Tender Is the Night

F. Scott Fitzgerald's final fully-realized novel, "Tender is the Night," is thoughtfully edited by Arnold Goldman and features an insightful introduction and annotations by Richard Godden as part of the Penguin Modern Classics series. Set against the backdrop of the opulent French Riviera during the interwar period and before the Wall Street Crash, the narrative explores the lives of affluent Americans. Among the elite are the captivating psychoanalyst Dick Diver and his wife Nicole, who entertain guests at their luxurious villa. The arrival of Rosemary Hoyt, a charismatic film star drawn to their allure, introduces her to a world filled with hidden complexities and concealed depravities. As Dick becomes increasingly enamored with Rosemary, the fragile fabric of his marriage begins to unravel, propelling him and Nicole onto a treacherous journey requiring resilience to endure. In this poignant and poetically crafted work, Fitzgerald imbues the story with elements of his own experiences, painting a vivid picture of an era marked by rampant materialism, disillusioned ideals, and unfulfilled aspirations.