The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

F. Scott Fitzgerald

49 pages 1-hour read

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1922

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Book Brief

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1922
Book Details
Pages

58

Format

Novella • Fiction

Genre
American Literature

Fantasy

Classic Fiction
Setting

Montana • 1920s

Theme
Coming of Age

Social Class

Economics
Publication Year

1922

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

"The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" by F. Scott Fitzgerald follows John T. Unger, a teenager from Mississippi, who befriends the wealthy and secretive Percy Washington at a private school. Percy invites John to his opulent family estate in the Montana Rockies, boasting of a diamond larger than the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Once there, John uncovers the family’s dark secrets, including extreme measures to protect their treasure, and faces moral dilemmas amidst opulence and romance.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Suspenseful

Dark

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.9

4,021 ratings

56%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Diamond as Big as the Ritz captivates with its imaginative prose and critique of wealth and opulence, drawing praise for its originality and wit. However, some find its characters underdeveloped and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of Fitzgerald's commentary on the American Dream.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Diamond as Big as the Ritz?

A reader who enjoys The Diamond as Big as the Ritz by F. Scott Fitzgerald likely appreciates intricate satire and explorations of wealth and moral ambiguity. Fans of The Great Gatsby and Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited may find this novella compelling due to its critique of high society and ostentatious lifestyles.

3.9

4,021 ratings

56%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

A 16-year-old from the town of Hades, Mississippi, who is drawn into the opulent world of the Washington estate. His perspective serves as the lens through which the estate's wealth and secrets are revealed.

The authoritative patriarch of the Washington family, who maintains control over the luxurious and mysterious estate. His commanding presence and strict rule shape the family's interactions with the outside world.

Braddock Washington's son, who becomes John's initial guide into his family's extravagant lifestyle. Percy's acceptance of his family's ways contrasts sharply with John's reactions.

Percy's sister and John's love interest, whose charm masks a complex upbringing within the isolated estate. Her interactions with John introduce elements of romance and tension to the story.

Another sister of Percy and Kismine, who displays emotional detachment and a strong focus on status and social traditions. Her character further explores the family's detachment from real-world concerns.

The reserved and distant mother of the Washington children, who largely focuses on her son Percy's well-being. Her aloof demeanor reflects the family's disconnect and emotional insulation.

John's parents, who live with provincial aspirations and firmly believe in the importance of wealth and status. Their influence is evident in John's initial outlook on life.

They serve the Washington family under strict control and are symbolically representative of dehumanization within the estate. Their presence is marked by silence and servitude.

These characters help catalyze events that challenge the secrecy of the Washington estate. They represent external forces that threaten the family's hidden world.

Book Details
Pages

58

Format

Novella • Fiction

Genre
American Literature

Fantasy

Classic Fiction
Setting

Montana • 1920s

Theme
Coming of Age

Social Class

Economics
Publication Year

1922

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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