Reviews with content warning for Antisemitism - The Sun Also Rises

Ernest Hemingway's iconic lean prose is on full display in his debut, The Sun Also Rises, a tale told with the tightness that belies its depth and rich character writing. While on the surface, the novel seems to be about “friends” trapped in a cycle of drinking, eating, flirting, and gossiping, it's actually a WWI story and about the casualties of said war. Hemingway's exploration of the Lost Generation's disillusionment and anxieties offers the reader a glimpse into the past, making this a perfect time capsule of a novel. Knowing that though, it is important to acknowledge that this book is firmly stuck in the time it's written in. Therefore, I found myself somewhat distanced from the story, but I also fully appreciate Hemingway's craftsmanship.

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tjoscelyn92's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A concise, direct style of writing informs the reader of the day to day movements of a disillusioned, unknowingly hapless group of “friends.” Hemingway’s descriptions and dialogue are so evocative of the time in which it was written, without any trappings of social messages that would be jammed into the narrative if the same story were to be written in modern times.

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ilovelucy's review against another edition

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emotional reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Disclaimer: I knocked my rating down 0.75 due to the racism (use of the n-word) and anti semitic tones.

I enjoyed this book, the story and the characters, more than I initially thought I would. The descriptions of the running of the bulls made me long for Spain, and yearn to travel abroad and seek out new horizons. The characters relationships and interactions had depth and intrigued me from the start. At the end of the day, it’s a tale as old as time. “And isn’t it pretty to think so?”

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kerrence30's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Similar to other books from this time period there is a lack of purpose for many of the characters. The upper and middle classes are basking in their free time, living without cares or responsibility, and life is to be enjoyed. This does leave the story without a real plot, but it is an interesting reflection on life for the privileged and hedonistic during this time.

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