“Beyond the River, Among the Trees” is a very beautiful and engaging novel! It tells the story of the last days of an American colonel with a sick heart. His journey in Italy and his memories of World War I are skillfully combined...

He knew how boring other people's war experiences were and stopped talking about it. Everyone perceives it in their own way, he thought. No one is interested in it abstractly, except for the real soldiers, and there are almost no real soldiers. You make them soldiers, the good ones die, and by the time they become good, they always brag about something so stubbornly that they neither see nor hear. They all think about what they have seen, and when you talk to them, they consider what their answer will contribute to their promotion or privileges.

Hemingway's first novel was completely panned by the critics.

It is indeed not a great work, but there are still a few redeeming qualities.

The descriptions of Venice and the war are quite vivid, and at times, the elegiac tone adds a certain charm.

However, to be honest, there is really no compelling reason to pick up this particular novel.

Perhaps for die-hard Hemingway fans or those conducting in-depth research on his works, it might hold some minor interest.

But for the average reader, there are many other more engaging and worthwhile novels to choose from.

Overall, while it has its moments, it fails to live up to the high standards set by Hemingway in his later works.

It serves as a reminder that even great authors have their off days.

Reading this novel was like watching a formerly great Olympic gymnast get stuck in a turnstile.

At first, there was anticipation and excitement, just as one would feel when seeing a renowned gymnast prepare to perform. The initial pages held the promise of a captivating story, much like the gymnast's graceful warm-up movements.

However, as the reading progressed, it became evident that something was amiss. The plot seemed to stumble and get caught, similar to the gymnast being unable to smoothly navigate through the turnstile.

What could have been a thrilling and seamless experience turned into a frustrating one. The once-promising narrative lost its momentum and became bogged down in unnecessary details or convoluted subplots.

It was disheartening to see what could have been a masterpiece reduced to a mere shadow of its potential. Just as the gymnast's career might be affected by such an unfortunate incident, this novel failed to live up to the expectations it had initially set.

Despite its flaws, there were still glimmers of hope and moments that showed the author's talent. But overall, it was a disappointment, leaving the reader longing for a more satisfying literary experience.

Set in Venice not long after World War II, a fifty-year-old American Colonel finds himself in his beloved city.

He had fought beside the Italians against the Austrians in the Great War, and his experiences have left him with a complex mix of emotions.

Now, he is deeply in love with an 18-year-old Contessa. The Contessa, in turn, is fascinated by his war stories.

The Colonel recounts his tales with a bitterness towards the commanders who were many kilometres behind the action.

Hemingway's writing style is spare yet deeply intense. He uses no wasted words, but his descriptions are filled with a great deal of poignancy.

The story is very moving, as it explores themes of love, war, and the passage of time.

It invites the reader to consider the impact of war on individuals and the power of love to transcend age and experience.

Overall, it is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that showcases Hemingway's mastery of the written word.

The narrative begins with a duck hunt. Hemingway sets the action in the present at this moment. Everything else is in the past, or rather, everything that the writer records afterwards is in the past... more or less recent: the weekend with the young and beautiful Contessa in Venice, and World War II. The hunt allows the Colonel, a middle-aged man, to immerse himself in his thoughts and memories. On most of these pages, Cantwell does not live, he remembers. Through his inner world, we come to know the emotions provoked by the experience of war and its effects on the individual. There is a permanent tension between the external world (that of the war experience) and the inner world (that of the memories, which seeks to understand the lived experience and calm the traumas caused by it).

By placing the main character in the act of remembering, Hemingway imparts to him a certain sense of solitude. The writer privileges the moment when the individual is forced to face his past, his demons and consequences. A moment made up of several moments. Hemingway confuses the reader.

This book is about the traumas of war. Physical traumas and especially emotional ones. It is also about lost, postponed or cancelled futures. The Lost Generation in a disenchanted and broken world.

This is the story of an anguish not externalized but deeply felt.

I have admired and loved Hemingway's writing ever since "The Old Man and the Sea", then I continued with "A Farewell to Arms" and this is my third novel.

The story deals with several themes: death, war, love, nostalgia... One cannot help but read it with a certain amount of anxiety. The colonel, now retired and demoted for following the wrong orders, goes to Veneto for a duck hunt and to see his girl again, a nineteen-year-old girl who always waits for him and gives him a reason to elaborate on his whole life.

I must say that compared to the other two, his minimalism is not appreciated here. The dialogues were often empty and characterless, the scene only moved slightly and I expected more prominent descriptions of Venice. The action is non-existent and I would have preferred to see more depth in the main characters.

But Hemingway remains a fascinating magnet for me, so I will definitely continue with his writings.

I'm currently at 48% of reading this book, and I already hate the whole thing. What really made me feel extremely uncomfortable was a moment when a 51-year-old man wanted to sleep with a 19-year-old girl whom he called "his daughter". It's just so disturbing and inappropriate. The relationship between them is supposed to be that of a father and daughter, but this kind of thought from the man is completely unacceptable. It makes me question the author's intention in writing such a scene. How could anyone even consider putting such a thing in a book? It's not only immoral but also makes the reader feel disgusted and repulsed. I'm really hoping that the rest of the book doesn't have any more of these kinds of disturbing and inappropriate moments.

Ja irgendwie bissle langweilig...

Sometimes, life can feel a bit dull and uninteresting. It's that kind of feeling where nothing seems to be exciting or engaging. You might find yourself going through the motions, doing the same things day in and day out.

