The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," a witty and fantastical satire about aging, is one of his most memorable stories.

In 1860 Benjamin Button is born an old man and mysteriously begins aging backward. At the beginning of his life he is withered and worn, but as he continues to grow younger he embraces life -- he goes to war, runs a business, falls in love, has children, goes to college and prep school, and, as his mind begins to devolve, he attends kindergarten and eventually returns to the care of his nurse.

This strange and haunting story embodies the sharp social insight that has made Fitzgerald one of the great voices in the history of American literature."

I read this short story in two hours. It was wonderfully engaging and just the right length that it didn't get boring. It is a wonderfully interesting premise but without enough meat for an entire novel. 

I found this short story quite sad, honestly. The fading of memories and vitality into child-like oblivion reminded me too well of old age and the forgotten nostalgias of vibrant youth. Although I'm young, I find the prospect of aging-associated diseases disheartening. The relaying of an entire life into such a short book had me contemplating those difficult questions we all are familiar with. This book was actually really fun to read, though. The dry, satirical, highbrow humor balances out the depressing aspects which had me laughing throughout.

I wasn’t particularly emotionally taken with the story, nor did I find any specifically enlightening insights on age or aging in it, other than a bit of existential dread as said above. It could be read as a spotlight on how older people, with a whole lifetime of knowledge, are treated like no more than silly babies. The prose however, on the moments it quits the more outspoken satirical register, flows delicately and lyrically, movingly mellowing nearing the ending while Benjamin reaches the innocent sweetness of infancy, soothing like a lullaby. 

Age Rating 12+. Nothing untoward whatsoever.