Francis Scott Fitzgerald 
Tender Is the Night 

In ‘Tender Is the Night’ by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, the reader is taken on a journey through the glamorous and tragic world of the American expatriate community in 1920s France. The novel is characterized by its lush and descriptive prose, offering a vivid portrayal of the highs and lows of wealth, love, and societal expectations. Fitzgerald’s exploration of complex characters and their struggles with addiction, ambition, and infidelity adds depth to the narrative, making it a timeless work of American literature. The thematic richness of the novel, combined with Fitzgerald’s exquisite writing style, places ‘Tender Is the Night’ firmly within the tradition of the modernist novel, alongside works by authors such as Hemingway and Woolf. Francis Scott Fitzgerald, often referred to as F. Scott Fitzgerald, drew inspiration from his own life and experiences as a writer living among the elite of his time. His intimate understanding of the human condition, as well as his keen observations of society, are reflected in the characters and themes of ‘Tender Is the Night’. Fitzgerald’s personal struggles with alcoholism and his tumultuous relationship with his wife Zelda also likely influenced the novel’s portrayal of self-destruction and disillusionment. I highly recommend ‘Tender Is the Night’ to readers who appreciate beautifully crafted prose, intricate character studies, and thought-provoking reflections on the complexities of human relationships. Fitzgerald’s masterpiece shines a light on the darker aspects of the Jazz Age while offering a timeless exploration of the human psyche.

About the author

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (1896–1940) was an American novelist and short story writer whose works are the paradigmatic writings of the Jazz Age, a term he coined. Often regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, Fitzgerald is celebrated for his vivid and evocative prose, as well as his tumultuous life filled with triumphs and tragedies. His most famous novel, ‘The Great Gatsby’ (1925), is a critical and commercial success that captures the spirit of the age. ‘Tender Is the Night’ (1934), his fourth novel, is another notable work that presents a rich, psychologically complex story of love and despair among the American expatriates in the French Riviera. Fitzgerald’s writings are characterized by their meticulously crafted narratives and profound explorations of ambition, love, and social strata. Despite a career marred by alcoholism and financial difficulties, Fitzgerald’s literary reputation has grown posthumously. His works are considered classics of American literature, imbued with themes that resonate across time, reflecting universal aspects of the human condition. Fitzgerald’s unique blend of romance, cynicism, and lyrical prose has left a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers.