The sun also rises (original 1926; edition 1926)

OK, this book starts out pretty vague and pointless in my opinion. I just wanted to get to the running of the bulls in Spain and see what all the talk was about. I must say that even with all the snide remarks and drinking, I was taken in as EH wrote about the actual bull fighting techniques and the matador. I am glad that I read it, but I was glad it was short, too. ( )

Aside from the Nick Adams Stories, this is my favourite Hemingway. I was trying to pinpoint what exactly it was that made me enjoy it so much. And after reading some of the reviews featured on LT, I think I remember.

A lot of criticism centres on the overindulgence of the characters being rich, lazy, good-for-nothing drunkards. And apart from Jake, who is the only one holding a "real" job, this might be true. Brett's and her fiancé's wealth is really just in their name. The rest of them either inherited their riches or got lucky in various investments. Maybe their money is the basis for their exuberant lifestyles, however, I would argue that it isn't about the money.

Rather, the feeling I remember clearest is one of liberty. Freedom from responsibility and a certain insouciant attitude towards everything, be it the commitment to an appointment, or the consideration of other people's feelings. The picture that stuck with me the most was Jake floating in the sea in San Sebastian. And every time I put myself in his shoe's I can feel the warmth of the sun, and I see the flickering sun light on the inside of my eye-lids, and I can hear people talking on the beach. It is a memory of youth. When life was about the next moment, not next week, or next year. In a way, every time I pick up the novel, I feel I'm being propelled back in time.

And let's not forget that the story is set in the 1920s. We're all familiar with the themes of the lost generation: disillusionment after WW I, and breaking with old 19th Century traditions. Certainly, not everyone was in a position to enjoy those new-found liberties, again, money was certainly a big issue. But there was nevertheless a revolution in societal attitudes at large.

However, the novel is also imbued with tremendous sadness. And although the theme is youth, lavishness and liberty, those generate no buoyancy in the characters. The pace is so very slow, almost as if it was weighed down by the Spanish heat. In my opinion, Hemingway did sense a downside to those jazzy attitudes and foresaw their superfluity. He did manage to instil the ex-patriots' disposition in this novel, but he also offered a critique alongside. ( )

Read in HS, don't remember much about the story.

I think I prefer Hemingway's short stories to his novels. ( )

was not expecting to like this and don't really know why i did. a story of english-speakers in france and spain between wars, they all drink way too much and look down on the europeans. they are all in lust with brett who is more like a man than the men. jake is an extremely nice guy. hope he doesn't finish last. he keeps the novel going. ( )