Jenny’s Reviews > The Short Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald: A New Collection > Status Update

“The Lost Decade”: 5 stars: packs a wallop in the end
“Boil Some Water…”: 5 stars: Pat Hobby is relatable and loathable
“Last Kiss”: 5 stars: surprising and sad, well-written and thought-provoking
“Dearly Beloved”: 4 stars: different and interesting; the ending makes me think, and I like that

“More than Just a House”: 4.5 stars: moving and interesting; reminds me of Faulkner, emphasizing the impact of the past
“Afternoon of an Author”: 5 stars: succinct yet so impactful and very sad
“Financing Finnegan”: 5 stars: darkly humorous and so well-written

“Crazy Sunday”: 5 stars. Idk why the Post had a problem with this story and said it “didn’t get anywhere or prove anything.” That makes no sense to me when the Sunday motif works so well, and there is commentary about work, American movie producers, marriage, morality, drinking, and more. This story is very well-written, thoughtful, and thought-provoking. The Post was crazy themselves for turning it down.

“Six of One—“: 5 stars: so interesting and different and really made me think about money and opportunity and why some people are successful and others aren’t and how many more would be if they had the chance.
“What a Handsome Pair!”: 5 stars: thought-provoking content about marriage and whether it can ever be a true partnership without becoming competitive; interesting characters and sad details.

“A New Leaf”: 5 stars: another haunting and brutal exploration of alcoholism and its effects on people and relationships; this story really got me, especially the ending. I could relate to Julia in a lot of ways. One of my favorites in this book.
“A Freeze-Out”: 4 stars: like old Fitz but better writing, deeper, impactful dialogue and emotional analysis; it’s a good story, and the ending is satisfying.

“The Hotel Child”: 5 stars; so good! I love the characters, and Fifi is an exemplar. The ending is so strong. It reminds me of some earlier stories, like “A Short Trip Home,” but it also feels very Tender-esque.
“Babylon Revisited” has been one of my favorite stories since I first read it years ago. The movie with Van and Elizabeth is gorgeous. The story is heartbreaking and brutal yet lovely. 5 ⭐️

“The Bridal Party”: 4 stars; another Fitz story where the man cares more than the woman, but it’s well-written and takes place in Paris and has a sweet ending
“One Trip Abroad”: 5 stars; like “The Swimmers” and “Two Wrongs,” this story explores a marriage and its complexity and development over time. I love the writing, and the ending is suitably chilling.

“First Blood”: 3 stars: again, Fitz has a woman character who messes with men and knows her beauty and all that. She is heartless!! I really don’t like Josephine Perry and much prefer the Basil stories.
“Emotional Bankruptcy”: 4 stars because even though this is also Josephine, the story gets deep; Josephine realizes the price of her actions, and it makes sense. The ending made me think.

“At Your Age”: Scott and his obsession with youth; for me, this story is unsettling, but I get what he was doing; I’m glad it ends the way it does. Again, Winesburg vibes: 4 stars
“The Swimmers”: “Tender-esque; I love the setting and the concept, and the ending is intense but works. I don’t blame Henry. 5 stars.
“Two Wrongs”: 5 stars. Very moving and sad. I feel for them and for Scott and Zelda.

“The Last of the Belles”: 3.5 stars: beautiful writing and a strong ending; I like the dynamics between Andy and Ailie and Andy’s voice in the first-person narration, but again, the story is similar to others.
“Majesty”: 5 stars: this feels like old Fitzgerald—it’s suspenseful and humorous but also nostalgic and moving; I love the ending and Olive. Olive is a Melanie while Emily is a Scarlett.