What novel is Bad Monkey based on? Bad Monkey, a thrilling novel by Carl Hiaasen, is a modern-day adaptation of the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. While the original story revolves around the American Dream and the decadence of the 1920s, Hiaasen’s novel reimagines these themes in a Florida Keys setting, blending humor, crime, and social commentary.
The story follows Ed Dubin, a washed-up writer who has recently been released from prison. He finds himself in the Florida Keys, a place where the line between reality and fiction often blurs. Ed’s life takes a turn when he encounters a mysterious con artist named Carl and a group of eccentric characters who drag him into a world of crime and corruption. As Ed tries to navigate this chaotic world, he begins to uncover secrets that could shake the foundations of the local power structure.
Hiaasen’s novel draws several parallels with “The Great Gatsby.” Like Gatsby, Ed Dubin is a man who is trying to reinvent himself and gain acceptance in high society. The Florida Keys, much like the East Egg of “The Great Gatsby,” are a place where wealth and power are on full display, but hidden beneath the surface is a world of greed, deceit, and moral decay. The characters in “Bad Monkey” are also reminiscent of the characters in “The Great Gatsby,” with their own unique flaws and desires.
One of the most striking similarities between the two novels is the theme of the American Dream. In “The Great Gatsby,” the American Dream is depicted as a fleeting and unattainable goal, while in “Bad Monkey,” it is shown as a dangerous illusion that can lead to ruin. Ed Dubin’s journey through the Florida Keys is a commentary on the cost of chasing wealth and status, and how it can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals.
Despite its similarities to “The Great Gatsby,” “Bad Monkey” stands on its own as a unique and entertaining novel. Hiaasen’s sharp wit and engaging storytelling make it a standout read in the crime fiction genre. By reimagining the classic American novel in a modern setting, Hiaasen has created a novel that is both a homage to the past and a reflection of the present.
In conclusion, “Bad Monkey” is based on “The Great Gatsby,” but it is a novel that transcends its inspiration. Hiaasen’s adaptation of Fitzgerald’s classic allows readers to explore the enduring themes of the American Dream, wealth, and power, while also providing a thrilling and humorous narrative that is entirely its own.
