Ernest Hemingway is considered one of the most significant American writers of the 20th century, known for his clear, direct writing style and the powerful themes he explored in his works. His books are widely read and studied, and several of them are considered essential reading for anyone interested in American
literature. In this article, we will explore the essential and popular books by
Ernest Hemingway, discussing the major themes and ideas that make them so significant.
The Essential Ernest Hemingway Books
Hemingway's works are known for their spare, direct prose and their exploration of big themes such as war, masculinity, and human relationships. Here are some of his most essential works:
1. "The Sun Also Rises", Hemingway's first novel, is considered one of his best and is a seminal work of the "Lost Generation." It follows a group of expatriates in Paris who are struggling to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of World War I.
2. "A Farewell to Arms", This novel is set during World War I and tells the story of an American ambulance driver who falls in love with a nurse while stationed in Italy. The novel explores the futility and devastation of war and the tragedy of a doomed romance.
3. "For Whom the Bell Tolls", Set during the Spanish Civil War, this novel follows an American volunteer who is tasked with blowing up a bridge behind enemy lines. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the human cost of war.
4. "The Old Man and the Sea", This novella, tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman who struggles to catch a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. The novel is a powerful meditation on the human struggle against nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
5. "A Moveable Feast", This posthumously published memoir, offers insights into
Hemingway's life in Paris in the 1920s. It offers a glimpse into the world of the "Lost Generation" and the Bohemian lifestyle that characterized that era.
The Most Popular Ernest Hemingway Books
Hemingway's books have sold millions of copies around the world, and many readers have found their themes and ideas resonant and impactful. Here are some of Hemingway's most popular books based on reader reviews on Goodreads:
1. "The Old Man and the Sea": This novella is Hemingway's most popular book, with an average rating of 3.76 out of 5 stars from over 728,000 ratings.
2. "A Farewell to Arms": This novel is Hemingway's second most popular book on
Goodreads, with an average rating of 3.49 out of 5 stars from over 287,000 ratings.
3. "The Sun Also Rises": This novel is Hemingway's third most popular book on
Goodreads, with an average rating of 3.81 out of 5 stars from over 328,000 ratings.
4. "For Whom the Bell Tolls": This novel is Hemingway's fourth most popular book on Goodreads, with an average rating of 3.96 out of 5 stars from over 133,000 ratings.
5. "A Moveable Feast": This memoir is Hemingway's fifth most popular book on
Goodreads, with an average rating of 3.91 out of 5 stars from over 99,000 ratings.
Conclusion
Ernest Hemingway's legacy as a writer has endured over the years, and his books continue to be read and studied by people around the world. In this article, we've discussed the essential and popular books by Hemingway, exploring the major contributions he made as a writer. Hemingway's legacy lives on. Writing is an art that utilizes the power of the mind and our association with words. Hemingway knew the impactful, yet simple art of putting those two together. Enjoy one of the above reads anytime. Rain or shine.