by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The path not followed: the telltale life of Anthony Patch
Reviewed by: Beth Williams
I swear the most infuriating character ever created has to be Anthony Patch, a self-absorbed, arrogant wannabe writer who will do whatever it takes to not spend his time working—ever. It doesn’t matter to what lengths he has to go. (And, believe me, some of the things he does are just unfathomable yet, at the same time, surprisingly intriguing.) Anthony Patch will not lower himself to the standards of the common man and find employment. Despite the main character’s egotistical and overbearing, perhaps even pompous, attitude, The Beautiful and Damned is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading, especially because of the delicious yet somewhat infuriating ending. (You be the judge.) Fitzgerald, as always, remains at his finest with breathtaking description, real-to-life characters and a tantalizing story. Maybe you’ll root for young Mr. Patch, or maybe he’ll drive you insane. Whichever way it works, you’re going to enjoy the sheer power of Fitzgerald’s characterization and storytelling in The Beautiful and Damned.
Anthony Patch is living a life of luxury in spectacular New York City, living off of his bonds and investments, waiting for his old grandfather, Adam Patch, to die. As the sole surviving member of the Patch family, Anthony stands to inherit millions, so he sees no point in working. He fancies himself to one day be a great writer, but it’s more fantasy than anything. He and his wife, Gloria, throw grand parties, and Anthony begins drinking heavily, much to the chagrin of Adam. With money slowly running out and Gloria’s insistence that he get a job, Anthony begins to question his marriage.
A combination of death, war and love lead Anthony to his ultimate destination in life. Get ready because you probably won’t have guessed it either—and when you do find out what happens to him, you’re either going to think he’s an unequaled genius or a madman. Me? He just infuriates me in such a way that makes me absolutely love this book like no other.
I think only a great writer like Fitzgerald can create a totally infuriating, irritating character like Anthony Patch and still keep readers spellbound and make them—as far-fetched as it may sound—care about someone like Anthony. Fitzgerald is just one of those rare writers who makes magic with his words, and he’s a gem to be treasured and enjoyed. Read Fitzgerald as you dine on an expensive steak---slowly, savoring every moment.
Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: The Beautiful and Damned
Copyright © by Beth Williams, 2003
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