The Forgotten Bookshelf

Therese Anne Fowler's debut novel is a beautifully rendered portrayal of the woman who would become Zelda Fitzgerald. Set against the glitz and glamour of the decadent Jazz Age, the story follows young Zelda Sayre's constant attempts to flaunt the strict and conservative social structure of 1918 Alabama. It is during this time that she meets a young Army lieutenant named Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, who splits his time between courting Zelda and struggling to get his first novel published. The novel is told from Zelda's point of view (whose smooth relaxed narrative recalls the elder Jeanne Lousie "Scout" Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird) and follows her along the course of her ultimately doomed marriage to Fitzgerald, fighting against the burgeoning morals of society, the rise and fall of her husband's career, and her own tumultuous demons. Sometime humorous, sometimes tragic, this poignant portrait of Zelda serves as both cautionary tale of love and recklessness, as well as the recollection of a time when hopes were high and life was celebrated. Definitely suggested for fans of Fitzgerald, but also an excellent choice for a nice rainy day book.