Post your questions now ahead of the discussion on Friday 31 May at 1pm for a chance to win a copy of Churchwell's new book on Fitzgerald's masterpiece
On Friday 31 May, at 1pm, Sarah Churchwell, F Scott Fitzgerald authority and the author of a new book about The Great Gatsby, Careless People will join us for a live webchat.
Sarah Churchwell is Professor of American Literature and Public Understanding of the Humanities at UEA, and the author of The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe and co-editor of Must Read: Rediscovering the Bestseller. Sarah is also an expert and passionate advocate for Fitzgerald's genius, so this is a great opportunity to find out more about this wonderful writer and what made him tick. Or, indeed, if you're a Fitzgerald doubters, to have a discussion with someone who may well be able to change your mind.
Careless People is also a rich topic in itself. Bearing the subtitle "Murder, Mayhem and the Invention of The Great Gatsby", the book takes a look at the stories, critical currents and news items in the air while Fitzgerald was producing The Great Gatsby to cast a new light on its genesis. In particular, it details a fascinating and unsettling murder case that seems to have had a huge influence on Fitzgerald … But I shan't say more because you can ask Sarah herself for details.
Alongside these revelations, the book also provides a bright snapshot of the Jazz Age – and corrects a few misconceptions along the way. Did you know, for instance, that skirts were actually heading towards ankle length rather than getting shorter? Did you know that there were no passwords involved in getting a drink in speakeasies? Do you know what bathtub gin actually was? Ask, if not!
Sarah will be here live at 1pm on 31 May, but do please feel free to start making comments and posting questions beforehand. Indeed, it's especially worth your while to get your question in early, as we have five copies of Careless People to give to the first five people who ask something … (If you do make the cut, don't forget to email ginny.hooker@guardian.co.uk afterwards, letting us know your address and your user name. We can't track you down ourselves!)
via Books: Fiction | guardian.co.uk
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