By Katrina Deisler
Saturday marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of legendary author F. Scott Fitzgerald, most known for his account of 1920’s New York, The Great Gatsby. In celebration of Fitzgerald’s birthday, the editors at Audible have put together a list of their favorite programmes about the roaring ’20s. Whether you enjoy reading titles in print, eBook, or audiobook (our current fave!), you’re sure to enjoy a nostalgic view of times past. Good news for Audible members: all titles are free with an Audible membership. Pour yourself a drink and curl up with your new favorite novel.
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
We’re never above revisiting a classic especially when narrated by Oscar-nominated hunk Jake Gyllenhaal. After moving to New York, Nick Carraway narrates the lifelong romance between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Complete with lavish parties, fast cars and harsh betrayals, Gatsby is an iconic story that will never get old. Love Gatsby? Any of the following titles are a great place to go next. £11.99 on Audible.
Save Me The Waltz, by Zelda Fitzgerald
Many personal experiences influenced F. Scott Fitzgerald in writing The Great Gatsby, and his wife, Zelda further explores aspects of her husband’s life and work in her novel, Save Me The Waltz. Her writing of the novel coincided with the time her husband was working on Tender is the Night and is a lovely portrait of living and working in the Roaring Twenties. £16.09 on Audible.
Tender Is The Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Another tragic love story by Fitzgerald, Tender Is The Night was a favorite of literary figures like Ernest Hemingway and John O’Hara. Set in the French Riviera, the novel features a love triangle between a young American actress and a sophisticated married couple. Grab tissues for another heartbreaking and brilliant story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. £16.09 on Audible.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, by Anita Loos
The diary of Arkansas native Lorelei Lee, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes chronicles her adventures across Europe (with her trusty friend, Dorothy). The pair have all sorts of fantastic adventures— including meeting the Prince of Wales— before returning home where Lorelei marries a millionaire. £10.89 on Audible.
Sanctuary, by William Faulkner
This powerful novel by Faulkner that examines the nature of good and evil through hard-boiled detective fiction. The story follows the kidnapping of debutante Temple Drake during the prohibition era in the Southern United States. Sanctuary is brilliantly written, dark and haunting. £13.69 on Audible
The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway
One of Hemingway’s masterpieces, narrated by William Hurt, The Sun Also Rises, is set in post- WWI Paris. The beloved main characters, Lady Brett Ashley and Jake Barnes. The novel examines the disillusionment and angst of the era. £13.46 on Audible.
Check out these beloved titles and more on audible.co.uk.