With exam season over at last, I can finally look forward to the prospect of choosing what to read. An author which I simply could not ignore any longer was F. Scott Fitzgerald. I have no shame in expressing my adoration for The Great Gatsby, a book I studied for A-Levels and have treasured since. However, being a stranger to the majority of Fitzgerald’s work, I thought I would begin my summer reading by familiarising myself.
Tender is the Night was published in 1934. Set against the backdrop of the French Riviera and Swiss Alps, the elaborate exterior life and dark interiority of Dick and his wife Nicole made a satisfying read. Fitzgerald is a compelling craftsman, I found myself time and time again lured by the fluid eloquence of his language. The Great Gatsby however remains a firm favourite; its closing remains one of the best that I have ever read. With this at the back of mind, Tender is the Night simply failed to fulfil my expectations. Nevertheless it remained a hypnotic and poignant read that channelled the hypocrisy and cold centre of the Roaring Twenties. Conclusively, my bookshelf will always have a place for Fitzgerald.
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