"Everything is much smaller when you are older."

This simple yet profound statement by Ernest Hemingway seems to capture the essence of growing older. As we age, our perspectives change, and what once seemed large and significant may now appear diminutive. It could be the size of our dreams, the importance of material possessions, or even the significance of the events that unfold in our lives.

"An Infantryman knows a strange trade, he thought; perhaps the strangest."

Hemingway's words here give us a glimpse into the mind of an infantryman. The trade of war is indeed strange, filled with violence, chaos, and uncertainty. It is a world that most of us can only imagine, a world where life and death hang in the balance.

"Happiness, as you know, is a movable feast."

This beautiful phrase reminds us that happiness is not a static state but something that can be found in the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times. It is a journey, not a destination, and we must be open to the possibilities that come our way.

"We are governed by what you find in the bottom of dead beer glasses that whores have dunked their cigarettes in."

Hemingway's final statement is a harsh and cynical view of society. It suggests that we are controlled by the basest of human desires and vices, that our lives are ruled by the detritus of a corrupt and immoral world. But perhaps there is also a glimmer of hope in these words, a call to rise above the filth and find something better within ourselves.

Overall, Hemingway's words offer us a complex and often disturbing view of the human condition. But they also challenge us to look deeper, to question our assumptions, and to find meaning and purpose in a world that can sometimes seem chaotic and meaningless.

When I first picked up this book, I almost put it straight back down.

The main character, Colonel Cantwell, was engaged in shooting ducks. The vivid and exquisite description of their flight and freedom, which was interspersed with their violent descent to the earth, presented a brutally stark juxtaposition.

However, I chose to read on, lured by the enchanting setting of Venice.

This story has been widely criticized for its prose and lack of a traditional plot. But this is Hemingway at his most honest, delving deep into the inhumanity of war and grappling with his ageing body and failing health.

In "Across The River and Into the Trees", the fifty-year-old protagonist endeavors to come to terms with his past as a soldier in a city that couldn't be more different from the war zone.

The beauty and tranquility of Venice are mirrored in the personality of Renata, the Colonel's eighteen-year-old girlfriend.

The story is steeped in the atmosphere of post-war Venice, with the Colonel staying at the luxurious Gritti Palace and frequenting the now-famous Harry's Bar.

I couldn't help but draw parallels with Hemingway's real life, and that's when I truly began to connect with the story on a deeper level.

Hemingway, as an older man, was infatuated with a girl of nineteen while staying in Venice. Instead of viewing Renata's character as a mere fantasy, I saw her as a reflection of Hemingway himself, a means for him to explore the youth and innocence that he felt he had irrevocably lost.

Hemingway first went to war at the tender age of eighteen and then spent the remainder of his life chasing death, whether through war or dangerous safaris.

The question that lingers is: how do we make up for such a profound loss of youth and idealism – and where do we even begin to search for an answer?

This novel is replete with unspoken questions such as these, weaving through the story like the meandering canals that traverse Venice itself.

The Colonel continuously switches between the roles of a soldier and a lover, repeatedly telling himself to be better, only to fail and then try again, as he attempts to gain some understanding of the motives and urges that have accompanied him throughout his life.

Much of the story is a vivid recount of the vicissitudes of war. Death pervades every page of this book. Killing has been the Colonel's 'trade', and in a sense, it was Hemingway's as well – it forms the central subject of many of his stories.

In the end, the ducks are shot again, their helpless eyes looking directly into his. After reading the Colonel's harrowing accounts of the horrors of war, I saw, with a newfound perspective, why such a scene was so brutally and vividly rendered.

The book topic was tiring for me.

I found myself struggling to engage with the content.

It seemed to lack the necessary spark and excitement to hold my attention.

The ideas presented were not very original or thought-provoking.

As I delved deeper into the book, I felt more and more drained.

The writing style was also rather平淡, making it difficult for me to stay interested.

I often found my mind wandering, thinking about other things instead of focusing on the book.

Overall, the experience of reading this book was far from enjoyable.

It left me feeling disappointed and longing for a more engaging and stimulating read.

I hope that in the future, I will come across books that are more captivating and that can truly inspire me.

Ah, you, Hemingway! My dear friend! All summer I read one book.

God, if I write what I think, I'll be ashamed! I love that author because everything of his I read as if I'm hearing about him for the first time.

After 2 days, I'll read it again, but this time I'll savor it for 3 hours.

It doesn't matter what he writes, the important thing is what remains after. ❤

Hemingway's works have a unique charm that always attracts me. His writing style is concise yet powerful, able to convey deep emotions and complex themes with just a few words. Reading his book this summer has been a wonderful experience.

I find myself completely immersed in the story, feeling the characters' joys and sorrows as if they were my own.

Even though I've read this book before, I still discover new details and interpretations each time.

It's like uncovering a hidden treasure chest with every reading.

I can't wait to read it again in two days and explore its depths even further.

Hemingway is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented writers of the 20th century. However, when it comes to his novels, some may argue that there is one that stands out as his weakest. While it is difficult to objectively label any of his works as such, this particular novel may not have achieved the same level of acclaim and success as some of his others.

Perhaps the plot was not as engaging or the characters not as fully developed. It could be that the writing style, which is typically known for its简洁 and powerful prose, did not quite shine through in this particular work. Or maybe it was simply a case of bad timing, with the novel being released during a period when the literary landscape was changing.

Despite being considered Hemingway's weakest novel, it still contains elements of his unique voice and perspective. It may offer insights into his creative process and the evolution of his writing. And while it may not be as highly regarded as some of his masterpieces, it still has its own value and place in the literary canon.

