37 pages • 1 hour read
The Old Man and the Sea
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Book Brief
96
Novella • Fiction
Cuba • 1940s
1952
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Old Man and the Sea, an aging fisherman named Santiago endures an intense battle with a giant marlin far out at sea, demonstrating themes of perseverance, endurance, and respect. Assisted by a boy named Manolin, he catches the fish but struggles to protect it from ravaging sharks on the return journey. The novella underscores the fisherman’s determination and admiration for his worthy opponent.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Inspirational
Serene
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
1,192,852 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway is praised for its simplistic yet profound prose, capturing resilience and the human spirit. Critics admire its rich symbolism and deep themes. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative overly sparse. Overall, it remains a celebrated classic in American literature for its emotional depth and masterful storytelling.
Who Should Read The Old Man and the Sea?
Readers who relish tales of perseverance, human struggle against nature, and minimalist prose will enjoy The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Similar to fans of Moby-Dick and Life of Pi, this novella resonates with those who appreciate timeless stories of individual strength and survival.
1,192,852 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Manolin
Manolin
A young boy who learns to fish from Santiago and continues to support and care for him, sharing a close bond akin to that of family.
Joe DiMaggio
Joe DiMaggio
A celebrated baseball player for the New York Yankees, admired by Santiago for his ability to overcome physical challenges and succeed.
96
Novella • Fiction
Cuba • 1940s
1952
Adult
14+ years
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