A review by justjacq
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I loved The Sun Also Rises and For Whom the Bell Tolls, and it's been quite some time since I've picked up any Hemingway, so I was excited for this one, but it honestly felt a little like a dud. Certainly a short read with a fair amount of adventure, but it just didn't speak to me. Honestly, cut the line, leave the fish, I just didn't understand it. Similar to some other reviews, I also just didn't feel like there's any symbolism or deeper meaning here - it's just an old man on a boat with a big ass fish. I appreciated the loyalty and empathy between the boy and the old man, and even though I didn't love it I DID like that it was a short read, and that it was a fast-paced, simple story. 
3.75/5⭐️s