I have read quite a few books about Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald including biographies and collections of letters. This is definitely the most detailed and well researched book of the lot. Zelda is viewed in a much more sympathetic light and not stereotyped as a silly flapper girl. Early in the marriage, Scott would chide her for not doing anything important with her life. In fact, she was a very good writer and as a dancer was offered a spot in a couple of ballet companies. When her first stories were published, she was forced to used Scott's name as a co-writer because it was believed no one would be interested if his name was not attached. Her paintings were interesting enough that she had a successful art show. At every turn, she was discouraged by Scott who believed that he should be the one in the limelight. Even though others took her dancing seriously, Scott thought it was ridiculous. When she had an affair with a French aviator, Scott locked her up in her second floor bedroom until she became submissive and gave him up. Zelda was thwarted at every turn in her desire to do something with her life. When he could no longer handle her, he committed to an asylum and her condition deteriorated and she was never her sparkling self again. Nevertheless the bond between the two was never entirely broken.