More on Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald and a brief poem
The last paragraphs of the novel:
“‘Lingering side effects,’ he’ll tell me and tap my forehead gently. ‘Not to worry. I said I’d never leave you and I meant it. You know me, Zelda, I’m a man of my word.'”
And he was. Anything that didn’t happen–for us, for him–turned out that way despite his best efforts.
…
[Regarding her young daughter]: There’s no need for me to be present: I’m not saying good-bye.”
This is a nearly 400-page novel that is told in first person. As noted in a previous blog, Henry James didn’t like this style, but I think it helps you get inside the personality of someone who is mentally ill. I think insane people often feel they have been lied to and can only trust themselves. FS Fitzgerald had his own problems and pre-deceased Zelda while trying to start a new chapter of his life in L.A.
I like the pop band The Cure. Some don’t like them, and I think the reason why they don’t is that the band often deal with mental illness and that is taboo or distasteful for many. But for me, art is partly about making something beautiful or at least consoling from life’s pain.
“Transpires” by yours truly
As it transpires,
Most (if not all) of us are liars.