The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
“Now is no time to think of what you do not have.
Think of what you can do with that there is”
This novella is full of beautiful imagery and packs a lot in just a little over 100 pages. Yes, it is about an old fisherman trying to catch a fish, but it is moving and thought-provoking and I understand why it’s a classic still talked about.
This is the first Hemingway book I’ve read and I was definitely impressed by his writing style. This one specifically is a poetic tale of perseverance and determination. Although at times a bit tedious, as Santiago is trying to catch the same fish for several days, it’s also amazing what he goes through in those days and how he never gives up. Since this novella is so short, it is hard to say too much about it without giving away the story, so I’ll say it moved me more than I expected. You cheer and cry for Santiago, can feel his struggle through the pages and in the end, you feel his victory.
Synopsis: The last novel Ernest Hemingway saw published, The Old Man and the Sea has proved itself to be one of the enduring works of American fiction. It is the story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his supreme ordeal: a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.