Take this book and dive into the miserable yet interesting life of an old man who is highly determined to catch a fish.
But the fish with whom he struggles is also a smart and calm fish which makes it even harder to catch it. I would rather say the fish is smarter than 'you'. (Disclaimer: Not to be taken seriously. Just to add some humor).
SYNOPSIS
This is the story of an old man who has no luck but abundant will power and resolution.
Santiago is an old man who lives by the sea and has been a fisherman for the whole of his life. Recently he has stopped getting any luck in fishing. He hasn't caught a single fish in the last 84 days.
Finally, he sets out on the 85th day with loads of willpower. He sets out very early in the morning and he is far out into the sea before the sun has risen.
Soon he finds a humongous fish. But he has to catch it very strategically. This book is all about his struggle with the fish until his last breath.
The old man is very determined and has a strong resolution to catch the fish (unlike you who is just resting his/her arse on the couch while reading this). He fights with the fish, with his hunger, with his internal thoughts until his last breath.
Hemingway says a man cannot be defeated but can be destroyed. This is exactly what happens with the old man. He is highly determined to catch the fish. He decides that he will die for it rather than get defeated by it.
Whether or not he catches the fish is a thing that should be better revealed by reading.
CHARACTERS
The author has shaped the characters very nicely. After all, he is Ernest Hemingway, America's most celebrated author, what else can we expect from him.
SANTIAGO
This is the old man. He has spent his entire life fishing and is very hopeful that he will catch a fish. As you can guess he is still hopeful after 85 days.
The story revolves mostly around him. This crazy old man's favourite baseball player is the great DiMaggio. DiMaggio's father was a fisherman. The old man always thinks what the great DiMaggio could have done in a situation and acts according to it.
I guarantee you, you'll feel very motivated after reading the old man's story.
You sometimes have a bad day. You feel very annoyed on such days. But imagine if the bad days decide to kick you in the arse by making a continuous streak. This is exactly what happens with the old man. He faces severe luck for straight 84 days.
It could have caused any of us to break down but the old man is very determined and courageous as well. He continues to wake up every day early in the morning and go on the sea.
THE BOY
This guy's name is Manolin. He touches your heart every time you read his scene. He has learned fishing from the old man. He used to work with the old man. But after nearly forty days of no fish, his father forced him to work for another fisherman.
Deep down he still thinks he is a man of the old man. He is the old man's assistant as well as a good close friend.
He cares for the old man very deeply. He visits him every day to see if he needs anything and just to talk with him. He also brings food for the old man daily.
The boy never forgets that this is the man who has taught him the skill of his life and thus remains loyal to him ever.
WRITING STYLE
Hemingway has maintained a very good writing style throughout the book. He goes deep into the characters even in such a short book.
The book has most of the scenario out in the sea with the alone old man. Still, Hemingway manages to write dialogues between the old man and his mind and even with the fish sometimes. He never lets us feel that there's only one character.
STORY
Even though the story is just under 100 pages, the writer has managed to write worth a thousand pages in it. He has developed the characters well, he has developed the story well. Everything seems to be perfect.
The story is very deep. It is not just the words that have been put down but also their underlying meanings.
RATINGS
Story - 4/5
Characters - 5/5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ernest Hemingway (July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961) is America's most celebrated author of all time. He has written numerous masterpieces throughout his life.
Some of his works include:
1} (1951) The old man and the sea
2} (1926) In our time
3} (1927) The Sun also rises
4} (1929) A Farewell to arms
5} (1937) To Have and Have not
6} (1940) For whom the Bell Tolls
7} And much more
CONCLUSION
The old man and the sea is a fantastic book everyone must-read. I know you'll like it. Just read it.
It is the deepest book in under 100 pages. And considering the current situation, you can finish it in two sittings of one hour each. See such a small time investment for such a great book.
Also, let me know in the comments what you feel about it after reading. Any other book review you would like to see? Tell me in the comments.
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