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 and his supreme ordeal: a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. Using the simple, powerful language of a fable, Hemingway takes the timeless themes of courage in the face of … defeat and personal triumph won from loss and transforms them into a magnificent twentieth-century classic.
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A great short novel. Hemingway pares his written words down to the bare essentials.
This was the first Hemingway book I read, and I enjoyed it. Although his narrative style (in this book) feels a draggy at times, interestingly enough, the same thing that makes it draggy makes it interesting.
Hard to add anything that has not already been written about TOMATS. A wonderful read with and excellent story and EH’s sparse prose.
One of the greatest classic novels ever wrote. The book was also made into a great movie as well as a very good remake. I read this many years ago. But I can still remember the sense of being right there in the boat with the old man, feeling the challenging perils of being alone on the sea. When you’re in the mood for reading an older story, …
To me I could picture it. The struggle that he had in both the boat and in life. The mans turmoil and his confidence. This book helped to make me the man that I am today.
3+ out of 5 stars to The Old Man and the Sea, a classic book that most Americans read in middle or high school, written in 1952 by Ernest Hemingway. When you hear the author’s name, it’s a famous one, and most likely, everyone’s familiar with the title, too. But not everyone enjoys reading this book, as it’s hard to connect with as a teenager — …
The story of an old Cuban fisherman and his seemingly never ending ordeal. A terrible battle with a giant marlin far out in the ocean. I often wondered if Ernest was speaking of addiction and the agonising wrestle with our conscience when addiction takes over our life.
It may seem presumptuous to review a classic, but I challenge all to reread this work for its representation of the clean, clear writing of a writer who never uses even one extra word beyond what is minimally necessary.
This is a story everyone should read once in their lives.
This is book everyone should read.
I’d been wanting to re-read this gem and so glad I did. It is always essential to read something of exquisite beauty by a master storyteller.
Despite having read a fair amount of his work, I’ve never been a huge Ernest Hemingway fan. The novella THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA, however, is an exception.
Reads just as well today as it did when I was in middle school. Beautiful story.
A study in dreams and reality, ageing and societal attitudes.
I read this riveting Hemingway classic in one sitting.
More of an allegorical story than his previous work. I find myself returning to this story every few years, and I’m never disappointed.
Classic, but why? And no chapters…
A classic that I read at different stages of my life. Of course, written by a master, that captures your interest and brings you along while diving you into the main character.
you are supposed to read this
One of the best novels written. A simple story told with consummate skill that engages the reader and plays with his/her emotions. Wonderful. If you have not read this short story, please do.