A review by thecriticalreader
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

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

4.0

The Run-Down: Despite some messiness in its structure and form, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway still captivates through its evocative prose and devastating wit.
 
 
Review: 
When my sister was a senior in high school, she had to read The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway for class. She deemed it “the most boring book” she’s ever read. Now that I have read it myself, I can extend my sympathy to my sister and all the other high schoolers who have to read this book for school—it is easy to see why one might be bored to tears from it, especially adolescents who barely read at all to begin with. The plot is meandering and repetitive with little narrative thrust. At times, in fact, the narrative stops altogether for chapters at a time in favor of extremely descriptive details of mundane actions and scenery. Nevertheless— it is a classic for a reason and that reason is that Hemingway is brilliant. His writing is so evocative that I felt completely immersed in the story. Even the “boring” parts engrossed me because he paints the scenes so vividly. The dialogue mimics a screenplay and is so life-like that I could actually hear the characters talking as I read. Underneath the undeniable fact that two hundred or so pages of self-absorbed ex-pats drinking and traveling and drinking some more, it is a book full of wit and humor and humanity. I especially loved the depictions of male friendship and camaraderie. 
 
I think the book could have benefited from some editing to trim its excesses and highlight its strengths. In particular, it would have been nice to gain more characterization for its protagonist, Jake. He has such potential to be a complex character as a veteran rendered impotent due to war injuries, but instead Hemingway seems content to use him as a symbol and set of eyes for the conduct of his friends. We get glimpses of character depth for his out-of-reach love interest, Brett, but the dynamics of their relationship are underdeveloped.
 
It is too late now for Hemingway to return to this novel and polish it; besides, I’m sure there are many who would argue that it is perfect the way it is. But despite my problems with it, it gave me enough of a taste of Hemingway’s genius to appreciate the story and make me eager to read some of his other work.

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