It’s one of the most iconic books of American literature, a staple on high school reading lists and a symbol of the elusive “Great American Novel.” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, written a century ago, has become a cultural touchstone, its portrayal of the American Dream deeply embedded in the national consciousness. However, the road to its creation was far from the glamorous success it would later enjoy. In fact, it took years for the book to gain the recognition it deserved.
When The Great Gatsby was released in 1925, it was an immediate failure both critically and financially. By Christmas of that year, the novel had largely vanished from bookstore shelves, and it seemed as though Fitzgerald’s ambitions had been dashed. The story that would go on to define the American Dream struggled to gain the public’s interest, leaving Fitzgerald reeling from the emotional and financial toll.
But the story behind the writing of The Great Gatsby is as rich and complex as the novel itself. In 1924, Fitzgerald, his wife Zelda, and their daughter Scottie left the bustling social scene of New York and retreated to the French Riviera. There, in the seclusion of the Mediterranean coast, Fitzgerald labored over what would become his third novel, grappling with a sense of failure from his previous efforts. The glittering distractions of New York had long hindered his creative process, but the quiet of the Riviera provided a space for him to focus.
Yet, even in this idyllic setting, Fitzgerald’s life was far from peaceful. His marriage to Zelda was increasingly troubled, and an affair further strained his emotional state. These personal struggles, coupled with the intense pressure to produce a masterpiece, left their mark on The Great Gatsby. Despite its eventual fame, the book’s initial reception was devastating.
In Writing Gatsby, author William Elliott Hazelgrove explores the contrasts between the novel’s lasting legacy and its dismal debut. Hazelgrove paints a portrait of Fitzgerald’s final years as one marked by tragedy and disappointment, far removed from the romanticized image of the writer whose work became synonymous with success. It would take another two decades before The Great Gatsby was rediscovered and eventually took its place among the greatest works of American literature.
Hazelgrove’s insights shed new light on the creation of The Great Gatsby, revealing the heartbreak, struggles, and perseverance that led to its transformation from a failed novel to an enduring classic. The story behind its writing is nearly as captivating as the novel itself—a tale of resilience, heartbreak, and a drive to capture the essence of the American Dream.
About William Elliott Hazelgrove
William Elliott Hazelgrove is the bestselling author of ten novels and twelve nonfiction works, including starred reviews in Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist. His books have been selected for Book of the Month, ALA Editors Choice, and the Junior Library Guild, and his works have been optioned for film. Hazelgrove has written for USA Today, The Smithsonian Magazine, and other notable publications, and has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered. His forthcoming titles include Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrified America and Hemingway’s Attic: Hell and Glory in Cuba and the Writing of Old Man and the Sea.
