"This unlikely story begins on a sea that was a Blue Dream, as colorful as blue-silk stockings, and beneath a sky as blue as the irises of children's eyes."
The Offshore Pirate, a quick summary by me.
A flapper is hanging out on her uncles yacht. She is being her spoiled little self, not caring how she effects anyone. Her Uncle informs her that one Toby Moreland would like to visit with her. She basically tells him she doesn't want to meet anyone, and anyways she is going to marry some muck-a-muck with a bracelet that belongs to the Queen of Russia.
Soon after, a ship rows up to the side of the yacht and out jumps a band leader named Curtis Carlyle. He informs Ardita that he is on the run and there is a price on his head. He commandeers the yacht and takes her on the run with him and his men.
They find their way to an uncharted island and hang out, talking and swimming in the moon light. Here is where they fall in love. Ardita is willing to give up the big Muck-a-Muck to run away with Carlyle, but only if he can provide for her.
Soon they are discovered. It is here we find out the Curtis Carlyle is actually Toby Moreland. He fabricated the whole story to see if Ardita was like she was described. They are both happy with what they have found and in the end the love they discovered in the cove was real.
Now time for my thoughts....
I find it interesting that this story is the first "review" so to say. I have always had a hard time knowing how I feel about this particular story. I can easily say the writing and imagery is fantastic, and if I was only reading it for that I would give it a solid 4 (out of 5). However, I read for story line and characters as well. And I am sad to say this is where it falls apart for me. I just don't care for either of the characters in this story.
Ardita, Fitzgerald's typical flapper, is manipulative and spoiled. And honestly, I could care less what happens to her. That is not true. I wish she would fall overboard and just fade away. Carlyle/Moreland, gives me a bit more pause, but in the end I don't care for him much either. I have a hard time respecting anyone who will put in that much effort to get to know such a selfish, spoiled girl. He does have imagination though, I can give him that much.
In the end I could see reading this story at a beach or poolside, and being taken away by the imagery and writing. And the nature of the story makes it a perfect summer escape.
Cover of The Great Gatsby
