The Old Man and the Sea

by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and the Sea cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Technical:
  • ID: 1234
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • Formats: 57
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £2.00–£8.99 Hardback • £14.50
Reviews
Medium · 2025-10-01
calming 4.20

Reading the book is like a meditative experience, similar to the act of fishing. The narrative is all about the journey and the reflection on life.

The reviewer on Medium describes reading the book as a meditative experience, much like the act of fishing itself. The narrative's focus on the old man's journey and his reflections on life is both calming and introspective. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to capture the essence of solitude and the beauty of the natural world. They find the story to be a profound exploration of the human spirit and the search for meaning. The simplicity and elegance of Hemingway's prose make it a deeply satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    Reading this book is like a meditative experience which is similar to the act of fishing.

    The entire narrative is all about that journey and the reflection on life.

    The simplicity and elegance of Hemingway's prose make it a deeply satisfying read.

Jim Wilbourne's Blog · 2020-03-29
inspiring 4.50

The story is a powerful exploration of faith, courage, and persistence. The protagonist's unwavering determination is both inspiring and poignant.

Jim Wilbourne's review highlights the profound themes of faith, courage, and persistence that run throughout the novel. The old fisherman's relentless determination in the face of adversity is both inspiring and deeply moving. The narrative's simplicity belies its depth, making it a timeless tale of human resilience. Jim appreciates Hemingway's ability to convey complex emotions and philosophical ideas through a straightforward story. Overall, the book leaves a lasting impression, reminding readers of the importance of hope and perseverance.

Quick quotes

    The story reinforces the importance of faith, courage, and persistence.

    Santiago refuses to give up hope that his fortunes can turn for the better.

    The narrative's simplicity belies its depth, making it a timeless tale of human resilience.

The Guardian · 2016-08-24
uplifting 4.00

The novel tells a fundamental truth about life through the story of an elderly fisherman. It is a tale of hope and endurance.

The Guardian's review emphasizes the fundamental truths about life that Hemingway's novel explores. The story of an elderly Cuban fisherman, with little but hope to sustain him through a punishing life, resonates deeply. The reviewer finds the narrative both poignant and uplifting, highlighting the universal themes of hope and endurance. The simplicity of the prose and the depth of the character's struggle make it a compelling read. The Guardian's takeaway is that this book offers a profound meditation on the human condition.

Quick quotes

    The story of an elderly Cuban fisherman, with little but hope to sustain him through a punishing life, tells a fundamental truth about life.

    It is a tale of hope and endurance.

    The simplicity of the prose and the depth of the character's struggle make it a compelling read.

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