Even with that said, I probably would have been happy to put off Hemingway for another few years. I hated Old Man that much. But, since there is such a strong connection between Hemingway and Fitzgerald, and there seems to be such a divide between people who love Hemingway and people who love Fitzgerald, I felt obligated to read something by him sooner rather than later.
The story I chose to read was A Farewell to Arms.
My impression after reading it? Well, I am still in the Fitzgerald camp. I didn't hate it as much as Old Man, but I was very tired of the word fine by the time I got done with the story.
I can see the appeal of his writing and I see how people who love Hemingway can find Fitzgerald flowery, but in the end I prefer the romantic nature of Fitzgerald work.
I still want to read the books where Hemingway belittles Fitzgerald, I think it is only right for me to include those stories. But, I am not in a hurry.
I have always felt that Hemingway is a man's writer, so I would be interested to hear from the women who love his work. What is it that appeals to you?
-Laurie
I am definitely Team Fitzgerald. Like you, I too read Old Man and the Sea in school and hated it but recently I read his Movable Feast.The book was good in parts because of the time, place and people it spoke of but I still didn't think much of the writing. Too dry for me. He does paint Fitzgerald as a whiner but never denies the latter's talent.
ReplyDeleteThis is the only Hemingway I have ever read and I thought it was just OK. I wasn't a massive fan of the bare/sparse writing style, so maybe I would be in camp Fitzgerald?
ReplyDeleteCHE- Go Team Fitzgerald!
ReplyDeleteSam- You should give FSF a try- His writing is more lyrical and full. Let me know what you think when you do.
Fitzgerald is definitely my favourite writer, but... I must say I love many things in Hemingway's works. You should try The Snows of Kilimandjaro. Reminded me a little of The Crack-up, really great. And many of his other short stories are very interesting too.
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