Books matching: jazz age 1920s
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- #1
Save:A lush and gripping Jazz Age tale that resonates with emotion and history - even if the dual timeline doesn't hit for all, it’s a must-read for lovers of character-driven, atmospheric historical fiction.
Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S Bryce is a historical fiction novel set in 1920s Chicago, capturing the vibrant yet dangerous Jazz Age. The story follows Honoree Dalcour, a jazz dancer with fierce ambition and a vulnerable side, as she navigates the struggles and violence of her time, including racketeering and mob activity. The plot includes a parallel storyline featuring Sawyer, a film student who seeks to uncover Honoree's secrets, adding depth and emotion. Bryce's writing style immerses readers in the era, using vivid descriptions that bring the music and atmosphere to life, while the dual timelines keep the story engaging and layered.
On the fifth floor of the Bronzeville Senior Living Facility, I stand outside the smallest room in the world, doing my best to ignore the dropped ceiling and square linoleum tiles, stoking my claustro...March 2021•385 pages - #2
Save:A glamorous, twisty trip through 1920s New York - packed with romance, secrets, and sharp period detail. Will delight historical fiction fans who crave plenty of drama and style.
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s New York City, revolving around the lives of high society characters Theresa Marshall, Sophie Fortescue, and Octavian Rofrano. The plot involves a love triangle, scandalous affairs, family secrets, and a murder trial that adds intrigue to the story. The book is described as a fun and engaging read, with alternating chapters that provide insights into the characters' lives and decisions, all set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age.
DURING THE night, I dream that my husband arrives unexpectedly from Manhattan, in a plume of sultry exhaust from the engine of his Buick Battistini speedster, and let me tell you, the intrusion is mos...June 2016•372 pages - #3
Save:A richly atmospheric and empathetic historical novel for fans of literary history and romantic drama - especially those curious about the women behind Hemingway. Not for everyone, but a satisfying read if you adore the era and a more subdued, introspective style.
'The Paris Wife' by Paula McLain is a novel that delves into the early life of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson, during the 1920s in Paris. The story follows their relationship, struggles, and interactions with famous writers of the time like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. Through Hadley's perspective, readers get a glimpse into the complexities of their marriage, Hemingway's writing career, and the bohemian lifestyle of the Jazz Age. The book provides a mix of historical insight and emotional depth, capturing the challenges faced by Hadley as the wife of a charismatic yet troubled literary figure.
The narrative of 'The Paris Wife' unfolds with a blend of fiction and reality, portraying the passionate but tumultuous relationship between Hemingway and Hadley. The writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, evoking a strong sense of time and place, and for its ability to bring the characters to life. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and the impact of artistic pursuits on personal relationships, offering a poignant and engaging portrayal of a significant period in literary history.
It’s October 1920 and jazz is everywhere. I don’t know any jazz, so I’m playing Rachmaninoff. I can feel a flush beginning in my cheeks from the hard cider my dear pal Kate Smith has stuffed down me s...January 2011•366 pages - #4
Save:A stylish, suspenseful read with delicious 1920s flair and an ending you’ll want to discuss over cocktails - even if it leaves your head spinning.
Set in the 1920s in New York City during the prohibition era, 'The Other Typist' by Suzanne Rindell follows the story of Rose Baker, a typist at a police precinct who becomes obsessed with the new typist, Odalie. As Rose delves deeper into Odalie's glamorous but mysterious world of speakeasies and luxury, the plot unravels with lies, betrayal, and a twisty ending that leaves readers questioning everything. The book is narrated by Rose, an unreliable narrator, who paints a vivid picture of the Jazz Age setting and captures the essence of the era with intricate details and a touch of unease.
One look at the device itself and you might understand how they—the self-appointed keepers of female virtue and morality, that is—might have reached such a conclusion. Your average typewriter, be it U...May 2013•415 pages - #5
Save:An intimate, well-researched, and ultimately heartbreaking look at one of America’s most mythologized couples. Essential reading for lit buffs and Jazz Age fans, but brace yourself for tragedy over glam.
'Zelda' by Nancy Milford delves into the tumultuous relationship between Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald during the Jazz Age of the 1920s. Through meticulous research, Milford uncovers the tragic life of Zelda, portraying her as an inspiring yet tragic figure who was overshadowed by her husband's success. The book sheds light on the complexities of their relationship, highlighting how Fitzgerald's actions contributed to Zelda's mental disintegration.
Milford's writing style in 'Zelda' captivates readers by seamlessly weaving together historical facts and personal accounts. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the Fitzgerald couple, offering insights into their love-hate dynamic and the impact of their relationship on their personal and professional lives. Through detailed storytelling, Milford brings to life the Jazz Age darlings, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and triumphs.
IF THERE WAS A CONFEDERATE EStablishment in the Deep South, Zelda Sayre came from the heart of it. Willis B. Machen, Zelda’s maternal grandfather, was an energetic entrepreneur tough enough to endure...January 1970•494 pages - #6
Save:A flawed but fascinating relic of literary history - part fever dream, part feminist manifesto. Read it for evocative language and a rare glimpse into Zelda Fitzgerald’s creative soul, but go in knowing it’s more poetic memoir than polished novel.
