Adrienne J. Odasso

Thank you to netgalley, AJ Odasso, and publishers, for gifting me with an early access e-copy in exchange for my honest unfiltered review.

First things first I've got to say WHEW! The Pursued and the Pursuing is one fantastically odd and charming ride. As a lover of the The Great Gatsby as soon as I read the synopsis of this book I knew I HAD to read it; What I didn't know, however, was if I'd be satisfied with the narrative as its a new writer picking up and running with the history of Fitzgerald's masterpiece. Now that I'm finished I can honestly say I am beyond in love with this alternate story.

AJ Odasso has given us the opportunity to peak in to one possible version of the rest of Gatsby's existence, had he he not succumbed to death. For me the Pursued and the Pursuing started off a little clunky which, to be honest, frightened me. It was not, however, very long before I found myself entirely immersed in the story, scrolling through the pages as fast as my eyes would allow me to read.

This is a beautiful, unique, charming story set in the 1930's told with historical accuracy and a keen knowledge of what life must have been like when same sex couples tried to simply live their lives back then. This story also gives us the chance to become acquainted with the Gatsby we all hoped was hiding underneath the original character. He sheds his fortune, his epic lifestyle, his reputation and learns humility, respect, how to trust, and how to love another whole heartedly, as well as how to love himself. When Daisy interjects herself in Jay and Nicks life again to inquire about her daughter we see both men mature beyond their own solid relationship and create a healthy, functioning and most importantly happy family.

This is "fan fiction" or re-telling at its finest. AJ Odasso has given us a lovely alternative to the continuation of The Great Gatsby.

Highly Highly recommended for fans of The Great Gatsby, though The Pursued and the Pursuing is good enough to stand alone if you've never read it's inspiration. This does come with a NSFW warning however, so if this bothers you this book may not be for you, which would be a shame as it's beyond worth it.… (mer)