I have always enjoyed novels that use the sea as the setting and one novel that does that well is The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Follow Santiago as he chases his biggest catch yet. Find out whether this classic novel is a good read for you!
The Old Man and the Sea: Summary
Santiago is an old, experienced fisherman who is on a bad streak. He has gone 84 days without catching a fish and feels his luck turning around. His fishing partner, Manolin, is a young man who Santiago has trained since childhood and accompanies him on his fishing expeditions.
On the 85th day, Santiago travels to the Gulf Stream and hooks a big fish. It is a marlin and puts up a fight that lasts for days. Over the course of those days and nights, he becomes close with his prey and even calls it his brother.
As time passes by, Santiago becomes tired, has cuts on his hands and his body is sore, and sleeps little. The third day arrives and the end seems to be near. Santiago’s battle with his catch is only the beginning as new challenges are encountered and Santiago’s strength is pushed to the limit.
Commentary
There is not much to say about this novel that hasn’t already been said. A brilliant novel by Hemingway which would be his final full-length novel. A lot of the novel reflects Santiago’s own life and upbringing. And as I have said before, most great novels come true experience.
Most people come cross this novel in school as it is usually a required reading. I like this novel being part of the curriculum because it is a drastic change from your typical classical novels. Who doesn’t like a good book that takes place on the sea?
Conclusion
If you haven’t read this novel yet then this is a good reminder that you should see what the hype is about. This timeless classic novel is interpreted differently by everyone. See what lesson you get out of this novel when you read it!
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We like this novel as well but we see it more as mainstream, short, easy to read and the typicall Hemingway style with short setences.
From all the nautical novels we like most Melville’s “Moby Dick”. That is a classic as well that most of the people have read. If you look at the style it’s just the opposite to Hemingway’s novel, totally different how Melville builds up tension f.e.
Keep well
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