Maybe it's the routine of work, school, or household chores that has become tiresome. Or perhaps you're lacking inspiration and new experiences.

But it's important to remember that this feeling of boredom is only temporary. There are always ways to break free from the monotony and add some zest to your life.

You could try something new, like learning a new skill, taking up a hobby, or exploring a new place. Or maybe reach out to old friends or make new ones to have fresh conversations and experiences.

Even small changes can make a big difference. So don't let the boredom get the best of you. Take some initiative and start creating a more interesting and fulfilling life for yourself.

In his classic novel Old Man and the Sea, which was first published in 1952, Hemingway presents a captivating story. The protagonist, Santiago, manages to land an impressive marlin, only to have his great catch brutally mauled by sharks. Scholars have proposed that this serves as an allegory, symbolizing how critics can potentially destroy a great work of art.

Two years prior to the publication of Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway had first released this book. Despite enjoying popular success, it was harshly criticized. Many have even gone so far as to claim that it is the Nobel laureate's worst work.

While I didn't love this book in the same way as some of his others, such as The Sun Also Rises, Old Man and the Sea was exceptionally well crafted. It was put together with a unique perspective that was characteristic of the author. Hemingway incorporated autobiographical elements and drew upon his own martial experiences and romantic anecdotes to form a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

The title of the book is a reference to what was supposed to be Stonewall Jackson's final words, containing a Christian allusion to the Jordan River and the afterlife. The quote itself is included within the work, and Hemingway fills the novel with themes of a dying military man rediscovering aspects of his life. The colonel remembers his time in battle decades before and reflects on his long military生涯.

If there is a drawback to this work, it might be that its audience is relatively small. Readers who can understand the numerous military references, know the colonel, and appreciate his perspective will be in the minority. Certainly, the writing is exceptional, as is always the case with this author. However, much of his message may seem gloomy and convoluted to those without their own military experiences. The star-crossed romance and the colonel's recollections are intertwined, so while this is a good book, its message is encrypted within Hemingway's own cryptic dialogue, often making it difficult to follow.

When people talk, listen completely. Don’t be thinking what you’re going to say. Most people never listen.
Across the River and Into the Trees ~~ Ernest Hemingway

This January, I made a decision to take a profound exploration into the works of one of my favorite writers, Ernest Hemingway. My aim was not only to reread his short stories but also to delve into his later and unpublished works. Hemingway's writing has always held a special allure for me, with its simplicity and naturalness that can truly take one's breath away.

My second Hemingway read of January 2023 was Across the River and Into the Trees. However, history has not been kind to this particular title. It seems that compared to his other masterpieces like The Sun Also Rises, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and The Old Man and the Sea, Across the River and Into the Trees falls short.

At first glance, the novel appears artificial. The sparse prose and sharp dialogue that Hemingway is renowned for are lacking. The short sentences seem to lack power. I initially thought that Hemingway, the master of truth, had somehow managed to write a mostly inauthentic novel. But upon further reflection and rereading portions of the book, I realized that it is more complex than I initially thought. It is not just a simple love story but a profound exploration of confronting death. The past themes of war, loss, and love are present here, but they are presented in a more mature and nuanced way.

Although Across the River and Into the Trees may be considered second-rate Hemingway, it is still better than most writers' first-rate work. It is a reminder of why I fell in love with Hemingway's writing in the first place. Reading his works allows me to explore the human condition, to experience the emotions and struggles of his characters, and to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

In conclusion, while Across the River and Into the Trees may not be the best Hemingway, it is still a valuable addition to his body of work. It offers a unique perspective on his later writing style and themes, and it continues to captivate and engage readers to this day.

Who let me dive into Hemingway right after indulging in Shakespeare? The contrast between the two was truly jarring.

Hemingway’s prose seemed like a blatant demonstration of the impoverishment of the English language when compared to the rich and intricate tapestries skillfully woven by Shakespeare.

Beyond the sparse language, it was impossible to overlook the pervasive issues such as misogyny, incest, and pedophilia that were disturbingly glossed over.

And don't even begin to ask me about the so-called romance. The lack of chemistry between the supposed love interests made it feel more like a poorly written Wattpad fan fiction rather than a classic novel.

By the end, I was left with a bitter aftertaste, both from the content and the style. I'll give it two stars—one for the effort and one because I have a soft spot for the "right person, wrong time" trope, despite how miserably it was executed here.

01.09.24

Uma classificação de três estrelas pode querer dizer muitas coisas diferentes.

In the case of this book, it simply means that this is not the best that Hemingway has to offer us.

If, unfortunately, someone one day decides to embark on the author starting with Na Outra Margem, Entre as Árvores, I'm sure they will never want to read him again in their life.

Now, for a "house customer", as is the case, the analysis is different.

This book is not bad, just as, in my suspected opinion, no book of Hemingway can be.

The problem is that it's also not good. And by good I mean those that drive us to despair, that make us want to be writers.

That's the normal impact that Hemingway has on me, and that's something that didn't happen with this book. It's a pity.

If we want to be very fair, we can say that the characters couldn't do more.

They are beautiful, passionate as always. There are dialogues at the expense of action, repetitive, as always.

But there was a lack of some development, some decisive dialogue, some ah, now it can end. That key moment that always reminds us why Hemingway is the best writer of his generation.

And it's also why we read him and forgive.

There's no harm, Ernest. Better days will come, as well as better books.

It would be absurd to ask you not to have left us pages that only you understand, pages that are nothing more than marks left by the war.

I will never be able to understand your traumas. And it's also why I read you and forgive the less good days and books.