Five by Fitzgerald: Classic Stories of the Jazz Age

by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Bronson Pinchot (Narrator), Stephen R. Thorne (Narrator)

Five brilliant stories from one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Includes the following stories: Head and Shoulders, Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Dalyrimple Goes Wrong, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and The Diamond as Big as the Ritz.

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical Fiction

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, widely known simply as Scott Fitzgerald, was an American novelist, essayist, and short story writer. He is best known for his novels depicting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age, a term he popularized in his short story collection Tales of the Jazz Age. During his lifetime, he published four novels, four story collections, and 164 short stories. Although he achieved temporary popular success and fortune in the 1920s, Fitzgerald received critical acclaim only after his death and is now widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.
Born into a middle-class family in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald was raised primarily in New York state. He attended Princeton University where he befriended future literary critic Edmund Wilson. Owing to a failed romantic relationship with Chicago socialite Ginevra King, he dropped out in 1917 to join the United States Army during World War I. While stationed in Alabama, he met Zelda Sayre, a Southern debutante who belonged to Montgomery's exclusive country-club set. Although she initially rejected Fitzgerald's marriage proposal due to his lack of financial prospects, Zelda agreed to marry him after he published the commercially successful This Side of Paradise (1920). The novel became a cultural sensation and cemented his reputation as one of the eminent writers of the decade.
His second novel, The Beautiful and Damned (1922), propelled him further into the cultural elite. To maintain his affluent lifestyle, he wrote numerous stories for popular magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Collier's Weekly, and Esquire. During this period, Fitzgerald frequented Europe, where he befriended modernist writers and artists of the "Lost Generation" expatriate community, including Ernest Hemingway. His third novel, The Great Gatsby (1925), received generally favorable reviews but was a commercial failure, selling fewer than 23,000 copies in its first year. Despite its lackluster debut, The Great Gatsby is now hailed by some literary critics as the "Great American Novel". Following the deterioration of his wife's mental health and her placement in a mental institute for schizophrenia, Fitzgerald completed his final novel, Tender Is the Night (1934).
Struggling financially because of the declining popularity of his works during the Great Depression, Fitzgerald moved to Hollywood, where he embarked upon an unsuccessful career as a screenwriter. While living in Hollywood, he cohabited with columnist Sheilah Graham, his final companion before his death. After a long struggle with alcoholism, he attained sobriety only to die of a heart attack in 1940, at 44. His friend Edmund Wilson edited and published an unfinished fifth novel, The Last Tycoon (1941), after Fitzgerald's death. In 1993, a new edition was published as The Love of the Last Tycoon, edited by Matthew J. Bruccoli.

Reviews

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a couple of Fitzgerald's books and to be honest I've not been blown away. They're clearly not my thing. However when I saw a collection of short stories (including The Diamond Bigger As Big As The Ritz and Benjamin Button) I had to give it a go.

Strangely the two stories that didn't do a lot for me were the two above. The other three were quite amusing and entertaining though. Bernice Bob's Her Hair and Head & Shoulders were my favourites.

Pretty much all the stories were cases of life never being quite what you think it's going to be.

However these stories were in no way on a par with people like Shirley Jackson or Damon Runyan. They were okay but not spectacular hence the 3 stars. Still, it was a freebie with Audible so at least I didn't lose anything.

The narrator, Bronson Pinchot, was (as always) excellent.

[Selah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for Bernice Bobs Her Hair - actually reminded me of some of L. M. Montgomery's short stories

4 stars for The Curious Case of Benjamin - fascinating and sad

3 stars for The Diamond as Big as the Ritz - that was so strange, I don't know what to make of it

3 stars for Dalyrimple Goes Wrong - there's the cynicism I've been expecting

4 stars for Head and Shoulders - reminded me of The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, except twisted and cynical

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed these stories, considering how I feel about Gatsby. LOVED Bronson Pinchot's narration of the first 4 stories!

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories about rich selfish and greedy people. Head and Shoulders grabbed me, but perhaps that's because I was on a long distance drive. Something about Fitzgerald for me is smug. He evokes for me a "look how witty my observations are and how good is my writing" feeling. Having said that, he does cut to the bone.

