logo

64 pages 2 hours read

Ernest Hemingway

A Farewell to Arms

Ernest HemingwayFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1929

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Ernest Hemingway

A Farewell to Arms

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1929
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1910s

Publication Year

1929

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

A Farewell to Arms, written by Ernest Hemingway and published in 1929, follows Frederic Henry, an American serving as a lieutenant in the Italian army during World War I, and his intense, evolving relationship with Catherine Barkley, a British nurse. Set against the backdrop of war, the narrative unfolds as Frederic grapples with military duty, injuries, and personal tragedy, ultimately seeking solace and escape with Catherine. The book involves themes of war-induced trauma and loss.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Romantic

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

340,202 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms receives praise for its lucid prose, compelling characters, and realistic depiction of war's futility. Critics commend its emotional depth and the poignant love story, although some find the narrative bleak and the pacing uneven. The novel remains influential in both literature and war fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Farewell to Arms?

A reader who would enjoy A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway typically appreciates classic literature, poignant war narratives, and deep, emotional character studies. Similar audiences might enjoy All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque or The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway.

4.1

340,202 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1910s

Publication Year

1929

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.