You wrote such an awesome review that I read it last night. I love Hemingway, but had overlooked this one, and it was a fantastic ride! Thanks so much for this gorgeous recommendation, I really enjoyed it.
I love the brevity of Hemmingway's writing and the effortlessness of it. And the ruthlessness of it. How he can make you care about a character within a few pages and then take them on a journey that you, as a reader, are completely invested in, and keep upping the stakes, and pretty much torture you all the way through to the end, and then break your heart. And that's the kicker- we know better- Hem isn't known for happy endings, and we know he's probably going to hurt us, but the writing is so good, the ride is so beautiful that you go anyway, because you know the journey will make it worthwhile. Sigh.
For Whom the Bell Tolls wrecked me for a few days after i finished it, because it was over, and because of the ending, but also because i felt there was no point in trying to write another word of my own novel with that book in existence, that i could never achieve anything even remotely comparable in quality.
I got over that, of course. We all have something unique to offer thru our writing, no matter how many awesome book are already out there. But i studied harder after that, grew more determined after that. I think the great books keep us humble us and inspire us to keep working, go deeper, really dig for the truth in our own work. That's what they do for me anyway.
Thanks for the opportunity to think and write about these things! So awesome!
Thank you for this! I wholeheartedly agree! I'm on a Hem bender now - heading to Key West this autumn and will visit his house. Am into The Sun Also Rises. I'm struck by the forcefulness of the dialogue, and indeed, that's what I remember most when introduced to this master in high school: ruthless dialogue, like fired shots.
You write, "I think the great books keep us humble us and inspire us to keep working, go deeper, really dig for the truth in our own work." Yes! That's what they do for me. Keep me inspired, and fed.
Thank you for sharing this journey. I wonder what I will "review" next. It really is about "must share." I read a lot of good books, but the ones that grab me by the throat - those are the ones I have to encourage my Substack readers to visit.
Great post! I must reread Old Man - not sat down with it for decades - but agree with you. When Ernest got it right he was so good! And when you right on non-astrological matters you are also so good! x
You wrote such an awesome review that I read it last night. I love Hemingway, but had overlooked this one, and it was a fantastic ride! Thanks so much for this gorgeous recommendation, I really enjoyed it.
Wonderful to hear! Thank you for reporting back. Curious if you'd like to share any reflections here of your own. 😊
Hmm. I had to think about that a bit.
I love the brevity of Hemmingway's writing and the effortlessness of it. And the ruthlessness of it. How he can make you care about a character within a few pages and then take them on a journey that you, as a reader, are completely invested in, and keep upping the stakes, and pretty much torture you all the way through to the end, and then break your heart. And that's the kicker- we know better- Hem isn't known for happy endings, and we know he's probably going to hurt us, but the writing is so good, the ride is so beautiful that you go anyway, because you know the journey will make it worthwhile. Sigh.
For Whom the Bell Tolls wrecked me for a few days after i finished it, because it was over, and because of the ending, but also because i felt there was no point in trying to write another word of my own novel with that book in existence, that i could never achieve anything even remotely comparable in quality.
I got over that, of course. We all have something unique to offer thru our writing, no matter how many awesome book are already out there. But i studied harder after that, grew more determined after that. I think the great books keep us humble us and inspire us to keep working, go deeper, really dig for the truth in our own work. That's what they do for me anyway.
Thanks for the opportunity to think and write about these things! So awesome!
Thank you for this! I wholeheartedly agree! I'm on a Hem bender now - heading to Key West this autumn and will visit his house. Am into The Sun Also Rises. I'm struck by the forcefulness of the dialogue, and indeed, that's what I remember most when introduced to this master in high school: ruthless dialogue, like fired shots.
You write, "I think the great books keep us humble us and inspire us to keep working, go deeper, really dig for the truth in our own work." Yes! That's what they do for me. Keep me inspired, and fed.
Thank you for sharing this journey. I wonder what I will "review" next. It really is about "must share." I read a lot of good books, but the ones that grab me by the throat - those are the ones I have to encourage my Substack readers to visit.
Happy writing and reading!
you too! Looking forward to the next one!
Great post! I must reread Old Man - not sat down with it for decades - but agree with you. When Ernest got it right he was so good! And when you right on non-astrological matters you are also so good! x
So good!
Apologies for writing "right" instead of "write"... D'oh!
It's karma for your backhanded compliment 🤣 xo