For Whom the Bell Tolls in Never too Late to Read Classics

Aug 02, 2019 John rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I found this book very slow to begin with, before it then picked up and became much more engrossing. It was also very well written - the style, indeed, seemed more complex than normal for Hemingway. The book also has a great deal to say about war and its waste, life and death, friendship, how we live our lives, and what are our most important priorities. The central love relationship is also very touching. Yet, overall, I think I admired the book more than I enjoyed it.

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Sep 17, 2018 Sarah rated it really liked it

Liked it more than I expected to. Really had to force myself to read the last 100-75 pages. I don’t think anyone expects a happy ending from Hemingway, but I’d gotten to like (some of) these people and I was afraid for them. I can see now why Hemingway killed himself. The world is screwed up and the people in charge are idiots. And, mostly, I agree

I did find Maria to be a rather simple character. She has "troubles" after being gang raped and tortured. really? Those incidents are pretty much glos ...more

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Dec 19, 2016 Nancy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Ernest Hemingway wrote beautifully, and that is why I gave this book four stars. I wasn't into Spain's revolution. I did like the way the people were growing towards a feeling of guilt towards killing. There was a need for repentance. Robert Jordan and Maria found a great love for each other, and had a feeling of living their lives in just a few days. Robert Jordan found the time to appreciate the beauty of nature around him. Robert Jordan had Maria leave him, and take both of them with her, ins ...more

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