 A bitter-sweet tale of love, lust and lost opportunities, 2001-12-29
Set in the mid-1920s, the story deals with the 'lost generation' of American and British expatriates who have settled in Paris to live in a moral wasteland of drunkenness and promiscuity. Centering on the relationship between its narrator, Jake Barnes, an American journalist rendered sexually impotent by a wound suffered during World War I, and Lady Brett Ashley, the queen of the pleasure-seekers, it explores with great pathos the anguish and inadequacy of love when robbed of its physical expression, and of the latter in the absence of an emotional attachment. In true Hemingway style, drinking, fishing and the bull-fight provide the framework. Yet its crowning glory is perhaps the strength of Hemingway's vivid narrative technique which draws the reader into every scene, and induces an almost personal bond with each of the brilliantly crafted characters. Warmth literally permeates the novel, despite the various calamities of its principal actors, and those privileged to have experienced it shall surely be devouring Hemingway's works for years to come.
 Odd but good, 2004-01-25
This is the first of Hemingway's novels that I've read, and it's one of the most curious I've seen. Without trying to give away plot details, it seems as if very little actually happens in the novel, and Hemingway's method of narration seems, at times, more apt to reporting rather than novel writing. But it works. I finished the book, put it down, and wondered what it was all about. But at the same time I felt like I'd enjoyed it.Hemingway's narrative approach may seem a little bit curious on your first reading of the novel- for example, his introduction of Robert Cohn at the beginning of the novel, only for the reader to find, later, that Cohn is far from the protagonist- but there is little denying that he creates haunting characters that produce various emotional responses, be they admiration, pity, or simple curiosity. This text is particularly rich with meaning when you stratch below the surface, and what can appear to be basic reporting narration is in fact particularly skillful. Hemingway; I don't really know WHY I liked this, but I did.
Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises, 2008-10-26
'Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises' is the first Hemingway book I read many years ago and is one i've recently re-read. Partly autobiographical and based on his time in Paris, this book showcases Hemingways style perfectly. Short, well crafted sentences that portray the full feeling in any given scene without you realising how deeply you are being affected. You get a sense of feeling of the characters without truly knowing them, which is kind of true of life and a unique talent Hemingway shares. The book builds in tension as the group of friends move to Pamplona for the fiesta and bull running until it reaches it's climax. The end is in no way earth shattering, but a true example of human nature and the mistakes that we make that plague us so. I tend to feel that there are other Hemingway books to try first (Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls) but as the first book of his I read, this has a special place in my heart and is definitely well worth a read to immerse yourself in the style and book that truly made him famous. If you enjoy this then try 'A Moveable Feast' which is the memoirs of his time in Paris and a wonderful read.
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