Lost Generation discussion

Hesperus Press, UK, has generously donated a copy for our contest.
Just comment or pose a question on the book or its author, F. Scott Fitzgerald. I will select the best one & send the book to the winner.
Contest closes June 1st. Good luck!

Fitzgerald's "This Side of Paradise" is his equivalent of "Great Expectations", the story of a boy and his journey into adulthood. The literary device of Bildungsroman is used in both stories, and there are even more parallels between the stories when they are read closely. Many stories have used Bildungsroman as a device to move the story forward (Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, etc.), but these two always stood out as exceptional in delivering a powerful story of youthful aspirations and the difficulties in growing into an adult. Thank you Mr. Fitzgerald for all your wonderful work!!!

Amishdoctor11 said to you:
If you had to chose one thing that drove Fitzgerald's works what would it be? Zelda's mental health, alcohol or Scott's own genius?

Zelda was his muse, undoubtedly. Alcohol was one of his vices, and his genius put everything into perspective, allowing him to funnel all his energies into words. I believe all three of these variables were crucial (and sometimes painful) in creating the great works of Fitzgerald's bibliography. Our actions define us, and through action we experience. If I had to pick only one of the above as the "driving force" in Fitzgeralds' works, it would be his genius; without it how would he articulate his ideas? Would his muse, Zelda, been enough to compensate if his genius were lost? In my opinion, Fitzgerald was inspired by his experiences and indulgences, but his genius put everything into beautiful prose for all to read.

My response is in reference to Gatsby. Was his love for Daisy true love or was she a part of the imaginative world that he was shrove to create? (I'm sure this has been discussed many times but it's been a topic of conversation in our home recently).

Anthony has won this book. Thanks to you who entered. This is the only contest we'll have due to lack of interest.

Because I was too lazy to enter the contest...Got myself some Rolling Junk today to take to the beach next week. Shan't read it until I get there...and Anthony...agree with you wholeheartedly. Give me alcohol and the most incredible muse of the century and I certainly wouldn't have put anything together as brilliant as Scott's work. The muse certainly didn't drive him at the end. Oh my favorite couple...sigh...

The only contest Charlotte! And I thought I could expand my library by winning a few more of these contest! That idea is out the window, apparently.

Amy, I know the feeling. I sit up late at night and state at the blinking cursor of my word processor wondering why I even try. Did Hemingway or Fitzgerald ever have these problems? What about the contemporary authors like King or Larsson (R.I.P)? Yes, all writers, even the greats sweat it out, and have those moments of "why should I even try!" If you haven't read Trimalchio (Fitzgerald's early version of the Great Gatsby) read it. The manuscript, although excellent, is not without flaws. Great things take time...and a few indulgences to push the idea forward! This manuscript by one of America's finest authors proves that.

I know, Anthony, I am disappointed, too, but the meager response made it necessary to cancel the giveaway.
I applaud you for your realization that it does indeed take time to write, unless you are a Simenon, who seemed able to churn them out so easily!