'Save Me The Waltz' by Zelda Fitzgerald is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of Alabama, a character based on Zelda herself. The book follows Alabama's journey as she explores her identity beyond her relationship with her husband, David, and her struggles in pursuing a career in ballet. The writing style is described as fragmented, with rich metaphors and similes, providing insights into the real lives of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald while offering a vivid picture of life and dreams in the 1920s.
That was because of the sense of security they felt in their father. He was a living fortress. Most people hew the battlements of life from compromise, erecting their impregnable keeps from judicious...1953•280 pages - #7
Save:A high-energy, old-fashioned chase through history - a perfect pick for fans of historical thrillers and classic adventure, but possibly too predictable or pulpy for some tastes.
In "The Chase" by Clive Cussler, readers are taken on a thrilling journey set in America in the early 1900s. The story follows the dashing detective Isaac Bell as he is tasked with capturing the notorious bank robber and killer known as 'The Butcher Bandit'. The narrative unfolds with a series of high-stakes chases, including a race between a car and a train, the chaos of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and a dramatic locomotive pursuit. Cussler's attention to detail, historical backdrop, and vivid descriptions bring the era to life, creating an immersive and captivating tale of mystery, adventure, and romance.
The writing style in "The Chase" blends historical fiction with action-packed sequences, intricate detective work, and a touch of early James Bond romance. The author intricately weaves together elements of good versus evil, daring escapades, and well-developed characters like Isaac Bell and the villainous Butcher Bandit. Despite some readers finding certain aspects predictable or lacking surprises, the book offers a fast-paced and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of Clive Cussler and historical mystery adventures.
ANYONE SEEING AN OLD DERELICT SOT SLOWLY SWAYING down Moon Avenue in Bisbee that afternoon would have mistaken him for what he was not, a man who had grown old before his time working the mines that r...2007•459 pages - #8
Save:A gorgeously written, jazz-era love letter to New York with memorable characters and thoughtful reflections on class, choice, and ambition. Not for action seekers, but ideal for fans of literary, atmospheric, and nostalgic fiction.
'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles is set in New York City in the 1930s and follows the life of Katey Kontent, a daughter of Russian immigrants who navigates the city alongside her friends Eve and Tinker Grey. The story delves into how individuals from different backgrounds strive to make it in the city during a time of social change and economic challenges. Through vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of class divide, personal growth, and the impact of key decisions on one's life trajectory.
The narrative is enriched by references to historical events and societal norms of the time, creating a vibrant picture of New York society in the late 1930s. The characters, such as Katey Kontent and Tinker Grey, are portrayed with depth and complexity, offering insights into human nature and the dynamics of relationships amidst a backdrop of social upheaval. The writing style is engaging, with some readers appreciating the author's ability to transport them back in time and weave a compelling tale of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery.
From a look around the club, you couldn’t tell that it was New Year’s Eve. There were no hats or streamers; no paper trumpets. At the back of the club, looming over a small empty dance floor, a jazz q...July 2011•395 pages - #9
Save:A messy, ambitious, and memorable coming-of-age story - flawed but dazzling in moments, and a must-read for Fitzgerald fans and anyone interested in literary history. Approach it as an energetic, revealing debut - not a refined masterpiece.
'This Side of Paradise' by F. Scott Fitzgerald follows the life of Amory Blaine, a young man from a wealthy background who navigates through love, self-discovery, and the aftermath of WWI. The book delves into Amory's intellectual growth, struggles with spirituality and relationships, and his journey towards understanding the meaning of life. Fitzgerald weaves in elements of narcissism, romance, and social commentary, offering a glimpse into the inner turmoil of a young man coming of age in the early 1900s.
The novel is structured around Amory's experiences at Princeton University, his romantic relationships, and his evolving perspectives on life. Fitzgerald's writing style combines prose, poetry, and dialogue to capture Amory's journey of self-realization and the complexities of early adulthood, providing a nuanced portrayal of a character grappling with his identity in a changing world.
Amory Blaine inherited from his mother every trait, except the stray inexpressible few, that made him worth while. His father, an ineffectual, inarticulate man with a taste for Byron and a habit for d...January 1920•308 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully written, quietly devastating portrait of disillusioned lives - fascinating for the writing and cultural insight, but its dated attitudes and unsympathetic cast aren’t for everyone. If you’re interested in style and atmosphere over plot, it’s iconic; just know what you’re getting into.
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway is a novel that follows a group of expatriates living in Paris and traveling to Spain. The story revolves around themes of love, friendship, post-war trauma, and the search for meaning in a seemingly aimless existence. The writing style is characterized by simple yet powerful phrasing, sparse dialogue, and an understated tone that conveys the characters' emotions and struggles.
The novel explores the complex relationships between the characters, particularly focusing on the central figure of Lady Brett Ashley and her entanglements with various men in the group. Set against the backdrop of the post-World War I era, the book delves into themes of impotence, unrequited love, and the disillusionment of the Lost Generation. Hemingway's portrayal of bullfighting, drinking culture, and the expatriate lifestyle adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the characters' internal conflicts and external experiences.
Robert Cohn was once middleweight boxing champion of Princeton. Do not think that I am very much impressed by that as a boxing title, but it meant a lot to Cohn. He cared nothing for boxing, in fact h...1926•260 pages
