Scott Fitzgerald- Tender is the Night

This is a book that was probably very close to Fitzgerald's heart. This was his final novel and was written during the time his wife, Zelda was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The character of Dick Diver and Nicole could have been a reflection of him and his wife. Like Zelda, Nicole was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was a patient of a psychiatrist, Dick. They later fell in love and led a life of flamboyance- giving lavish parties and were a very popular couple (the Fitzgeralds were also famous for their partying lifestyles). Nicole was seemingly on her way to recovery and they led a happy life with their children. Then the couple met Rosemary, a budding actress, and Dick and Rosemary fell in love. Nicole's mental health deteriorated and this frustrated Dick, as he was the seemingly caregiver of Nicole. However, things took a change when Nicole fell in love with their mutual friend, Tommy, and proceeded to divorce Dick and marry Tommy. Everything went downhill for Dick as he became an alcoholic and was removed from the successful clinic he owned with a partner (with Nicole's money).


I am neutral with this book, not really loving it nor hating it. But the characters in the story were real and complex and its well-worth the read, as I think Fitzgerald has quite a way with weaving his characters.