If you’re a fan of “The Great Gatsby” and the world F. Scott Fitzgerald crafted with his lush prose and tragic characters, you might be eager to discover books that echo the themes of excess, disillusionment and the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s masterpiece has captivated readers for nearly a century, thanks to its vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age, the fragility of ambition and the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
But beyond Gatsby, many other novels delve into similar themes, exploring the complexities of desire, social class and the often destructive nature of aspiration.
For those looking to explore books that share the same atmospheric qualities or deep psychological portraits of their characters, there is a rich array of literature to explore. Some novels take place in the same roaring 1920s backdrop, while others transport you to different times or locations but still grapple with the same universal struggles. Some writers below have penned stories that reflect the same glittering surface and dark undercurrents that make Gatsby such a compelling read.
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So, Whether it’s exploring the moral decay of society or the empty pursuit of wealth, the Post Wanted team pulled the best books for Gatsby fans that are engaging, familiar and fresh.
In this list of the best books for Gatsby fans, we’ve gathered novels that capture the essence of Fitzgerald’s world — from disillusionment to decadence, and from the seduction of wealth to the haunting consequences of chasing after the impossible. Whether you’re drawn to the disquiet of the Jazz Age or the timelessness of the themes Fitzgerald explored, these books will take you deeper into the fascinating territory he began to map out nearly a century ago. So, pour yourself a glass of champagne, and dive into these captivating stories below. We highly encourage it, BTW.
“Wild Women and the Blues” by Denny S. Bryce
Goodreads rating: 3.77/5 stars
About the book: “Wild Women and the Blues” by Denny S. Bryce weaves together two compelling narratives set in Chicago: one in the 1920s during the Jazz Age and the other in the present day. The story alternates between the life of a captivating flapper, Honoree Dalcour, whose ambition and talents bring her into the spotlight of Chicago’s vibrant nightlife, and a modern-day historian, Georgia, who uncovers Honoree’s legacy while grappling with her own personal struggles. As the past and present intertwine, the novel explores themes of resilience, identity and the untold stories of African American women in the face of societal and cultural challenges.
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“Beautiful Little Fools” by Jillian Cantor
Goodreads rating: 4.02/5 stars
About the book: “Beautiful Little Fools” by Jillian Cantor reimagines F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby through the perspectives of three women: Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker and Myrtle Wilson. Set in the Jazz Age, the novel explores their inner lives, giving voice to their desires, struggles and the constraints of their roles in a society dominated by men. With a focus on betrayal, power and self-determination, Cantor’s retelling provides a fresh, feminist take on the classic, questioning the nature of the American Dream and the cost of ambition.
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“So We Read On” by Maureen Corrigan
Goodreads rating: 4.04/5 stars
About the book: “So We Read On” by Maureen Corrigan is a deep dive into the enduring legacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, examining its cultural impact and why it continues to resonate with readers. Through a blend of literary analysis and personal reflection, Corrigan explores the novel’s themes of class, ambition, love and the American Dream. She also investigates the book’s rise to iconic status, uncovering how its meanings have evolved over time and how it remains a touchstone for both readers and scholars.
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“Trimalchio” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Goodreads rating: 4.04/5 stars
About the book: “Trimalchio” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is an unfinished novel that serves as a precursor to The Great Gatsby, featuring a character named Trimalchio, a self-made millionaire who hosts extravagant parties to display his wealth. The story explores themes of excess, social aspiration and the illusions of the American Dream, with Trimalchio as a symbol of nouveau riche arrogance and insecurity. Through a series of satirical episodes, Fitzgerald critiques the opulent world of the 1920s, offering a glimpse into his evolving ideas about class, identity and materialism, while also showcasing his signature style and keen observations of human behavior.
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“The Great Gatsby: The Graphic Novel” by Aya Morton and Fred Fordham
Goodreads rating: 3.75/5 stars
About the book: “The Great Gatsby: The Graphic Novel” by Aya Morton and Fred Fordham is a visually stunning adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, bringing the story of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and the Jazz Age to life through striking illustrations. The graphic novel stays faithful to the original text while condensing the plot, capturing the novel’s themes of love, obsession and the disillusionment of the American Dream. Morton’s artwork and Fordham’s adaptation enhance the emotional intensity of the story, making Fitzgerald’s timeless narrative more accessible and visually engaging for modern readers.
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“Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” by Therese Ann Fowler
Goodreads rating: 3.86/5 stars
About the book: “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” by Therese Ann Fowler is a fictionalized account of the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, exploring her tumultuous marriage to famed author F. Scott Fitzgerald and her struggle for independence and identity. The novel delves into Zelda’s ambitions, her creativity, and her mental health challenges, offering a complex portrait of a woman often overshadowed by her husband’s legacy. Through vivid storytelling, Fowler portrays Zelda as a vibrant, ambitious and tragic figure, giving her voice and agency in a narrative that has historically been dominated by Scott.
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“Anything Goes: A Biography of the Roaring Twenties” by Lucy Moore
Goodreads rating: 3.75/5 stars
About the book: “Anything Goes: A Biography of the Roaring Twenties” by Lucy Moore offers a vivid exploration of the cultural, social, and political upheavals of the 1920s, capturing the essence of an era defined by excess, innovation and change. The book weaves together the stories of key figures, from flappers and jazz musicians to political leaders and social reformers, painting a dynamic picture of the decade’s impact on art, fashion and society. Moore emphasizes the contradictions of the Roaring Twenties — its progress and its inequalities — while highlighting the lasting legacy of this transformative period in American history.
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“Nick” by Michael Farris Smith
Goodreads rating: 3.15/5 stars
About the book: “Nick” by Michael Farris Smith is a prequel to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, focusing on the life of Nick Carraway before he becomes the narrator of the iconic novel. Set in the years following World War I, the story delves into Nick’s journey through loss, trauma and self-discovery as he navigates a turbulent, often bleak world. Through Nick’s eyes, the novel explores themes of loneliness, moral ambiguity and the search for meaning, offering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the character who would later observe the rise and fall of Gatsby.
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