Didn't realize how good this was

16 Feb @ 2:35 PM

I avoided "Gatsby" for the longest time. Who'd want to read a book about spoiled rich people? I finally gave in, not because of the movie, which I still haven't seen, but because Anthony Heald was the narrator, and I needed an Anthony Heald fix. And once again, I have to admit that a book I thought was going to bore me to tears turned out to be a gripping listen.

Yes, it's partly because Heald is a gripping reader. But it's also because the book is about so much more than spoiled rich people. There are a couple of those in the book, and two in particular who do surprisingly well by being awful: if you're looking for anything resembling poetic justice, look elsewhere.

Like any great novel, "Gatsby" transcends its immediate setting: under the glitz, it's really about broken relationships, loneliness, love, and betrayal. And every time I thought I had it figured out, Fitzgerald hit me with something out of left field.

The novel is tightly woven, the characters are drawn with great economy, the dialogue sparkles, and the narration is first-rate.

There are several recordings of the book available. I picked this one because of my admiration for Heald; I'm sure the others are fine as well. But few readers have Healds' ability to make it sound like the words are being spoken for the first time.

9 people found this helpful

Great Audiobook, Only Just Appreciated It

What made the experience of listening to The Great Gatsby the most enjoyable?

Well, I was on a roadtrip from L.A. to my home in Northern California and listened to the whole book through. I think being stuck with one story allowed me to follow every thread and subtlety the story had without missing much. The performance was also spot on.

What did you like best about this story?

The criticisms that the author had of that time, and the attitudes many of the characters possessed, is still relevant and valid today. It really strikes you that we are still very much a culture of those elite, and those who wish they were there.

What about Anthony Heald’s performance did you like?

His voice did a good job conveying the right emotion at the right time without seeming forced.

Any additional comments?

I hated this book when I was required to read it in high school. I think its because I couldn't relate to the characters at the time, and never have the story much time. It benefits from being able to listen to or read it in long stretches.

2 people found this helpful

Amazing differention of people and class of people

What made the experience of listening to The Great Gatsby the most enjoyable?

When listening I was able to visualize the characters, where as when I read the book some of the descriptions of the people, their backgrounds, and positions was droll. As I listen I seem to get a better visual of everthing I hear.

What did you like best about this story?

The conflicting romances

Which scene was your favorite?

It had to be when Gatsby took the blame for what Daisy did.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I drive and listen, so no.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent Audiobook

This audiobook exceeded my expectations. Anthony Heald did a fantastic job narrating and really brought to life Fitzgerald's magnificent prose.

4 people found this helpful

It's Gatsby, by god!

Writing a review about an iconic classic like The Great Gatsby seems a little silly. You probably know it, and if you don't you should. Perhaps a little overrated, but still a great story.

The recording and narrator are fine. If you are looking at a more expensive version, as I was, you won't be disappointed in this cheaper one, I promise. Save a bit of money and go with this one.

1 person found this helpful

Best in Audio

If you could sum up The Great Gatsby in three words, what would they be?

I'm really glad I got this book on audio and didn't try reading it again. This, to me, was one of those stories that I would have been bored to death with had I read it but the audit version helped out greatly in the slow periods of the book. But this is my personal opinion.

Which character – as performed by Anthony Heald – was your favorite?

I thought Mr. Heald did a very good job narrating the book. His voice is well suited for this type of novel.

1 person found this helpful

A classic

Even though I have read this before, listening is another dimension allowing one to really savor both the wit and the underlying sadness and cruelty of this classic American novel.

1 person found this helpful

The one book every Audible listener should get!!

Would you try another book from F. Scott Fitzgerald and/or Anthony Heald?

Sure

Would you recommend The Great Gatsby to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes,it's a classic

Would you be willing to try another one of Anthony Heald’s performances?

I give him a 4, from 1 to. 10

Could you see The Great Gatsby being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes, that is the only reason I bought it.

Any additional comments?

The new movie will be out around Christmas, 2012. The cast is great and the movie looks better than the book!!!! A great refresher before it comes out. F Scott had a great ending that has people talking for years, I hope the movie does the same. Ask yourself, how do you take the book? You will never get the same answer!!!

3 people found this helpful

THE GREAT GATSBY

It was an interesting read but not a huge fan. The performance was great, but the story confusing.

Forgot How Fine a Novel This Is

I think I read this book in high school. I wanted to experience it again in my more mature years. And I’m glad I did.

I’m not sure it’s a book that should be on a high school list. Maybe others appreciated it fully. All I know is I didn’t, and I doubt they did.

A really deep character study, an extraordinary novel of its own time, and an incredibly well written modern piece of literature - The Great Gatsby is richly rewarding and merits being considered a classic.

The narration by Anthony Heald is superb.

Btw, I think Audible had it on a deep sale. What an incredible bargain it is even at full price.