Over a century ago, F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby, now considered one of the great American novels. While not initially a bestseller, Gatsby has since captivated generations of readers with its tragic glamour and intrigue. The novel’s exploration of class and deconstruction of the American Dream has made it prime material for a modern update.
With Gatsby in the public domain, more authors are putting their spin on the literary classic. New interpretations of Gatsby expand on the source material to include commentary on gender, race, and queer relationships. (Because let’s be real — Nick was definitely in love with Gatsby the whole time.)
Pour yourself a drink, old sport, and experience Gatsby through fresh eyes with one of these six adaptations.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
In a version of West Egg immersed in magic, golfer Jordan Baker is an outsider in more ways than one. She’s the adopted daughter of wealthy white parents, queer, and still hasn’t quite learned how to harness her own powers. But one summer could change everything for her. Hugo winner Nghi Vo breathes new life into an old tale with a novel that is feminist and fantastical.
Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore
Having moved to find work, Wisconsin transplant Nicolás Caraveo now rents a house in West Egg from his cousin Daisy. His neighbor, Jay Gatsby, is fabulously wealthy, hosts lavish parties, and — like Nick — is transgender. Jay has carefully cultivated his image and persona to help him win the heart of his first love: Daisy. But as the two men grow closer, Nick confronts his developing feelings for his new friend. Self-Made Boys is the fifth installment in the Remixed Classics series, reimagining classic novels through marginalized perspectives.
Gatsby by Jeremy Holt, illustrated by Felipe Cunha
The summer before starting at Columbia University, Lu Zhao leaves his native Singapore to stay with his cousin Tommy. But Tommy’s upper-class Long Island lifestyle sends Zhao down a rabbit hole of vice and danger. Jeremy Holt and Felipe Cunha’s modernized graphic adaptation has all the scandal and intrigue of a juicy teen drama. The American Dream may turn out to be more than Zhao bargained for.
Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor
The original Great Gatsby ends with Gatsby and mechanic George Wilson dead in an apparent murder-suicide. But in Jillian Cantor’s take, there’s more to what happened that night than meets the eye. New evidence surfaces in the form of a diamond hairpin, casting three of the women in Gatsby’s life under suspicion. Who really shot Jay Gatsby? Was it his troubled love, Daisy Buchanan? Her secretive best friend, Jordan Baker? Or Catherine McCoy, sister of Gatsby’s late mistress, Myrtle?
Great by Sara Benincasa
Teenager Naomi Rye doesn’t expect to enjoy staying with her wealthy mother in East Hampton for the summer. Enter her intriguing neighbor, Jacinta Trimalchio, who quickly pulls Naomi into her orbit as she pursues the beautiful Delilah Fairweather. But Jacinta’s secrets could prove dangerous in this all-girl Gatsby spin that explores the murky boundary between love and obsession.
Jake, Reinvented by Gordon Korman
Transfer student Jake Garrett is the talk of F. Scott Fitzgerald High School. Not only is he a killer long-snapper, but his Friday night parties are unmatched. Jake’s not content with popularity, though — his sights are set on his crush, Didi, who’s dating quarterback Todd Buckley. But as kicker Rick Paradis soon discovers, Jake isn’t everything he appears to be. Bestselling YA author Gordon Korman shows that, like in West Egg, reputation is everything when it comes to high school.
Long after the bygone age it chronicles, The Great Gatsby’s themes and emotional drama continue to resonate with readers. These adaptations carry on its remarkable legacy, allowing us to revisit an old favorite through an array of diverse perspectives.
To learn about the history of The Great Gatsby across film and TV, click here.
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