This was an entertaining book with plenty of interesting-enough characters, some moving parts, and drama. However, as far as a contender for the Great American Novel goes, I don’t think this should be up there on the list, mostly because I think the American Dream should be portrayed in a more favorable light.
Poor James Gatz could never move on from his first love, who turns him down because she is too materialistic and selfish to marry a man without a fortune. So, he chases ostentatious wealth and transforms himself into the type of man he thinks Daisy wants. Jay can’t even move on after Daisy marries another man; he builds a fantasy life with Daisy and waits patiently for his opportunity to poach her from her married life and place her into the palace he has built for her.
That’s where Nick comes in—as Daisy’s cousin, he can arrange a meeting between Daisy and Jay, and what’s more, he agrees to do so, knowing Jay’s immoral motives. Nick is somewhat of an outsider, having just moved to the area, being the only character to do real and honest work, and not being conspicuously wealthy. Nick isn’t a bad character; he tries to claim a moral high ground apart from his New York associates by looking upon them with some disdain that is only apparent through his narration in the book. By contrast, through his actions, Nick is perfectly tolerant and accepting of his associates, willing enough to accompany both Tom and Daisy in their infidelitous escapades. At least he shies away from joining Jay’s business ventures or marrying Jordan, although he leads Jordan on long enough. And, at the end, Nick is the only one who sticks around Jay after his death, when he can no longer entertain guests.
It’s a sad story, about the collapse of an American Dream achieved dishonestly and for immoral purposes. My own preference is for a story to include a few noble characters, but at least this remained an enjoyable account.