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The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

By: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Narrated by: Jim Roberts
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Publisher's summary

F. Scott Fitzgerald's finest work is generally thought to be The Great Gatsby. However, he also wrote many wonderful short stories. This one, very much like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," shows Fitzgerald's amazing imagination and creativity. What would it be like, Fitzgerald wondered, to be rich beyond the dreams of avarice? This story is his answer.
Public Domain (P)2009 Jimcin Recordings
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Editorial reviews

In "The Diamond as big as the Ritz", the always-elegant writer F. Scott Fitzgerald writes an imaginative account of an entrepreneurial family who come to possess a ridiculously large diamond. The story is about American money, history, and racial politics. Jim Roberts narrates the audiobook in a careful, no-frills manner that allows the listener space to really absorb Fitzgerald's pristine prose, and to find buried some rather profound discoveries about human nature.

What listeners say about The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

FSF out west

A parable of greed and aristocracy, and their comeuppance, set in the wilds of Montana. Fitzgerald is in full fantasy mode, and a bit out of his element out west. His way with words, as usual, is amazing. An enjoyable read -
or listen. Especially recommended for fans of Kurt Vonnegut, who perhaps read this during his formative years.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Imaginative Story

Would you listen to The Diamond as Big as the Ritz again? Why?

No....it was good but once was enough.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All of them

What does Jim Roberts bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I made sure I listened to the sample before getting this because a couple of people really did not like the reader but...very few people agreed with them so, I did the logical thing..listened and decided for myself. Sample sounded fine so I got it and and really enjoyed the reading. No idea why those people had such a problem with it..to each his own, I guess.

Any additional comments?

This was a very unusual story for Fitzgerald and he showed he not only can write, but that he has a fantastic imagination. Great story.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Horrible narration

What disappointed you about The Diamond as Big as the Ritz?

I am fairly new to Audible. I have purchased 18 titles and this is the only one that I have been unable to finish. I ended my satisfying F.Scott Fitzgerald binge with this sour taste. Oh well, I'll always have Gatsby.

Would you ever listen to anything by F. Scott Fitzgerald again?

I have purchased and enjoyed, "The Great Gatsby", "Tender is the Night", "This Side of Paradise", "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Bernice Bobs Her Hair". I think I'm done with F. Scott for awhile.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jim Roberts?

Anyone.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment. The book was inexpensive so I wasn't too upset.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

How to ruin a classic

One of the great short stories read like a high school textbook to pre-schoolers. The story is 5 stars, maybe 7, but the reading...well, it was only the quality of the story that kept me from tossing the CD out the window. The reading was like a car on bad gas, sputtering, struggling, saved only by the unstoppable momentum of the story. Read it yourself and avoid this.

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1 person found this helpful