The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo retells Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby from Jordan Baker’s perspective, adding fantasy elements and making Jordan a Vietnamese bisexual woman. She navigates Prohibition-era New York, magical charms, societal racism, and romantic entanglements with Nick, Daisy, and Gatsby, culminating in personal revelations and a journey to Shanghai and Vietnam to explore her heritage. This story discusses racism, sexual aggression, and abortion.

Nghi Vo's The Chosen and the Beautiful reimagines Fitzgerald's classic with a fresh, magical twist. Praised for its lush prose and innovative perspective, especially in its depiction of Jordan Baker, the novel excels in atmospheric world-building. Criticisms include a disjointed narrative and occasional pacing issues. Overall, an imaginative and bold retelling.

A reader who would enjoy The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo is likely a fan of richly reimagined classics, magical realism, and diverse narratives. Similar audiences may have appreciated The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, for its Jazz Age glamour, or The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, for its enchanting magic realism.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet

Nghi Vo

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Chosen and the Beautiful and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Chosen and the Beautiful Summary and Study Guide

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The Chosen and the Beautiful Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The Chosen and the Beautiful Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

The Chosen and the Beautiful Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

The Chosen and the Beautiful Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

The Chosen and the Beautiful Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-23

The Chosen and the Beautiful Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Chosen and the Beautiful Character Analysis

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Themes

The Chosen and the Beautiful Themes

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The Chosen and the Beautiful Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Chosen and the Beautiful Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Chosen and the Beautiful Essay Topics

The Chosen and the Beautiful

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Chosen and the Beautiful?

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