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Save Me the Waltz: A Timeless Exploration of Marriage, Love, and Identity

Andy Cole

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Save Me The Waltz

by Zelda Fitzgerald

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	514 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	142 pages

Zelda Fitzgerald's Save Me the Waltz is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of marriage, love, and identity. Published in 1932, the novel follows the story of Alabama Beggs, a young woman from the American South who marries a wealthy man and moves to Europe. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, a time of great social and cultural change. Alabama and her husband, David Knight, are part of a group of expatriates living in Paris and on the French Riviera. They are surrounded by artists, writers, and other people who are pushing the boundaries of conventional morality.

Plot Summary

Save Me the Waltz begins with Alabama and David's wedding. The couple is deeply in love, but their marriage is quickly tested by the challenges of everyday life. Alabama is a free-spirited woman who longs for adventure and excitement. David, on the other hand, is more conservative and traditional. He wants Alabama to be a dutiful wife and mother.

The couple's problems are exacerbated by the fact that they are living in a foreign country. Alabama feels isolated and alone. She longs for the familiar comforts of home. David, too, is struggling to adjust to his new life. He is haunted by memories of his past and by the fear that he will never be able to live up to Alabama's expectations.

As their marriage begins to crumble, Alabama and David seek solace in other people. Alabama has an affair with a young artist named Gerald Murphy. David, meanwhile, falls in love with a beautiful and wealthy widow named Eleanor Savage.

The novel ends with Alabama and David's divorce. Alabama returns to the United States, where she tries to rebuild her life. David remains in Europe, where he continues to struggle with his demons.

Themes

Save Me the Waltz explores a number of complex themes, including the following:

Marriage and love: The novel examines the challenges of marriage and the ways in which love can change over time. Alabama and David's marriage is initially based on passion and idealism. However, as they face the challenges of everyday life, their love begins to fade. The novel explores the reasons why marriages fail and the ways in which people can find happiness and fulfillment outside of marriage.
Identity: The novel also explores the theme of identity. Alabama is a complex and multifaceted character. She is a free-spirited woman who longs for adventure and excitement. However, she is also a devoted wife and mother. The novel explores the ways in which Alabama's identity is shaped by her relationships with others.
The Jazz Age: The novel is set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, a time of great social and cultural change. The novel explores the ways in which the Jazz Age influenced people's lives. Alabama and her friends are part of a generation that is breaking away from traditional values and embracing new ways of living.

Critical Reception

Save Me the Waltz was a critical and commercial success when it was first published in 1932. The novel was praised for its realism, its psychological insights, and its beautiful prose. It has since been recognized as one of the most important works of American literature of the 20th century.

Legacy

Save Me the Waltz continues to be read and studied today. The novel has been adapted into a film, a play, and a ballet. It has also been the subject of numerous scholarly essays and books.

Save Me the Waltz is a timeless exploration of marriage, love, and identity. The novel is a must-read for anyone who is interested in American literature, the Jazz Age, or the human condition.

Save Me The Waltz

by Zelda Fitzgerald

4.1 out of 5