The story proceeds as the narrator, Nick Carraway, recalls memories of his unique life experience in New York in the 1920’s. After graduating from Yale, Nick Carraway moves to West Egg, Long Island, where he meets his millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby. As Nick becomes closer with the man next door, he is somehow embroiled in Mr. Gatsby’s greater secrecy.
     Personally, I enjoyed this novel very much. The whole story takes place within three months. The fast-paced narrative voice gives the readers a sense of how money and love can come and go easily in 1920’s America. Furthermore, Fitzgerald tells the story from the first person point of view, allowing the readers to experience what he sees and what he feels. This unique technique makes Gatsby alive in front of us, as if he is a great friend in our real life. Also, the author is a master of demonstrating each character’s personality and quality by using contrast. Therefore, readers can never guess what happens next, and the following incident can always be surprising or shocking. From the point when Nick Carraway meets Gatsby, the characters are destined to be involved in a drama rather than a normal three months. The book can really lead to something deep while everyone in the book, except the innocent Gatsby, is considered shallow and fails to live up readers’ expectations. I highly recommend the novel The Great Gatsby as it is a great representation of the 1920’s American Dream, and the author’s language is easy to read and understand.

Reviewed by Cindy Z.