Book review: The Sun Also Rises

A timeless exploration of the lost generation

by Lorraine Williamson
The Sun Also Rises book review

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway is a cornerstone of 20th-century American literature. First published in 1926, the novel explores the disillusionment and aimlessness of the “Lost Generation.”

Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Europe, it follows a group of expatriates as they navigate love, identity, and the pursuit of meaning. Hemingway’s concise writing style and realistic dialogue make this novel a powerful exploration of human emotions.

Plot summary

The story is narrated by Jake Barnes, an American journalist living in Paris. Jake, along with his group of expatriate friends, spends their days drinking and socializing. Among them is Lady Brett Ashley, a beautiful and free-spirited woman with whom Jake is in love. However, Jake’s war injury has left him impotent, complicating their relationship.

The group travels from Paris to Spain, where they witness the running of the bulls and bullfights in Pamplona. Amidst the excitement, tensions rise between the characters, particularly over Brett’s romantic relationships. In the end, the novel portrays the hollowness and emotional exhaustion felt by many of its characters, reflecting the emotional scars left by the war.

Characters

The novel features complex characters, each grappling with their inner turmoil. Jake Barnes is the wounded hero, emotionally scarred by his war injury and unable to fully express his love for Brett. Brett Ashley, on the other hand, embodies the liberated woman of the 1920s. She is both independent and deeply flawed, torn between her desires and her loyalty to Jake. Other characters, like Robert Cohn and Mike Campbell, represent different facets of the Lost Generation’s struggles with identity, purpose, and masculinity.

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Themes

One of the primary themes of The Sun Also Rises is the lost sense of purpose after World War I. The characters drift through life without clear direction, symbolizing the disillusionment of the post-war generation. Another significant theme is the search for meaning in a world devoid of traditional values. The novel also delves into the complexities of love and masculinity, particularly through Jake’s struggles with impotence and Brett’s inability to commit to a single relationship.

Setting

Hemingway vividly portrays both Paris and Spain, using the settings to highlight the emotional state of the characters. Paris serves as a backdrop for the group’s hedonistic lifestyle, filled with cafes and nightclubs. In contrast, the Spanish countryside, with its bullfighting traditions, reflects a more primal, intense atmosphere. The juxtaposition of these settings underscores the characters’ internal conflicts.

The Sun Also Rises remains a timeless novel that captures the essence of the Lost Generation. Hemingway’s sparse, direct prose perfectly mirrors the emotional barrenness of his characters. Through the lens of post-war disillusionment, the novel explores universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. For readers interested in modernist literature or the effects of war on personal identity, this book is a must-read. Its portrayal of the expatriate experience in Europe continues to resonate with audiences today.

Also read: Book review – An Englishman in Madrid

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