Finally, a Fitzgerald novel. You might ask why I chose to read this one next - well, the answer is because this novel is based on several of Scott's close friends and, of course, Zelda. The story examines the complex lives of Dick and Nicole Diver - the rise of their marriage, their golden days together, and their collapse.
It's a difficult read. It isn't because the writing is hard to comprehend (in fact, it's actually very easy to follow); it's because you know the book is telling the story of the Fitzgeralds' marriage through Scott's eyes. Zelda despised the novel according to Z. "He'd made his not-me into a half-homicidal incest victim whose eventual health comes only through the complete destruction of her once-exalted husband's life. I couldn't get any distance from it, couldn't separate myself from his Nicole."
The reader isn't aware that Nicole has a history of mental illness until Book 2 of the novel. It comes as a bit of a shock, because her character is so admired by young Rosemary Hoyt, who stumbles upon Nicole and Dick's social circle while vacationing on the French Riviera. Rosemary describes Nicole as "one of the most beautiful people she had ever known," with "the face of a saint, a Viking Madonna." Her feelings for Dick, though, far overshadow any kind feelings she may have had for his wife. The young girl, just entering adulthood, sets her sights on winning the affection of Dr. Diver - and although he initially resists, professing his love for Nicole, he eventually falls head over heels for the actress.
Sidebar: Although Dick Diver is supposed to be based on Scott's friend Gerald, might this affair be based on Ernest Hemingway and long-time-mistress-turned-wife Pauline? Think about it: Hemingway and Hadley were both fast friends with Pauline (a younger, attractive model). They even traveled together - with groups of friends and on more intimate adventures - and while friends thought the Hemingway's marriage was strong, Ernest was seeing Pauline, which blindsided Hadley. And, the infidelity ruined their marriage. Coincidence?
As you read further, you learn that Dick, a psychiatrist, met Nicole as a patient in a mental hospital. They fell in love and eventually married, and Nicole's money (combined with Dick's income) allowed them to live a lavish lifestyle. In their prime, they threw extravagant dinner parties and wore the finest tailored clothes in stores. Dick was, as Fowler wrote, exalted. He was a well-renowned doctor, and a person of the highest social status. But when his heart tore away from Nicole for the first time, and when Nicole's mental instability appeared, his much-adored world began to falter.
Much like Fitzgerald, Dick left the comfort of his home and friends in order to allow Nicole to recover elsewhere. The more he sacrifices for her, and the more she acts erratically, the more Dick's work suffers and his spirit diminishes. Like Scott, he becomes increasingly dependent on alcohol. He resigns from his practice, he finds himself in jail and unwanted at social gatherings. Meanwhile, Nicole finds herself growing stronger only as she gains independence from Dick. And she finally "frees" herself after she leaves him.
It's a difficult read. It isn't because the writing is hard to comprehend (in fact, it's actually very easy to follow); it's because you know the book is telling the story of the Fitzgeralds' marriage through Scott's eyes. Zelda despised the novel according to Z. "He'd made his not-me into a half-homicidal incest victim whose eventual health comes only through the complete destruction of her once-exalted husband's life. I couldn't get any distance from it, couldn't separate myself from his Nicole."
The reader isn't aware that Nicole has a history of mental illness until Book 2 of the novel. It comes as a bit of a shock, because her character is so admired by young Rosemary Hoyt, who stumbles upon Nicole and Dick's social circle while vacationing on the French Riviera. Rosemary describes Nicole as "one of the most beautiful people she had ever known," with "the face of a saint, a Viking Madonna." Her feelings for Dick, though, far overshadow any kind feelings she may have had for his wife. The young girl, just entering adulthood, sets her sights on winning the affection of Dr. Diver - and although he initially resists, professing his love for Nicole, he eventually falls head over heels for the actress.
Sidebar: Although Dick Diver is supposed to be based on Scott's friend Gerald, might this affair be based on Ernest Hemingway and long-time-mistress-turned-wife Pauline? Think about it: Hemingway and Hadley were both fast friends with Pauline (a younger, attractive model). They even traveled together - with groups of friends and on more intimate adventures - and while friends thought the Hemingway's marriage was strong, Ernest was seeing Pauline, which blindsided Hadley. And, the infidelity ruined their marriage. Coincidence?
As you read further, you learn that Dick, a psychiatrist, met Nicole as a patient in a mental hospital. They fell in love and eventually married, and Nicole's money (combined with Dick's income) allowed them to live a lavish lifestyle. In their prime, they threw extravagant dinner parties and wore the finest tailored clothes in stores. Dick was, as Fowler wrote, exalted. He was a well-renowned doctor, and a person of the highest social status. But when his heart tore away from Nicole for the first time, and when Nicole's mental instability appeared, his much-adored world began to falter.
Much like Fitzgerald, Dick left the comfort of his home and friends in order to allow Nicole to recover elsewhere. The more he sacrifices for her, and the more she acts erratically, the more Dick's work suffers and his spirit diminishes. Like Scott, he becomes increasingly dependent on alcohol. He resigns from his practice, he finds himself in jail and unwanted at social gatherings. Meanwhile, Nicole finds herself growing stronger only as she gains independence from Dick. And she finally "frees" herself after she leaves him.
"...his latest note was post-marked from Hornell, New York, which is some distance from Geneva and a very small town; in any case he is almost certainly in that section of the country, in one town or another." - Nicole on Dick, post-divorce
It really is a very hard novel to read when you know that Scott wrote it about his marriage to Zelda. Although she resented him for the novel, it might have been exactly how he experienced their rocky relationship. Her health issues took a very large toll on his work, but could her illness have been caused by his behavior? Some would argue "yes." Either way, Scott obviously felt defeated by his wife's quest for freedom from her mental illness, and you can't help but feel sorry for him. Nobody wants to see a man of that charm, talent and charisma lose his way (unless you're the competition). I recommend Tender is the Night to people interested in finding out Scott's side of the story, but prepare yourself for despair.
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