F. Scott Fitzgerald’s debut novel, This Side of Paradise, is like a La Croix- intriguing, sometimes hard to swallow, and leaving a lingering aftertaste. The novel introduces us to the protagonist, Amory Blaine, a character who doesn’t exactly scream “heroism.” He is self-absorbed, privileged, and at times infuriating.
The narrative takes us on a journey through Amory’s life, from preparatory school to Princeton, and to the aftermath, where he’s adrift and searching for meaning. Throughout this odyssey, Amory stumbles through love affairs, avoids World War I, and engages in dialogue that captures the essence of a particular era- one defined by a cohort of privileged men with names like Amory.
What stands out the most to me about this novel is the carelessness that courses through it. A girl is brought to tears of despair over a blemish. The death of a friend wrangles only a moment of serious reflection before thoughts turn back to the senior prom. The characters’ nonchalance about the world around them might seem fantastical, yet it is also deeply unsettling.
And let’s talk about the plot, which proves to be an impossible target to throw a dart at. Initially, this feels like a classic coming-of-age tale, following Amory’s experiences at Princeton. Then it veers into his tumultuous love life, portrayed in episodic fashion. The final section takes an experimental turn, with elements such as a one-act play, stream-of-consciousness prose, and an abundance of poetry.
This is not a novel you read for the linear plot, but I have to say it does offer some fascinating insights from the early 20th century. It offers a unique glimpse into the zeitgeist of an era characterized by upheaval and social change, making it a valuable read for those interested in the historical context of the time.
I will conclude with this: while this book may not be everyone’s cup of tea (it certainly wasn’t a glorious mug of my favorite peppermint), this novel is a fascinating debut that reveals the raw talent of an author that would later gift the world The Great Gatsby. Three stars for the debut novel. While it may not be a masterpiece, it is a must-read for fans of F. Scott.