[Daniel]

Bernice Bobs her Hair. I really liked the story about the two girls — cousins — Marjorie, the cold popular one. And Bernice — who was not popular but more substantive. And had the courage to ask how she could improve. Just before her cousin trapped her in a self destructive decision. She had a certain narrowing of the eyes, and a decision of spirit twice in this story, that one feels will affect this girl’s life for the good so much more than the temporary slings and arrows. One is almost rooting for her at the end. And is. Until her reckless action almost takes your breath away. But it’s part of her story, and things will never be the same, one expects. Somehow this story so far from myself was riveting. As only Fitzgerald can make it. Reminded me somehow of the Beautiful and the Damned. Also by him. Which was so beautifully and incisively written.

The next story was the curious case of Benjamin button. I rather detest it. But again FSFitzgerald starts it with a bang. I don’t think anyone else could have started it this way. Brilliant.

Then the richest but unfeeling family in Hades. With possible redemption for the young.

I thought these two classics were by someone else. I know it doesn’t make sense now, or before since I’ve read these two. But I somehow had associated these with O Henry or Mark Twain. I wonder why. Obvs not their real style. Tho maybe Hades was an O H type. Hm.

Then Dalyrimple goes wrong. The disillusionment of a war hero everyone forgets. Who decides that he had to get out of here! And that he had to give up all his old virtues. . . What an intriguing description of the path that disillusionment takes for this character . . . “And in that moment he felt more alone that he ever felt before.” At the moment of seeming reprieve and triumph he sells his soul — and his country — as never before. There is the line of despair. I should plot to see if the first story is different? Bc that seems somehow hopeful by comparison.

Then the love story. “Poor gauzy souls trying to express ourselves in flesh”, or something like that. One feels that FSF really knew love, with this story’s insights moments feelings words themes.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because some of Fitzgerald's novels are so...boring...I thought I might like these short stories and I did. Two were excellent and the others were a little strange but left you with endings where you wanted more. It was interesting to actually read the Benjamin Button story. I was glad that Fitzgerald could make fun of society in Bernice Bobs Her Hair, because he always seems so serious and over-analytical. I do love The Great Gatsby so I persist with his novels.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only "Bernice Bobs Her Hair"

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Bernice bobs her hair" as it really provides a snapshot of a certain era in American society where Little Women served as an inspiration for "our mothers" and bobbing your hair was a daring and controversial decision that can easily go wrong. "Benjamin Button" and "A Diamond as Big as the Ritz" were both very unusual and interesting - I was curious to know how the author would resolve both these scenarios. The last two stories displayed Fitzgerald's cynicism about the society he lived in but were less compelling over all. The stories are well narrated.

[Asya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super engaging, visual, and unique. There is a ton of depth across all the stories, with some, like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button employing elements of magic and spanning many decades, while others, like Bernice Bobs Her Hair, being much more contained, focusing on only a few days and exploring identity. Most have at least some element of class and status discussions, and all are very well-written and engaging.

[Sandy Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitzgerald is fantastic. Yet another great author who I have been binge reading this summer. Both Fitzgerald’s understanding of human nature and his ease in writing captivating stories about it are exceptional. The 2 shorts I loved in this 5 book collection (I give both 5 stars) are Bernice Bobs Her Hair and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

[counter-hegemonicon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fitzgerald is super weird. he rhapsodizes the northeastern white American upper, class complete with its own version of lost cause melancholy. It’s rare to see him actually taken to task for his racism. Despite the fact that Fitzgerald apparently has no access to the moral and psychological desolation represent this outlook represents, it’s still useful in reporting on the psyche of his ilk

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these short stories like I enjoy a historic house tour. I loved getting a mousehole view what families, friends, and romance were like in the first quarter of the 20th century. I am expecially interested in their dialog, which Fitzgerald seems to excel at portraying.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a huge Fitzgerald fan but wanted to read some of his short stories... There is a dark/negative edge to so many of them. I wonder how much art reflects his own demons and insecurities at the time.

[Christina Whitfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dalyrimple Goes Wrong absolutely hits it out of the park

[Amy Lemco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diamond as Big as the Rich and Head and Shoulders were my favorite!!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that Fitzgerald could write in such a Kafkaesque style. Enjoyable and surprising stories.

[Vivienne Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection! Of course Benjamin Button was my favorite.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read Bernice Bobs Her Hair. It's genius.

[Barbara Williford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five wonderfully written short stories by Fitzgerald. A couple of them think outside the box. Highly recommend.

[Elliott Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are like pudding to the pallet.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these short stories, and the writing quite a lot.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found more beauty in any one of these than in the whole expanded universe born in our cultural fascination with The Great Gatsby.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good in here but most were okay, if not a little boring.

