Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald
Fowler, Therese Anne'Behind every successful man there stands a woman', so the saying goes. In this instance, it is Zelda, wife of the legendary Scott who is emerging into the limelight. This is her story: her romance and marriage to the aspiring writer, and the high flying self-destructive life they lead to the full. It is glamour, it is tragedy, it is a time for breaking the rules and Zelda breaks them all.
With glimpses of the famous celebrities of the day, through to the nuts and bolts of the literary world they inhabit, this is a captivating and entertaining novel of the Jazz Age that gives voice to an intriguing and complex woman struggling to establish her own distinct identity. [Small font]
Comments from Groups
We had a very animated discussion. Found the book interesting, although no one "really enjoyed" it. We would like to read more about the characters to gain a better insight. A more factual, non-fictionalised account would be interesting. Ashburton 003 Our book club members enjoyed this book - reminding us of an era of excess long gone now, but producing a number of famous literary figures. A good read. Nelson 048 An excellent fictionalised biography of a fascinating woman. We all enjoyed it, and felt the author's reason for Hemingway's dislike of Zelda to be a reasonable supposition. All important facts and dates were observed, and the author was honest in her notes and acknowledgements of any deviation in fact (ie. Zelda's letters). Thoroughly recommend. Wellington 041 This book was enjoyed by the whole group, who had a great deal of sympathy for Zelda. It was felt that her mental problems were caused by her controlling husband, rather than by any innate medical condition. This was considered to be a well-written book which, as well as telling the story of the Fitzgeralds, gave a good insight into the time between the two world wars, especially relating to the creative talents gathered in Europe. Christchurch 277 Hmm....a wide diversity of opinion. Most thought it well-written: some complained of inaccuracies; all of us disliked the pair of them finding them shallow, egotistical and cruel. We had an interesting discussion though, about how womens' lives have changed! Auckland 009 Those who read the book all enjoyed it. Some had read earlier biographies of F.S Fitzgerald, but enjoyed this one more. Great notes and questions, which provoked lots of discussion on this era, the social structures of the time, and the portrayal of women. Morrinsville 001
Pages
375
375
Year
2013
2013
Reviews
13-07-2021
Enjoyed by everyone in the group. The lively writing style made it a fast read and it had vivid descriptions of life of the wealthy in 1920s New York and France. A good discussion book as members had different opinions on whether Zelda was a victim of a controlling man, or someone with mental health problems which may have been exacerbated by her lifestyle but not caused by them, and whether it was accurate in its depiction of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald's marriage, or overly sympathetic to Zelda.