Sun Also Rises

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Summary: Dealing with the pain of living
Review: I don't think I get why people say this book "has no plot". Just because the book doesn't follow some sort of comic strip sequence of events doesn't mean that there is no thematic development throoughout the novel. The major theme, in my opinion, was how Jake Barnes dealt with his impotency. This is a theme that was thouroughly and heartbreakingly developed in the novel. People that say "this book doesn't mean anything" are morons that would be better off watching sit-coms and reading comic books.

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Summary: Fascinating insight into the minds of the "lost generation".
Review: Though somewhat bleak this is an honest and engrossing read. The motivations of people who have seen life cheapened by the "war to end all wars" are of page turning fascination and the honest deceit that they possess still rings true today more than 70 years later. Hemingways frank handling of emasculation, both literal and figurtive, is of poignant honesty. A good book!

Rating:
Summary: Reread
Review: I first read "Sun" many years ago for a college course, and liked it. I reread it a few months ago and loved it. For a 26 year old man Hemingway had an admirable grasp of human behavior and motivation and, of course, a giant talent to express it. There's plenty of structure to tear into if you want to examine the literary workings or you can just sit back and read effortlessly.

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Summary: The "Lost Generation's" Voice
Review: For a story without much of a plot, "The Sun Also Rises" manages to invoke a haunting realism. That was the point of Hemingway's work. This was, after all, the "Lost Generation," recovering from the horrors of the "war to end all wars," World War I. There is no urgency in the characters. They don't set out to accomplish acts of heroism. They're selfish and, for the most part, sit in bars and drink and tell Cohn to get the hell away from them. That's pretty much it. A trek into the Spanish countryside, however, and vivid descriptive elements of the "running of the bulls" in Pamplona make this a worthwhile read. Don't look for literary heights as much as the effects of world catastrophe on young lives. This work goes a long way towards explaining what happened to those who suffered in World War I. Don't feel sorry for them. Just learn from them.

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Summary: Hemingway is Overrated
Review: This is probably Hemingway's best novel, but it does not compare well with other great american novels such as Huckleberry Finn or the Grapes of Wrath. Hemingway was as much a creation of the media as anything else. When you get beyond the hype, there really isn't much depth. This may not be apparent when you first read it in high school, but when you read it again as an adult it just seems silly.

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Summary: I was great how he portrayed the themes of the 1920's
Review: The novel was great! I learned so much about Hemingway, history of the past generations, and geography information about the settings of Paris and Spain! I would reccomend this novel to anyone, but be sure you do some research so you know the meaning behind some of the remarks Hemingway makes. This novel had encouraged me to start reading more. I have a reading list and am ready to start!

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Summary: This is Ernest Hemingway???
Review: I am in the middle of the book and have to decide pretty soon whether to continue reading it or just throw it away. What am I reading? All I see is a bunch of aimless, seemingly privileged people spending most of their time in cafes and bars, and every page I turn has "drink", "wine", "bottle", "bar", "cafe", "coffee", "breakfast", "lunch", "dinner" or any word related to dipsomania, gastromania (or bulimia perhaps?) written all over. They bicker and whine about lost and purposeless relationships. What is the point???? The writing is slow, except for some parts, like when two men go fishing in Spain. Otherwise, it is tiresome, boring, almost painful, and quite frankly, of little redeemable value. Or maybe, I should just move on, hoping I get to the point where I find Hemingway's purpose in writing this book (surely, there must be other far better books written about post-WWI emotional dilemma). I'll keep my fingers crossed while I laboriously read zzzzzz....

Rating:
Summary: Great, but not so for first-timers
Review: First of all, let me say this. This is a good book. I like it. But, If you haven't read any Hemingway before, don't make this your first! I beg you! You will be prejudiced against all other Hemingway books. Read The Old Man and The Sea. Aside from that, get this book. It really conveys that "lost generation" feel like no other.

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Summary: the novel of their times
Review: Hemmingway's novel "The Sun Also Rises" is not only a literary masterpiece but a window into the Lost Generation of the 1920's. His terse prose has gained accolades worldwide and did more to influence American writers this century than any other author (sorry, Fitz). But what this outstanding novel really achieves is the insight it gives into the attitudes, mores and values of the interwar generation. A vivid picture of despair and disallusionment is painted by the masterful Hemmingway. By far this is his best work, if not for his pioneering writing style, at least for his ability to capture the spirit of a generation.

Rating:
Summary: The sun sure does rise...
Review: When reading the wonderfully enticing novel, The Sun Also Rises, you get a direct view into the expatriate life in Paris in the 1920's. Hemingway beautfully represents his characters and leaves the reader satisfied. Only Hemingway is able to make the reader fall in love with an impotent veteran, such as Jake Barnes, or wish to meet such an alcoholic slut as Lady Brett Ashley. In any other story these characters would repulse the reader, however, Hemingway makes them come alive the way no one else could. This book is filled with copious quantities of debauchery and imbibing, and that is what draws people to it. Definetly a five-star read.