A review by jasmin_awoodun
True at First Light by Ernest Hemingway

adventurous reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I read Green Hills of Africa last summer, and enjoying that immensely, was excited to discover Hemingway had written another novel about his travels in Africa. Although I'm vehemently against big game hunting myself, I love the reverence in Hemingway's description of wildlife and landscapes. It makes me feel nostalgic for a place I've never visited, which is no mean feat. True at First Light didn't disappoint in that respect; however, it felt much more political than Green Hills of Africa. Hemingway draws a lot of attention to his own highly flawed and problematic nature, and although I appreciate the author's honesty and self-awareness throughout the novel, it can at times be uncomfortable to be reminded of the kind of person the author was. If you can get past that, though, this was a truly transportative and clearly heartfelt ode to Africa.