by F.Scott Fitzgerald
What can you really say about Fitzgerald that hasn't already been said? Not much, but then again maybe something new. His characters are not necessarily likable or identifiable but maybe that's OK.
The story follows Amory Blaine, a self-proclaimed egotist. He considers himself more intelligent and better looking than everyone around him, but sees nothing wrong with that. He spends his boyhood in Minneapolis and goes to finishing school at fifteen. Amory develops a close friendship with Catholic Church official Monsignor Darcy, a former lover of Amory's eccentric mother. But as Amory would later say, "It's just that religion doesn't seem to have the slightest bearing on life at my age."
Amory's greatest goal in life is to go to Princeton University, which he does. There he falls for his first love, Isabelle. Isabelle's rejection will be the first of several heartbreaks. After Amory and Isabelle break up, Amory goes overseas to fight in WWI. When the war ends Amory takes a job and apartment in New York City where he falls in love with the beautiful Rosalind. Rosalind is his most passionate relationship, they discuss marriage and a future together. But, Amory's lack of money works against him, Rosalind decides to marry a wealthy suitor whom her parents have been urging her to consider. Amory's heartbreak after their broken relationship is referenced to throughout the rest of the story. Amory enters a depression after the death of his mentor and friend Monsignor Darcy and goes on a binge drinking bout with friends, that is until Prohibition takes effect.
Eleanor is Amory's last relationship mentioned in the story, their time together lasts for a summer only. Eleanor is odd and different and their conflicting opinions of religion end their relationship. Even though Amory consistently claims aloud that religion is not for him, he has ties to it and constantly regards it. The story ends with Amory returning to Princeton and ending with his famous line, "I know myself, but that is all."
Honestly, this story is very slow and dull at times. While it's a great representation of the early 20th century and the thoughts of an egotist turned "personage", it's not an easy read. But, I'm glad I did read it because it shows what happens when life does not go as expected when you consider yourself above others. A main theme throughout the book is snobbery and class relations. Amory is perfectly open with his disdain of the poor and Princeton is shown as an endless round of social clubs and social status. But, at the end of the story Amory only has twenty-four dollars to his name so irony is a constant concept.
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