Reviews with content warning for War - The Sun Also Rises

Ernest Hemingway's iconic lean prose is on full display in his debut, The Sun Also Rises, a tale told with the tightness that belies its depth and rich character writing. While on the surface, the novel seems to be about “friends” trapped in a cycle of drinking, eating, flirting, and gossiping, it's actually a WWI story and about the casualties of said war. Hemingway's exploration of the Lost Generation's disillusionment and anxieties offers the reader a glimpse into the past, making this a perfect time capsule of a novel. Knowing that though, it is important to acknowledge that this book is firmly stuck in the time it's written in. Therefore, I found myself somewhat distanced from the story, but I also fully appreciate Hemingway's craftsmanship.

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katsweirdbookshelf's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

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kananineko's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.0

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waytoomanybooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Hemingway's thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the world are deeply flawed due to his racism, sexism, and antisemitism, but goddamn do I love the way he writes. I love his short, sharp prose though. Each word is thoughtfully chosen and deployed.

The main character is Jake—who is so clearly a self-insert that it’s almost laughable—and we see the world only through his eyes. He’s self-centered, broken by war, desperately sad, and serious. In between jazz age parties, you watch this man crumble beneath the weight of his suffering, and even though he kind of sucks, you can’t help but feel sorry for the guy.

Jake's travels in France and Spain read like a journal/travelogue. He’s simultaneously numb and in pain, but he also sees beauty in everything. He’s a walking, talking contradiction.

The prose is melancholy, wistful, and reflective. You end up feeling bad for almost all the characters, who have all wrecked their own lives or been wrecked by others or some combination. This is the first novel of Hemingway's that I’ve read, and despite some of my qualms with it, it makes me want to pick up more of his work. He's writes a compelling, fascinating read.

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