The Great Gatsby

To tell you the truth, Brad, I've not read the 'Lord of the Flies' either. Shame.

Here is something else that has always bothered me: what is all the fuss about 'The Great Gatsby'? I think there are many other things that Fitzgerald wrote that are a million times better. Why has Gatsby been such a popular book (well, it sold poorly while he was alive, its popularity didn't rise until after his death)?

Perhaps this alone is the reason for its popularity: the mystique of the misunderstood and troubled artist whose unappreciated art in life causes a slow and spiralling descent into alcoholism, madness, and disappointment unto death. Only later is the genius recognised - or at least, we call it genius, but is it really our own sad fascination for tragedy, misfortune, and the stoic heroism of the artist who will not turn from their art, even when the world will not pay attention to it? Even when it costs them every ounce of happiness and peace? Even when it means an early death? Fitzgerald is a regular Van Gogh!

Can someone explain to me this attraction to Fitzgerald’s Gatsby?