With all the chatter about the newest Gatsby movie, I can’t help but want to revisit the book. Being a big fan of the novel, I’m having a difficult time buying into this uber modern Baz Luhrmann version. I’ve heard mixed reviews, and the one’s that have surprised me come from critics who thought they’d hate the film, but walked away from the screen impressed and surprised. Part of me wants to give it a chance, and allow myself to be pleasantly surprised too, but to be honest, I’ve never really enjoyed Luhrmann’s style, and I’m afraid he could ruin my interpretation of the book.
I’ve always been such a visual person, so naturally when I read a novel every place has a landscape, every face has characteristics (I think I subconsciously fill in the details left out by the author). I need to be able to picture every detail as the story unfolds. For this reason, cover art has always been hugely important when choosing an edition. Similar to how I shop for wine by the label (bad habit), I pick my books by the cover, and continuously refer back to it as I make my way through the story. My first time reading Gatsby I read the version above, the classic painting by Francis Cugat, which was commissioned before the book was completed, and was beloved by Fitzgerald – so much so that it’s been said he wrote it into the book.
The second time I read the story I read the edition above (on the bottom right). What a different experience….maybe it was the cover art, maybe it’s the nature of years past in-between readings. Who knows – probably both. Of all the covers I found in my search (here, here, and here), right now I’m liking the one above (on the bottom left). I think I’d like to have that one in my collection. Is it strange to collect multiple copies of the same book just for the cover art? I don’t think so, but I also collect milk bottle caps.
Similar Posts
