However, once Scott publishes another novel, the two have a baby girl named Scottie. With the honeymoon phase coming to an end, the couple often argue. It is not long until their excessive drinking and newfound fame lead Scott to cheating on Zelda with other women. Often getting drunk and acting out in public, the couple grab the attention of the press. Scott’s popularity grows, and the couple attend an endless stream of parties. In Part II, Zelda and Scott get married and begin living lavishly. That spring, Zelda tells her friends and family goodbye and leaves for New York City. The couple finally sets their wedding date. The two temporarily break things off, until Scott gets his novel published. Time passes and Scott still has not set a wedding date. Scott proposes to Zelda, who despite her father’s warnings, accepts the proposal. Scott is eventually stationed in Paris, but quickly comes back to Montgomery once World War I ends. Zelda’s father warns her that Scott is careless with his money and drinks too much, but Zelda ignores him. After Scott throws her a lavish party for her 18th birthday, they begin dating. One day she meets a soldier and aspiring author named Scott Fitzgerald, and the two immediately hit it off.

The first person narrator, Zelda Sayre, is a 17-year-old girl who enjoys ballet, boys, and mischief.

Part I of the novel takes place in 1918, in Montgomery, Alabama. The following version of this book was used to create this guide: Fowler, Therese Anne.

Z by Therese Anne Fowler