Book review of The Sun Also Rises

by Ernest Hemingway (Author)

Updated at: 16/01/2025

Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, published in 1926, captures the disillusionment of the "Lost Generation" in the aftermath of World War I. This seminal work follows Jake Barnes, a war-wounded American journalist, and Lady Brett Ashley, a captivating and reckless woman, as they navigate the hedonistic nightlife of 1920s Paris and the passionate bullfights of Spain. Their journey, alongside a group of expatriates, exposes the moral decay and spiritual emptiness of the era. Hemingway's signature concise prose masterfully portrays unrealized love and the shattering of illusions, cementing The Sun Also Rises as a timeless masterpiece and a defining text of the 20th century.

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Review The Sun Also Rises

Honestly, The Sun Also Rises is a book that's stayed with me long after I finished it, and that's not always the case. It's not exactly a "fun" read in the traditional sense; Hemingway's style is famously terse, almost brutally efficient. There's no fluffy prose here, no hand-holding. He throws you into this world of disillusioned expats in post-WWI Europe and expects you to swim. And that's part of its power.

Initially, I was struck by the raw emotion, the palpable sense of loss and aimlessness that permeates every page. Jake Barnes, our protagonist, is deeply wounded – physically and emotionally – and his pain is almost physically felt by the reader. Lady Brett Ashley, with her intoxicating beauty and destructive tendencies, is equally compelling, though frustrating. The supporting cast, a collection of flawed and fascinating characters, only adds to the novel's complexity.

Some people find the book depressing, and I can see why. There’s a pervasive sense of aimlessness, of lives lived on the fringes, fueled by alcohol and fleeting pleasures. The descriptions of bullfighting, while visceral and detailed, aren't exactly uplifting. But I think that’s the point. Hemingway isn't offering easy answers or happy endings. He's presenting a stark, unflinching portrait of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war and the collapse of traditional values.

What really captivated me, though, wasn't just the characters or the setting, but Hemingway's masterful prose. The writing itself is a character, stark and beautiful, mirroring the emotional landscape of the novel. Every word is deliberate, every sentence precise. He paints vivid pictures with minimal strokes, leaving much to the reader's imagination. It's a style that demands attention and rewards careful reading. It's not a book you can passively consume; you have to actively engage with it, to piece together the unspoken emotions and motivations.

One criticism I've seen, and somewhat agree with, is the portrayal of Robert Cohn. The anti-semitism is uncomfortable and jarring, a product of its time, but still undeniably present. It's a flaw, certainly, and one that detracts from the overall experience. However, I don't think it negates the novel's other strengths.

Despite the darkness, there's a strange kind of beauty in The Sun Also Rises. It's a book that confronts the harsh realities of life, love, and loss, without offering easy solutions or comforting platitudes. It's a challenging read, but a rewarding one. It's a book that stays with you, prompting reflection long after you've turned the final page. It's a powerful testament to the enduring power of literature to capture the human condition in all its messy glory, even its ugliness.