The Great Gatsby

Re-read in August 2023.

Gatsby is a book not about adultery, but about dissolving illusions.

Gatsby is a charming bastard. After taking part in World War I, he gets involved with the Jewish Mafia and starts bootlegging at the height of Prohibition in America (1920-1933). Chasing a long-held dream leads to disillusionment and loss of self.

Nick's story has the allure of the romance of moving to a new place, leaving his past life behind.

The word "bootlegging" comes from people carrying alcohol in their boots to war during the American Civil War.

Themes: adultery, American dream, class war, decadence, stalking.