38 pages • 1 hour read
To Have And Have Not
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Florida • 1930s
1937
Scribner
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
To Have and Have Not follows Harry Morgan, a charter boat captain struggling to support his family during the Great Depression, who turns to smuggling to make ends meet, highlighting the dire consequences of economic hardship and class disparities. The novel provides a stark portrayal of poverty, violence, and moral dilemmas faced by those in desperate circumstances.
Gritty
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
36,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ernest Hemingway's To Have And Have Not is often praised for its vivid depiction of the Florida Keys and its compelling exploration of economic disparities. However, it receives criticism for its uneven narrative structure and unsympathetic characters. The novel's gritty realism and sharp dialogue are highlights, though its fragmented storyline and bleak tone may not appeal to all readers.
Who Should Read To Have And Have Not?
A reader who enjoys gritty realism and complex moral landscapes will be captivated by Hemingway's To Have And Have Not. Fans of Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath or Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby may appreciate the novel's exploration of social inequities and human resilience amid economic hardship.
36,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Richard Gordon
Richard Gordon
A wealthy and complacent novelist living in Key West, known for his arrogance and superficial engagement with the people and places he writes about.
Marie Morgan
Marie Morgan
The devoted wife of Harry Morgan, whose loving relationship with him is a central aspect of her character, serving as his source of encouragement and support.
Albert Tracy
Albert Tracy
A Key West local negatively impacted by the Depression, grappling with his inability to provide for his family and frequently seeking solace in alcohol.
Eddy
Eddy
A local Conch and regular assistant to Harry Morgan, who struggles with alcohol dependency and often sides with the dominant opinion in a discussion for ease.
176
Novel • Fiction
Florida • 1930s
1937
Scribner
Adult
18+ years
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