I have an innate curiosity to learn about the lives of other people. Identified as a biographical fiction novel, Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck, spoke to my interests about F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The novel opens in 1932 with Zelda being admitted to the Phipps Psychiatric Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland, and meeting her assigned nurse, Anna Howard. The women develop a beautiful bond in which Anna provides compassionate care for Zelda, and Zelda becomes vulnerable to Anna by sharing her intimate feelings. When Zelda is discharged from Phipps, Anna leaves her employment at the clinic to work as a private nurse for Zelda. Scott and Zelda had such a raucous relationship that Anna couldn’t help but get involved in their bickering. Anna’s constant involvement in their personal lives deepened a friendship between the women. 

I love that the entire story was told from the perspective of Anna. I was previously aware that the relationship between Scott and Zelda was a nightmare due to his drinking and her mental health. Scott often acted absurdly, and Zelda was trying to cope with a mental health disorder during a period in which treatment was inadequate. A recipe for disaster, despite their moments of the best intentions. Therefore, I quickly got tired of reading about the dramatic incidents between Scott and Zelda, which is no fault of this book. 

My ears perked up each time the storyline shifted to Anna’s personal life. I became fascinated by learning about her life tragedies and how she coped each day. As the book progressed, the story focused on Anna’s life and how the Fitzgerald’s affected her as an employee and friend. This changing tide of the story was clever and engaging. I felt myself becoming more emotionally involved in the characters and on the edge of my seat as I anticipated Anna’s life decisions outside of the Fitzgerald’s. The ending of the book was beautifully heartbreaking. (You’ll have to read the book to know why I use that description.) 

I purchased the audiobook Call Me Zelda with my Audible subscription. I enjoyed the narration by Amy Landon. 

You’re welcome to check out my review below for another book by Erika Robuck that I’ve read. 

Sisters of Night and Fog

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