In preparation for the upcoming film, I recently read F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. As a long time Fitzgerald fan (I was an English major, it's in our blood to love him), I was utterly impressed by this work. The story is about Benjamin Button and his strange life. Born as an old man, he slowly ages backwards as the story progresses. Obviously, this causes many issues, especially concerning school (someone who looks fifty simply can't go to college with seventeen year olds!), women, and his family's status in society. Not only does he look old as a child, but he's educated as such, thus as he ages, not only does he become younger, but his brain and maturity change as well. The tale is dark, at times, naturally, but Fitzgerald tells it well.
Fitzgerald is known as a proper wordsmith, weaving a story with an immaculate amount of analogies and word play. His sentences flow easily, keeping the reader intrigued. His description of life in 1860 was written so well that it's almost relatable at times. We still suffer from similar situations, such as wanting to fit in.
As mentioned, the film comes out soon, directed by David Fincher. At first I was worried, wondering how they could expand on this story, however judging by the beautifully done trailer, I think they have it under control.
Read the book online here, or download the audio book here. Both are for free.
(Review also found here. Another review I wrote for a different book can be found here.)
Read the book online here, or download the audio book here. Both are for free.
(Review also found here. Another review I wrote for a different book can be found here.)
13 comments:
Yes, I was much more of a Fitzgerald fan than I ever was of beatnic. In fact, I never got into the latter and struggled to enjoy Salinger but This Side of Paradise was great.
I did not mean to somehow try and equate beatnic with Salinger in that comment. I just noticed how one could read it that way.
-j - Haha--I'm really glad you justified yourself. I've always been a Fitzgerald girl, so I understand where you're coming from.
Fellow English major here and so naturally he's always been a favorite.
I'm also a huge Sylvia Plath fan. Not that the two are anything alike at all but I think only English majors really appreciate either of them.
Who else do you love?
I refuse to believe anything directed by David Fincher will be bad.
And that Brad Pitt is.. so dream...er..such a jerk.
i didn't realize this was a book first, granted what isn't a book first these days.
but yeah, the movie looks amazing, i can't wait to see it.
kristen - Plath is talented. Depressing as anything, but quite good. Nice choice! As for other classical authors, I've always had a weakness for Twain, Poe, and Carroll. What about you?
rs27 - Admit it. You love Brad Pitt and you know it!
Katelin - It does look amazing! Glad you agree!
im was so intrigued by this movie when i saw the trailer. i knew it was a book but i'm lazy and i'll pay the 8.50 to see it in the theater : )
it's cool it is free online though.
Thank you so much for the link! That story will keep me busy so I dont have to do any work!!!
alexa - Haha--understood!
matt - No problem! Just doing my job--helping people procrastinate while at work. Report back when you're done, I'd love to hear what you thought.
I'm downloading the audio book to listen while i work... :P thanks again Lauren
I've been wanting to read this ever since I first heard the movie was in production. I'm so glad you review these books on here, they help me out MAJOR!
Manley - Yay! I'm glad I can contribute to work productivity levels! Hehe.
barbetti - Aww--yay! Good, I'm glad!!
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