The Review

My first encounter with F. Scott Fitzgerald came through The Great Gatsby during my Grade 9 English class. Beyond its captivating Art Deco charm, the novel revealed the intricate dance of ambition, love, and moral decay in a way that deeply resonated with me. It sparked a fascination with stories that explore the human condition with a balance of elegance and depth, shaping my literary preferences. During high school, I found myself embodying the allure of being a “beautiful little fool” inspired by the novel. Later, upon graduation, I delighted in Robert Redford and Mia Farrow’s portrayals, but was ecstatic when Baz Luhrmann, one of my favorite directors, announced his modern adaptation infused with Lana Del Rey’s moody aesthetic and Tobey Maguire’s presence, carrying my love for Gatsby into university. Despite my enduring obsession with Gatsby, I never ventured into Fitzgerald’s other works—until Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff inspired me to pick up Tender Is the Night to enhance my appreciation of Bischoff’s novel.

Dedicated to Fitzgerald’s legacy, Sash Bischoff’s Sweet Fury is a stunning homage to its inspiration, brimming with lyrical prose and easter eggs scattered throughout. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, Sweet Fury stars Lila Cayne, America’s Sweetheart, as she tackles her most ambitious role yet in a feminist rendition of Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night. With her fiancé, Kurt Royall, the visionary filmmaker set to bring Tender to light, Lila is positive this role will cement them both as Hollywood royalty. A method actress at heart, Lila sets out to get more into the mindset of Nicole by starting therapy herself with the charming Dr. Jonah Gabriel. However, the longer Lila attends therapy, the more she begins to unlock about her traumatic upbringing.

What I enjoyed about this mystery thriller was the stylistic literary choice to alternate the story being told with journal entries. This structure heightened the tension by revealing incomplete or conflicting truths from each perspective, forcing readers to constantly reassess their understanding of events. The shifts also impacted the pacing, creating a dynamic rhythm that reflected the characters’ inner turmoil. The story begins with a third person narration regarding Lila’s life during the film’s production, interspersed with Dr. Jonah Gabriel’s session notes from his time with her. Later, the narrative transitions to Dr. Gabriel’s, punctuated by Lila’s personal journal entries. This clever shift challenges readers to question the reliability of both narrators. By aligning with the story’s exploration of perception and truth, the technique immerses readers in the characters’ psychological complexities, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking.

The prose in Sweet Fury is both evocative and meticulously crafted, mirroring the cinematic world it portrays. Bischoff’s style combines beautiful descriptions with sharp, natural dialogue, bringing out both the glamour and the darker side of the story. Every sentence feels intentional, creating a mood that is both captivating and a little unsettling. The way the author describes the settings and the characters’ emotions makes it easy to imagine the scenes and connect with their struggles. This mix of detail and storytelling makes the book feel immersive and keeps the reader hooked on every page.

There is also a very interesting commentary on feminism throughout the novel, particularly in how it examines the power dynamics in relationships and the societal expectations placed on women. The story raises the question of whether true feminism involves considering the collective well-being of all women, rather than pursuing individual goals at the expense of others. Through Lila’s journey, we see how her personal ambitions and relationships force her to confront these issues, highlighting the tension between self-interest and solidarity in the fight for gender equality.

Overall, Sweet Fury is a captivating read that will keep you engaged from start to finish. While prior knowledge of Fitzgerald’s work isn’t necessary, readers familiar with his themes of ambition, love, and disillusionment may uncover deeper layers of meaning woven into the narrative. The story stands strong on its own merits, with complex characters, a suspenseful plot, and a masterful balance of literary homage and originality. These elements ensure that whether you are a fan of Fitzgerald or not, Sweet Fury offers a richly rewarding experience.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

Sweet Fury follows Lila Cayne, a rising star preparing for a feminist adaptation of Tender Is the Night directed by her fiancé, Kurt Royall. A method actress at heart, Lila dives into therapy to perfect her role. Doing so unravels dark secrets from her past, leading to a suspenseful and emotionally charged journey.

The story alternates between the narration and journal entries, creating tension and challenging readers to question the reliability of both narrators. This structure heightened the tension by revealing incomplete or conflicting truths from each perspective, forcing readers to constantly reassess their understanding of events. Bischoff’s style combines beautiful descriptions with sharp, natural dialogue, bringing out both the glamour and the darker side of the story. There is also a very interesting commentary on feminism throughout the novel, which I believe can be used to foster great dialogue in book clubs.

Overall, Sweet Fury is a captivating read that will keep you engaged from start to finish. While prior knowledge of Fitzgerald’s work isn’t necessary, readers familiar with his themes of ambition, love, and disillusionment may uncover deeper layers of meaning woven into the narrative. The story stands strong on its own merits, with complex characters, a suspenseful plot, and a masterful balance of literary homage and originality. These elements ensure that whether you are a fan of Fitzgerald or not, Sweet Fury offers a richly rewarding experience.