Considered to be a pioneer of American classics, he is a must read
American novelist, short-story writer, journalist, and sportsman, Ernest Miller Hemingway had a strong influence on 20th-century fiction. Hemingway put forth most of his work between the mid-1920s and the mid-1950s that was were economical and understated style, which he termed the iceberg theory – writing that is simple on the surface, but has deeper meanings between the lines. His debut novel The Sun Also Rises was published in 1926.
Many of Hemingway’s work are considered classics of American literature. He has a sparse writing style, which is in a way departure from the florid writing styles. It is his experiences from so many wars as a journalist that Hemingway wrote such intense affecting stories.
The Torrents of Spring This 1926 novella is seen as Hemingway’s attempt to break away from his roots and surprisingly was written in just ten days. It is a hilarious parody from the Chicago school of literature, poking fun at that great race of writers. In style and substance, this novel follows dark laughter, but in the course of its narrative comes across for satirical comment. A highly entertaining story, this novel offers a rare glimpse into Hemingway's early career as a storyteller and stylist.
The Sun Also Rises In another 1926 novel, Hemingway talks about the generation of people who suffered disillusionment and angst following the First World War. The story begins with unlucky Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley’s travel from the Parisian parties of the 20s to the harsh and brutal fights of Pamplona and Spain. Though the book initially received mixed reviews, many scholars see this as his most important work. As it defines Hemingway’s iceberg theory writing style.
For Whom the Bell Tolls Another war-story, this Hemingway’s greatest novel is about an American but is based on Hemingway’s real-life experiences during the Spanish Civil War, where he was a journalist and war reporter. While the novel is led from the background of war, it is also a love story as well as an ode to Spain, Spanish culture, and especially bullfighting, which Hemingway loved.
The Old Man and the Sea It was the last novel published by Hemingway. It depicts the story of Santiago, an old and experienced fisherman whose unlucky 84-day failing to catch a fish comes to an end when finds an enormous marlin. Known for its multi-layered, inter-textural meaning, and reflects themes such as pride, life, death, and Christ’s struggle. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954.
He published seven novels, six short-story collections, and two nonfiction works. Three of his novels, four short-story collections, and three nonfiction works were published posthumously.