[Sheri 🇨🇦 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very uneven, as I find most short story compilations. One star for each of the stories I enjoyed:)

[Mary Montgomery H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bernice bobs her hair was quite cute. Not so impressed with the other 4 stories

[Beth Snider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and always a great twist and the end of these quick read short stories.

The written "Benjamin Buttons" is so much better than the film adaptation (as per the usual).

[Seth Wester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernice Bobs her Hair and Curious Case of Benji Button were bops. The rest were meh.

He’s one heck of a writer though. And it is cool he mentioned Sioux City, Iowa!

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much more enjoyable than longer novels that I have read by the same author. Short, ironic, and quirky plot-lines.

[EJ Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of some of Fitzgerald's more unique short stories

[Camille · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a good collection of five short stories. My favorite story in the book was “The Diamond As Big As The Ritz”. I also liked “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but the movie & the story in the book aren’t really the same.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories:
This audiobook consists of five short stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The included stories are: "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz," "Dalyrimple Goes Wrong" and "Head and Shoulders." My only previous experience of Fitzgerald, as is the case with most people I imagine, is The Great Gatsby which we read in high school. While I liked it more than I didn't, I mostly felt meh about it. These stories, though, I greatly enjoyed, particularly the fantastical ones.

In "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," the title character is staying with her cousin Marjorie, a bright, popular girl. Bernice, in contrast, is dull and disliked, despite her pretty face. Marjorie, sick of having to take this depressing girl with her everywhere, teachers her all the tricks to flirting with the boys and being popular. When Bernice does too well, Marjorie challenges her to follow through with her promise to bob her hair. Although I didn't like the characters and would not like this as a full-length novel, it made a fun, light short story about the 1920s.

I must confess that I have never managed to watch the movie version of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." I have tried twice (once on an airplane and once on Netflix watch instantly), but was too creeped out by the old man baby and too annoyed by his voice to keep going. Plus, kinda bored. The story is an interesting one, really making you consider how much it would suck to age backwards. My guess is that the movie made more of a romance out of it; I can tell you right now that the story is not romantic. Unfortunately, Pinchot chose to use pretty much the exact same creepy, obnoxious voice for the old man baby. Sigh.

The third story is both somewhat creepy (they do seem to be this way) and really fascinating. In "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz," Fitzgerald created a family blessed with impossible wealth, their forefather having discovered a mountain made out of a flawless diamond. The eerie part comes in with the lengths they have taken to keep the source of their wealth secret. Something about this was really incredibly interesting to me, although, now, it's hard to say why.

"Dalyrimple Goes Wrong" was definitely not my favorite story of the bunch. However, having reached the end of it, I was surprised and enchanted to find that Fitzgerald is capable of some delightful dark humor. Plus, the whole story renders a social commentary that I find quite amusing. Most, perhaps all, of his works are social commentary, but I think this one takes a slightly different bent.

This last may have been my favorite story. The main character, Horace, is a philosopher, with little interest in doing anything but read philosophical tomes. He even named his two chairs after philosophers (Berkeley and Hume). Then, thanks to a practical joke by a friend, a beautiful actress comes sweeping into his life. I don't want to spoil the humor of the story, so I'll stop there. Anyway, Horace is so delightfully written, fully the socially awkward, hyper intelligent personality I know so well. He reminds me of many dear friends.

Performance:
Only the final story is narrated by Stephen R. Thorne. I rather wonder why they didn't just have Pinchot finish it out. Despite finding this strange, I didn't find the narrator shift unpleasant. However, I do not approve of a change of format that took place along with the shift; namely, Pinchot announced the chapter numbers, as each story is divided into sections, and Thorne skipped these, merely reading his story as one long, unbroken tale. I find the latter approach untrue to what Fitzgerald wrote. The audiobook does still start a new chapter with each of these, though, to aid in navigation.

As much as I disliked Bronson Pinchot's narration on the last audiobook I finished, I was not much thrilled to see he was also a narrator for this one. Thankfully, I didn't find his voice distasteful here. I suppose, then, that much of the obnoxiousness, like the accent, of his voice must have been assumed for the role. I don't know why he thought that was a good idea. Anyway, I liked his work here and was almost sorry to see him go when it switched to the last story.

That said, Stephen R. Thorne did a good job as well. He played the socially awkward guy superbly well, and, given how many people I know of that type, this was very important to me.

I think I'll be searching out more Fitzgerald in the future. Thank goodness I didn't miss out on good things because of forced reading in high school.