Great

by Sara Benincasa

[Angie]

It's been over a decade since I read and disliked The Great Gatsby, but I couldn't help but be intrigued by this modern day F/F retelling. Great begins with Naomi heading to the Hamptons to spend the summer with her TV Chef mother. Naomi doesn't exactly fit in there, so she's not thrilled about another boring Summer, but this year it's different. Fashion blogger, Jacinta, is renting the house next door, throws lavish parties, and takes the beach town by storm. But there's something not right about her.

Great was a pretty good, quick read. I was a bit disappointed that Naomi is 100% straight, and it's only Jacinta and Delilah who are queer. But I got so caught up in the drama of their friendship and relationships with each other and the other teens who summer nearby. Naomi befriends both girls, but Jacinta and Delilah spend most of their time alone together. Delilah's boyfriend finds this suspicious and is out to ruin Jacinta. Naomi knows Jacinta isn't all that she seems, but she genuinely likes her and doesn't think she deserves the torment. Things just get out of control very quickly.

I don't really have a lot to say about Great that won't spoil anything. Although I'm sure you can all guess some of the shocks if you know the original. Like I said, it's been awhile since I've read it, but I did enjoy this retelling a whole lot more. Gatsby came across as creepy to me, while Jacinta feels more sad. I wanted her to get the girl and live happily ever after! In fact, I was much more invested in her than I was in Naomi, even though this is all from her perspective. I'm just a sucker for spoiled rich people drama.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.