The Beautiful and Damned

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This has been on my booklist for a long time. A classic I’ve always wanted to read. F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary genius. He has the gorgeous ability to clothe the English language in a way that is accessible yet beautiful. I had never had the pleasure of reading anything by F. Scott Fitzgerald however after reading such an exquisitely written book I am clamoring to read The Great Gatsby.


Quite simply an insight into early romantic love and its tender kisses and words, marriage, alcoholism, greed, ambition, and squandered talent. Succumb to the dialogue of the early 20th century and you will not be disappointed in the incredible linguistic abilities of Fitzgerald to enrapture you in the decadence and liveliness of the age and the portrayal of two flawed characters, Anthony and Gloria Patch.

Anthony Patch, Harvard educated, expecting a rather large inheritance from his grandfather meets the unobtainable and gorgeous Gloria with whom he has absolutely nothing in common. Despite the obvious incompatibilities Anthony decides he must have her. Anthony, of no particular skill or ambition except to socialize with friends and discuss philosophical matters and Gloria with no particular ambition except to join him.

Fitzgerald expertly portrays early romance where kisses are remembered through each action and you can’t wait to see the other person. Together, they embark on fantasies where they live in far off places with gobs of money and no worries. However, soon after the ceremony realization hits them and slowly descend into a life or parties, alcohol and desperation.

The fierce arguments about finances. They spent their life striving for money and friends and music and more alcohol until the life they imagined was a distant memory. The inheritance never comes and the fight for material things has ruined their lives. Fitzgerald is a master at communicating the lifestyle of the privileged at the turn of the century and that is part of the book’s charm. As someone who doesn’t drink very often there are a lot of mentions of different types of alcohol in the story.

Fitzgerald says: Happiness is only the alleviation of some especially intense misery. This is such a heartbreaking and truthful look at relationships. It makes you think of the relationships in your own life. I read they are making this book into a movie with Leo Dicaprio as the lead. Should be an interesting adaption if done right. Treat yourself and pick this book up next time you see it.