A Farewell To Arms Paperback – June 1, 1995

Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms," which I read in its Kindle edition, is a masterful narrative that resonates deeply, especially in our current times rife with concerns about war. Told through the singular perspective of an ambulance driver in World War I Italy, Hemingway's work is a powerful exploration of love, war, and the human condition.The language of the novel is quintessentially Hemingway—sparse, economical, and impactful. Every word is meticulously chosen, ensuring not a single one is superfluous. This brevity in language contributes to the dreamlike, almost shell-shocked reality of the narrator, encapsulating the disorienting experience of war.Hemingway's portrayal of dialogues is unique; they are seemingly dissociated, reflecting the fragmented nature of thoughts and conversations during tumultuous times. The protagonist's journey is not just one of war, but also of profound personal growth, highlighted by his friendships with other men and his evolving relationship with a nurse, whom he grows to love.The unfolding love story amidst the chaos of war is poignant and touching. The characters' desire to marry, their near fulfillment of this dream, is a testament to the enduring nature of love in the face of adversity. Hemingway captures the essence of human longing and the relentless pursuit of happiness in the darkest hours.Reading "A Farewell to Arms" in the current global climate, where the dread of war looms large, one cannot help but reflect on the complexities of such conflicts. Hemingway reminds us that, often, the decision to go to war is not in the hands of those who fight it. This perspective makes the novel incredibly relevant, urging readers to contemplate the impact of war on individual lives and dreams.In conclusion, "A Farewell to Arms" is a timeless classic, a compelling read that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. Its exploration of the human spirit, set against the backdrop of war, is both heart-wrenching and deeply moving. This novel is not just a literary masterpiece but also a profound commentary on the nature of war, love, and the human experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a book that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Good book so far. Dialogue feels very dry sometimes, but Hemingway is very good at making characters feel real. I’ve heard good things about the ending, so I’m looking forward to it.

Solid story, war and romance. They don't write endings like that anymore. Up until that point, I was hovering between 3 and 4 stars. 5 stars.

A Farewell to Arms (1929) showcases young Hemingway’s skills as a world-class writer: He’s able to capture the nuances of his characters’ emotions and place them in detail among the circumstances of his other characters amidst the carnage and disarray of war. Quite an accomplishment for a writer not even 30 years old. Relying upon his experience as an American ambulance driver in the Italian Army during the last year of WWI, he displays the elation of the combatants in the early phase of war, when things were going well; then suffers the hell of being seriously wounded by an artillery shell; and, later, returned to the front when the Italian Army is retreating in total disarray after the successes of the new German divisions that are supporting the Austrian Army, experiences the anarchy and corruption of the defeated Italian conscript army. In defeat, it’s every man for himself, as Hem vividly shows.His writing isn’t as staid and prosaic as some critics have made it out. An example: ”[T]here was a flash, as when a blast-furnace door is swung open, and a roar that started white and went red and on and on in a rushing wind. . . I felt myself rush bodily out of myself and out and out and out and all the time bodily in the wind. . . Then I floated, and instead of going on I felt myself slide back. I breathed and I was back.” (p. 47)Hemingway does write as an American Everyman – He’s objective, pragmatic, non-dogmatic; he describes accurately what he sees with typical American practicality, and in war what he sees is horrible and cruel. It’s an American perspective: No fantasy, no exaggeration, no flights into the unrealistic, no sugar-coated slogans. War is a massive waste of human capital. Even so, Hem’s story is one of finding love and comradeship in an active war zone, and it makes this instance of his early work profoundly relatable.This is the premier edition of A Farewell to Arms. It contains early drafts of key passages. There are included his many, many alternative endings. This is a writer’s writer at a key juncture in the writer’s career, completely exposed, showing all his guts, spleen and innards for all the world to see. This volume is worth reading, or reading again if you are a Hemingway fan.