Illuminating...and Depressing

What made the experience of listening to Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald the most enjoyable?

This is not a book that I'd characterize as "enjoyable." Athough ti will say, off the bat, it is very well-written, extensively researched, and well narrated.

I've been an ardent fan of both Fitzgeralds (I listen to Tim Robbins' beautiful narration of THE GREAT GATSBY at least once a year) since high school and have read almost everything each has written, including Scott's writer's notebooks. As a youth, I was entranced by the legendary love between Scott and Zelda. As I grew older and learned more, I became less enchanged with these icons of the Jass Age. "Z" pretty much made sure I'd never again hold these people in any kind of esteem--at least as people (as opposed to artists).

"Z" was exhaustively researched and it re-defines the common myth that Zelda was a self-centered, impetuous, mentally ill cyclone who took her husband along with her as she plummeted from Jazz Age darling to insitutionalized failure. This is the myth.

Fowler shows Zelda as the woman she actually was--artistic, beautiful, trend-setting, kind, and absolutely dominated by her pathologically insecure, relentlessly alcoholic husband. "Z" is also a reminder of how lucky I am to be a woman in today's world, as opposed to in Zelda's time, when a flapper could be independent and pursue dreams of her own--until she married, that is.

I now must confess I had a lot of trouble getting through this book, but not because it was poorly written or badly narrated. It was simply depressing. I'd put it down. And then find myself picking it back up, much like the old maxim about a train wreck you can't turn away from.

I was grateful to the author for the opilogue that allowed us to see Zelda find some recognition on her own through her paintings. If you are interested, there are several websites that showcase much of her art and one can see for oneself that she was, indeed, a talented woman.

Scott Fitzgerald comes out of this book as such a sorry human being. Talented, yes. But so driven toward his own place in literary history, he put his own name to short stories written exclusively by his wife. That is just one of the many terrible things he did to Zelda during their marriage. It was so sad to read about this stuff.

He's yet one more example that with great genius, often there comes great neuroses.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the fact that the legend of Scott and Zelda is put to rest and the truth is out. I am so glad to see Zelda get a hearing of sorts. I wonder what she might have achieved, had she been born in more liberated times--and had she been allowed to develop her many talents to their fullest.

Have you listened to any of Jenna Lamia’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to Ms. Lamia's performance of THE HELP. Her narration of "Z" compares favorably. She has the Southern accent down pat. And she made me hate, despise, abhor Ernest Hemingway. Which is really saying a lot, if you know how much I love his work.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As mentioned above, I found this a tough book to read, simply because it relentlessly showcases two amazingly gifted people--who disintegrate in slow motion. It's just so sad.

Any additional comments?

An interesting read, in light of Baz Lurhman's renditio of THE GREAT GATSBY, due in theatres May 10.

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esto le resultó útil a 21 personas

Historical fiction at its best!

This novel, which focuses on the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, began as any typical historical fiction novel, introducing the reader to Zelda and her famous husband to-be, F. Scott Fitzgerald. I often listen to historical fiction when I jog at the gym to make the time pass. Since this novel was fairly standard, I decided it wasn't captivating enough to use as a workout book. So, I listened each night before bed. Eventually I came to realize that what I was reading was a thoughtful, fictionalized portrayal of a woman who was living a life that mirrors that of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's as relayed in The Yellow Wallpaper. This 1920-1940s glimpse into fame, love, frustration, and madness was deeply satisfying to read.

When Zelda was young, she viewed the world in an impractical manner, as many young people do. The author captures her transition from young naive girl to confused woman, always trying to navigate social rules, family ties, inner drives and impulses, love, the darkness within herself, and a desire to break free from it all. This book provides a very rich description of the obstacles that stood in her way, some of them self imposed and some of them barbaric external forces.

Zelda's life was inextricably tied to Ernest Hemingway and some other famous people from the 1920s literary, art, music, and feminist scenes. That served as an added bonus to make this novel even more captivating. I will think about this book for a long time to come.

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esto le resultó útil a 7 personas

Fascinating story, well performed.

In a year when there is much focus on Scot Fitzgerald and his Gatsby, this alternate view of him from Zelda's perspective enriches the discussion of his legacy. More than that, it provides a delightful experience on its on.

Zelda Fitzgerald is a fascinating person, one who should not be relegated to just a footnote to the life of her husband. Theirs is a tragic story, but an amazing tale of two talented, though less than stable, individuals who shared a love of life and of each other, but who neither had the strength to provide the emotional support the other desperately needed.

The narrator does an excellent portrayal of a south Alabama accent, evoking the time and place without falling into the common trap of overdoing it. Only one slip up in the pronunciation of the name of Zelda's high school, Lanier, named for poet Sidney Lanier and still in existence. Still, overall the performance is excellent, portraying Zelda as both a young and a mature woman, and making her believable in both.

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A story of insight & optimism

Sweet, lovely, and insightful into another era. What great and creative minds came from this optimistic time in U.S. and Western European history.

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my favorite book this year

I am bored with many books and this story held my interest all the way through. It is well written and well performed. I can say I was sad when I was done. I will read more by this author. Jenna Lamia did a superb job.

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Zelda is wonderful!

I enjoyed this book so much!! The history, the excitement!! Wonderfully written and performed/read.

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Page-Turning Classic

Wonderful insight into the real 1920s and 1930s. Both feminists and literary nerds will love this! I must say, I now want to re-read many of Fitzgerald's books to see if I can tell who really wrote certain parts. Zelda is a charismatic and lovely person, who's real flaws and talents kept me turning each page.

The performance made me feel like Zelda was really talking to me. I cannot get over how wonderful the story was present, both in the writing and in the performance.

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Great! From the first page to the last.....

First of all the writing is just great. Swept into their youth...confidence and insecurity in that swooshing action. I loved this aspect of their story. Yes it has it's tragedy also. It was so well written you could hardly feel it. These are characters you can appreciate. I could understnad why she/they stayed together. Something about that era was just so bi-polar!
I hope you will appreciate this book. I was so thrilled with the narration....I haven't heard that voice since "Saving CeeCee Honeycutt". In my opinion she is the Southern voice. Loved it....hope you do too.

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Loved loved this book

Wasn't very familiar with the history of the Fitzgeralds so the more I read the more I loved it! Very interesting and wild lives this 2 led. I enjoy historical fiction and this one was one the best ones I've read so far!

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Wow!

Honestly this book was eye opening. All I remember ever learning about Zelda Fitzgerald was that the name was synonymous with "crazy". This book brought to life a vibrant person!

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