with "very few morals".
Nick, the narrator, perhaps had more of a conscience than
the characters he portrays (some family, but none friends) but he doesn't give much insight into himself, his life and his motives for sharing the story.
The quality and style of the written word is outstanding.
The descriptive phrases and subtle commentary command a second read to ensure
nothing is missed nor misunderstood.
The observation of the narrator captures the humour,
opulence and appalling behaviour of the set. We enjoyed sharing our narrative highlights: for
example:
“Anyhow, he gives large parties,’ said Jordan….’And I like
large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”
“Whenever he sees I’m having a good time he wants to go home.”
“Never heard anything so selfish in my life.”
“We’re always the first ones to leave.”
“So are we.”
‘He took out a pile of shirts and began throwing them, one
by one, before us. Shirts of sheer linen and thick silk and fine flannel…Daisy
bent her head into the shirts and began to cry stormily…”I’ve never seen such
beautiful shirts,” she sobbed.
‘And the day before the wedding he gave her a string of
pearls valued at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.’ (Jordan about
Daisy.)
As an all-female group we couldn’t help taking a few minutes
to discuss the women and how they are seemed to be either ‘weak’ or ‘used’ – were we
over sensitive?
Will we recommend it? Yes, definitely, as a good read that
generates a lot of discussion, far more than has been shared here for fear of ‘spoiler’.
Our next read is: Letter to Daniel by Fergal Keane. As some
members would like an alternative day due to other commitments we decided to
ring the changes and will meet on MONDAY 27th MARCH and, as the pub
is closed on Mondays, Felicity has kindly offered to host.
