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randomprogrammer 's review for:
A Farewell to Arms
by Ernest Hemingway
I loved The Old Man and the Sea, but was initially very disappointed with A Farewell to Arms. The terse style that did so well in the mostly two character book struggled to convey the same emotions for me in the character and dialog dense Farewell to Arms.
From a historical sense, I loved reading all the dated references. The constant drinking, even while pregnant to 'keep the baby small'. Walking everywhere and not knowing where people were. Food not being available past lunch time. The attitudes towards marriage and the baby. It strikes me that fantasy writers really should read more written during the 1800 and early 1900s, as I rarely see these types of elements mentioned.
There were times while reading this book that I was sure I would give it two stars. It wasn't average, I felt, it was actively failing to meet expectations. But having finished it, and thinking over it, my opinion seems to grow and grow. I find myself fondly remembering the way I felt, living the lives with the characters.
And the ending. Holy shit what an incredible ending. If there is anything to say for Hemingway, he nails the feeling of deep loss, without ever needing to over sell it.
I think this may have been a 4 star read under different circumstances, maybe I'll revisit my rating if I end up recommending it to a lot of people, but for now I'll give it a 3.5 rounded down to a 3.
From a historical sense, I loved reading all the dated references. The constant drinking, even while pregnant to 'keep the baby small'. Walking everywhere and not knowing where people were. Food not being available past lunch time. The attitudes towards marriage and the baby. It strikes me that fantasy writers really should read more written during the 1800 and early 1900s, as I rarely see these types of elements mentioned.
There were times while reading this book that I was sure I would give it two stars. It wasn't average, I felt, it was actively failing to meet expectations. But having finished it, and thinking over it, my opinion seems to grow and grow. I find myself fondly remembering the way I felt, living the lives with the characters.
And the ending. Holy shit what an incredible ending. If there is anything to say for Hemingway, he nails the feeling of deep loss, without ever needing to over sell it.
I think this may have been a 4 star read under different circumstances, maybe I'll revisit my rating if I end up recommending it to a lot of people, but for now I'll give it a 3.5 rounded down to a 3.