"A Farewell to Arms" -Ernest Hermingway

There are many war books that have been published but this has been considered a masterpiece. I do not normally read war books but a friend referred it to me and so I picked it up at  my local library. Its has five parts to the story which is a good set up and signifier of Frederic Henry's growth as a person over his time in the Italian campaign during World War 1.

     Henry's friend Rinaldi introduces him to Catherine whom he seeks just to seduce for a little fun. However, after being hit by a mortar she takes care of him in the hospital in Milan and they become closer together. Once Henry is healed Catherine is three months pregnant and he is called to the front again. They make a plan to stay together despite the war.

     When the front was ordered to retreat Henry and a comrade meet the battle police after running from the enemy non stop. Upon arrival all the officers are interrogated and shot because it was their fault that Italy had to retreat. Henry escapes by jumping into the river and hiding his identity. He finds Catherine and they escape in the night on a rowboat to Switzerland.
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     This story does not have a happy ending but I liked it so much that I won't give it away. If you are seriously dying to find out what happens to Catherine and Henry you can read it online.

     Hemingway cannot be rushed. This is why you didn't have a post to read last week. I have never read a novel by him just small poems and excerpts for classes. He seems very dry and boring. I can't tell you how much I yawned because I lost count. Also, there are swear words such as the F word a lot and some nasty name calling.

     Though  I did like the story. I feel like it caught a good capture of war and the desperation it can put into people. Many of us do not know what war is like and I am glad I don't but I am grateful for the insight Hemingway gave me. No it's not completely accurate for every person that's been to war but it presented some interesting thoughts.

     Such as, at first Henry and Catherine both pretend like they are in love even though they aren't because it makes them feel better. How sad! But it helped them  get through their troubles and eventually their pretend love grew into reality.

      I cannot say that Hemingway is my favorite but we are 'friends' I will say. I can take him in small doses but never try to party hard at 2 a.m. with. Lol :D

Book Overload!

     I get almost all my books from the public library and once in a while I will have more than three books at a time available for pick up at once and I don't want to lose my reservation spot so I end up getting a pile. So much to read! Realistically, now looking at it I won't be able to read the sewing ones which will be fine for now.

 

Theft of Swords is next! :D If you have any books you would like for me to review make a comment and I will check it out. :D

 

                                                    By: J Feistner