American Dreamer: Who Was Jay Gatsby?

by Blanchard House, Joe Nocera (Narrator)

Was a real-life 1920s crook the inspiration for one of the world's most iconic fictional characters, “The Great Gatsby”? Just before the small-time bootlegger Max Gerlach died, he tried to reveal his secret: He was the inspiration for the mysterious Jay Gatsby. It’s a nice story, but was he telling the truth? Veteran reporter Joe Nocera and producer Poppy Damon investigate this century-old literary mystery and uncover untold secrets about the Great American Novel.

Audiobook

Published March 28, 2024

Reviews

[Biggest Little Book Talker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting perspective on several topics behind the character of Gatsby and the writing of the book The Great Gatsby.
I learn that there is a monster who claimed to be the real great Gatsby, Max Garlock. He even called Fitzgerald after a radio interview to tell him, but the author never followed up.
Leading to one of the many mysteries behind this novel that is still debated today.
Fitzgerald is known for his symbolism, to the cover of the novel and the other images throughout.
There is much debate in the original cover of the novel and its mysteriously unknown artist which I was unaware of.
Topics that I remember discussing in high school upon reading the novel included race, sexism, classism, and symbolism all are discussed as well.
I also loved reading that the book had several different ending and how the novel changed while Fitzgeralds relationship with his wife Zelda changed. Many comparisons throughout the book were mirrored by Fitzgeralds relationships and live evens.
Very great conversation starter!

[courtney puidk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

Interesting to hear theories about one of the most famous literary characters. I had no idea that the government shipped books to soldiers during WWII and that’s how Gatsby was popularized. It was interesting to hear the theory that Gatsby was black and passing as white. i hadn’t heard that before, and i wasn’t familiar with the idea that the subject of “passing” was a popular topic for literature and film back in the 1920s. I know it was happening in real life but i thought that people started writing books and movies about “passing” like 20 years later.

The podcast was a bit repetitive and the reveal in the last “chapter” that Zelda told a reporter back in the 1940s that Max was the inspiration for Gatsby was a choice. They could have led with that and then said “let’s explore who this guy was and other theories”.

[Melissa Reagan Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dive into who the real life Jay Gatsby might have been. Thought at times silly, this audio collection of podcasts investigating “The Great Gatsby” called on some literary experts to diss et the story and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life. Would recommend to anyone wanting a light hearted, and interesting deeper look into this classic.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, fascinating listen looking at theories behind the characters and about Fitzgerald himself. It has made me want to pick up The Great Gatsby again. Overall I love listening to people discuss and talk about my favourite books and authors a really enjoyable listen.