It may not be ranked among Hemingway's greatest works, yet you can still detect his presence within this novel. Here, he appears more melancholic and melodramatic, as if an old man is in love with a very young girl, a relationship doomed to hopelessness. The story is about war and some duck hunting. Had it been penned by someone else, perhaps it would have been regarded as a good book. However, being written by Hemingway, it is only considered an okay book. But it is more than that.

In his own words:

"Book is truly very good [Across the River and Into the Trees]. You pan it to hell if you don’t like it. That is your right and your duty. But I have read it 206 times to try and make it better and to cut out any mistakes or injustices and on the last reading I loved it very much and it broke my fucking heart for the 206th time. This is only a personal reaction and should be discounted as such. But have been around quite a while reading and writing and can tell shit from the other things…."

"But pan it, ride it, or kill it if you should or if you can."

to Robert Cantwell, 1950 (Selected Letters, p. 711)

The article titled "My Top 5 Hemingway Books" provides an interesting perspective. It specifically mentions a particular work that offers a remarkable portrayal of post-War Venice. In this portrayal, Venice is depicted as a place full of thriving life, yet at the same time, it serves as a symbol of death. This duality adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Additionally, it is noted that this work contains one of Hemingway's most delicate love stories. The mention of "sex on a moving gondola" further piques the reader's interest and adds a touch of scandal and excitement. Overall, the article gives a tantalizing glimpse into what must be a fascinating Hemingway book that explores the multifaceted nature of Venice and the intricacies of love and life.

My Top 5 Hemingway Books

Winter in Venice.

A Colonel, burdened with a terminal heart condition, makes his final journey to the enchanting city of Venice. Fatalistic about his condition, he reflects deeply on his life.

He also takes the opportunity to bid his final farewell to Countess Renata, the love of his life. Despite the age disparity between them, they share a meal, drink, and engage in heartfelt conversations about what could have been.

The story is patriarchal in nature, as the Colonel recalls various episodes of his life and the battles he has fought. He remembers the incompetent officers and the tragic reality of the cannon fodder in war.

These memories flood his mind, adding a layer of depth and poignancy to his final days in Venice.

As the winter winds blow through the canals, the Colonel's story unfolds, a tale of love, loss, and the harsh realities of a life lived in the military.

It is a story that will stay with him until the very end, a reminder of all that he has experienced and the people who have touched his life.

The main character of the book is a general who has been demoted from the rank of second lieutenant to general and is trying to forget and move on from the memories of his war time, and a 19-year-old melancholy girl who is constantly asking him to tell her about his memories. Many critics consider the character of the general to be the author's own voice and this work to be his most personal work.

In one part of the book, it is said that (every word about the war takes away the courage of those who had no role in it). This book was an inspiring book for me. A major part of the book was about the various foods and drinks that the general and the girl liked. In the previous book I read by the same author, "Goodbye with a Gun", I also encountered such writing, and I think it is part of the author's style that I don't like and find boring. The part of the book that I was interested in was the part where the general talked to the girl in her room. The story of this book may only be interesting for military personnel who have retired or have experienced war.

Gabriel García Márquez said about this book: (This book is not only the best novel by the author but also his most personal work, because he wrote it on the threshold of an unknown treasure chest, in the nostalgia of the years of unreturnable return that were left behind, along with the melancholy and sad years of counting the fingers that remained of his life. The author has never revealed so much of his own existence in any of his books as he has in this one.)

From the text of the book:

He still looked and the whole scene came together in his mind and excited him, just as it had when he was eighteen and saw it for the first time and didn't understand anything about it and only knew that it was beautiful.

This novel, which is widely regarded as a classic of American literature, has death as its central theme.

The action unfolds in Venice in the aftermath of World War II. Europe is still grappling with its wounds, and we are privy to the final days of the life of Colonel Richard Cantwell, a former official of the American Army. Seriously ill and sensing that his end is near, Cantwell experiences ultimate happiness in Venice with the love of his life, the young Countess Renata.

The Countess is aware that he will die and accepts his fate with a certain fatalism, devoid of bitterness. However, Cantwell confronts life head-on, striving to battle against the odds that condemn him and attempting to postpone the fateful date of his death. Unfortunately, in the end, death proves to be the stronger force.

The plot of this dark novel is set in the middle of winter, which only adds to the ambient gloom. Despite a pervading melancholy, a specific sense of depression, and a confident pessimism, a glimmer of hope manages to escape the lines, thanks to the "life's appetite of the two protagonists."

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Hemingway novel, despite the sadness that it emanates. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the complex themes of life, death, and love.

Not Hemingway's best.
Sometimes a writer has a particular "voice" or milieu that suits them well. If they are astute, they will adhere to it. For Hemingway, his finest works typically involve elements such as action, violence, struggle, and men grappling with fate and life.
This novel, however, takes a more introspective and contemplative approach. I hate to be harsh, but it simply doesn't fall within Hemingway's area of expertise. When Hemingway is given a small group of men confronting death in a trench during wartime, he can produce brilliant writing. But when presented with an elderly man reflecting on his declining years in peacetime, he seems to fumble.
I have a great affection for Hemingway, yet this is not his best work.

A man, completely broken by the ravages of war, finds himself in a state of desolation.

His heart, once filled with hope and vitality, is now a hollow shell, shattered by the horrors he has witnessed.

In a forlorn attempt to recapture the essence of his lost youth, he turns to love.

He believes that perhaps through the tenderness and warmth of a loving relationship, he can heal the deep wounds within him and once again feel the joy and vigor of his younger days.

But as he embarks on this journey, he discovers that love is not as simple as he thought.

It brings with it its own set of challenges and heartaches, and he soon realizes that the path to recovery is long and arduous.

Nevertheless, he perseveres, determined to find the solace and rejuvenation he so desperately craves.

Will he succeed in his quest, or will he be forever trapped in the darkness of his past? Only time will tell.