5 Books Like The Great Gatsby: Delving into Gatsby-Inspired Literature

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic that has inspired countless readers and writers alike. Since its publication in 1925, this literary masterpiece has become synonymous with the roaring twenties and the glamour of the Jazz Age. Many writers have sought to capture the opulence and tragedy that Fitzgerald so brilliantly portrays in The Great Gatsby, and several have been successful in doing so. In this post, we have hand-picked five incredible books that fans of Gatsby would surely appreciate. Let’s take a closer look at these captivating novels.

1. Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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It’s only natural that we kick off our list with another novel from the Great Gatsby author himself, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Published in 1934, Tender Is the Night tells the tragic story of Dick Diver, a talented psychiatrist who falls in love with and marries Nicole Warren, a patient at his Swiss clinic. The novel delves deep into the complexities of the Divers’ marriage, the corrupting nature of wealth, and the ultimate downfall of their American dream.

Similar to The Great Gatsby, this book explores the darker side of glamorous lives and serves as a grim reminder that extravagance and success do not guarantee happiness. Fitzgerald’s exquisite prose remains exceptional, making Tender Is the Night a worthy follow-up to fans of Gatsby.

2. The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Another of Fitzgerald’s lesser-known works, The Beautiful and Damned, is a cautionary tale about the illusions of wealth and high society during the Jazz Age. The book follows Anthony Patch, a would-be writer, and his beautiful wife, Gloria, as they spiral into a life of decadence and ruin. Set in New York City, the story touches on themes like the corruption of morals, the destructive power of wealth, and the disillusionment of the American dream.

While it may not be as iconic as The Great Gatsby, The Beautiful and Damned still captures the essence of the Jazz Age and the doomed lives of the rich and beautiful. This is a must-read for Fitzgerald fans who can’t get enough of his vivid storytelling and razor-sharp social commentary.

3. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

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Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald imagines the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, shining a spotlight on a woman who was so much more than a famous writer’s muse. The book gives voice to Zelda Fitzgerald, as she struggles with the expectations placed upon her by society and her tumultuous marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald.

As a historical fiction novel, this work explores the glamour, excess, and darkness of the Jazz Age while delving into the challenges faced by Zelda, as she wrestled with her own ambitions, mental health, and chaotic relationship with her husband. Fans of The Great Gatsby will appreciate getting to know Zelda Fitzgerald more intimately and the fascinating insights into the life of the couple who inspired much of the literary world.

4. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

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In a similar vein as Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, The Paris Wife is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson. The book explores Hadley’s complex relationship with Hemingway and how their lives were intertwined with other literary giants of the era, like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein.

For fans of The Great Gatsby, this novel offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and relationships of some of the most influential writers of the 20th century, as well as the beautiful, tragic, and glamorous world in which they lived. The setting of bohemian Paris in the 1920s perfectly captures the artistic and elite lifestyle that readers of Gatsby crave.

5. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

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Set in the bustling cityscape of New York City in the late 1930s, _Rules of Civility is a beautifully written novel about one young woman’s journey through the glitz and glamour of high society. The story follows the sharp and intellectual Katey Kontent as she navigates jealousies, complicated relationships, and the allure of the upper class.

The novel’s evocative prose and atmospheric setting make for a memorable and mesmerizing reading experience that is reminiscent of Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Readers will be drawn into Katey’s world, experiencing her triumphs and heartaches as if they were their own.