Same as after my first reading, now, 15 years later, I still hesitate to casually recommend this magnificent novel to anyone after re-reading.
I hesitate because it will demand a level of patience from the reader that we often lack in modern times, a willingness to embrace vividly drawn characters in all their imperfections, and a strong stomach to endure the graphic depictions of wartime horror.
The story is set during the Spanish Civil War, in the mountains where guerrilla fighters are hiding, waging war against the fascist regime. Robert Jordan, an American volunteer, arrives to blow up a bridge to facilitate an attack on the fascist forces and cut off their supply lines. To achieve this, he needs the help of a small group of rebels who have taken refuge in one of the mountain caves.
However, this mission seems suicidal from the very beginning, raising the question – is following orders at any cost more important than human lives? Within the group, Robert meets María, and he falls in love with her at first sight, adding an entirely new dimension to his mission.
“In the night he awoke and held her tight as though she were all of life and it was being taken away from him.”
The reader is immediately plunged into the heart of the action and follows the story over the course of three days, during which the preparations for the attack unfold. The tension is palpable, with moments filled with fear and anticipation, hope and its loss, and sharp conflicts among the diverse members of the group. It feels as though the entire lives of these people have been compressed into these three days. During this time, there are frequent digressions, some of which extensively describe situations that are only loosely related to the ongoing mission.
At times, during one of these digressions, you may feel the urge to put the book down, frustrated by the slow pace of the plot. 500 pages to blow up a single bridge? But as I said, the atmosphere is so tangible that you feel like one of the partisans, strategizing the attack, drinking absinthe, or watching the guarding posts from the woods, as you lay on a bed of pine needles. The story slowly simmers, never releasing the tension, until it reaches a boiling point. You’ll find yourself forced to sit with this band of freedom fighters, listen to their foul mouths, and confront their fears – plenty of time to grow to love them.
“I had an inheritance from my father,
It was the moon and the sun.
And though I roam all over the world,
The spending of it’s never done.”
Hemingway’s deceptively simple writing style, which is more poetic here than we are used to from him, and the dialogues for which he is famous (but also criticized), dominate the novel in his uniquely distinctive way. Everyone has a different experience with his work, so this story won’t appeal to everyone. But maybe you find yourself intrigued by this description and want to feel the euphoria on the front lines, the day before the decisive battle, like a deep breath before the plunge. Arm yourself with patience and let the story take you over.
4.5/5
I was definitely intrigued by the description of this novel, it sounds interesting with a deep meaning. I think very few authors can actually make you feel what they're describing and I believe that's where the magic is.
Yes, this is a very atmospheric book full of tension. It's a classic for a reason even though some might not like it.
I've read a book like this and I loved it.
This seems like a very bulky book. Of course I'll check it out. I love good and bulky books where my connections with the character don't end within one or two days. That is an amazing review you've written
Thank you! You either love or hate this book, it has some parts that it could do without, but it didn't bother me. For me it's one of the best books about war ever written, and when you add love story to it, it's even more dramatic. You can see that Hemingway went there during Spain civil war as a reporter and saw the situation personally.
Seriously, I thought that was the title of Metallica's song. Actually, I only read Ernest's book, The Oldman And The Sea, and I immediately liked Ernest's way of writing. Aggre with your opinion, he is straightforward, simple but his work can reach the hearts of readers. Thank you for your review so I am curious to read that book
It is a Metallica song and there's also a Hollywood movie from 1943, just 3 years after the book was published. But I prefer the book by far among all of those. :) If you don't mind Hemingway's style of writing, you should give this one a chance.
What a nice recommendation! We rarely see Hemingway around here and great to see that you recommend his work. I personally haven't read this particular one but will be putting them on my next reading list.
Hemingway has a weird spot among classical writers, people either love or hate him. I personally enjoy his style of writing and have read I think five of his books. For whom the bell tolls still remains a favorite of mine, beautifully dramatic war/love story.
Indeed, people either love or hate him. I got sucked into Hemingway's work because Fitzgerald. I am a fan of him and Hemingway was one of the people that influenced Fitzgerald in his writings at the time. So, I wanted to know why he was influential and why Fitzgerald adored him. And just like you said, it was his style of writing that stands out.
Sometimes patience and immersion in the characters make the experience worthwhile, even if the plot moves slowly. I love how you captured that tension and emotional connection with the characters, especially with the love story in the midst of the chaos. Definitely sounds like a worthwhile read, thanks for sharing.
Yes, the more time you spend with the characters in this case makes you appreciate them and cheer for them. It's not an easy read but worth it.
@tipu curate 10
Thanks!
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This is a standout review, and it completely blew me away. I wonder why I didn't come across it sooner. Funny how I have a soft copy of this book but haven't been able to read it yet. Now that you've recommended it, I honestly will begin reading it, devouring every word.
I am too late to read this wonderful article of yours Sir @alcibiades and the context of the book are very interesting and good to read about. I will try searching that kind of book here at the bookstore.