For Whom the Bell Tolls

by Ernest Hemingway
For Whom the Bell Tolls cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1466
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780684803357
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 1940-01-01
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£9.99 Hardback • £11.99

For Whom the Bell Tolls is a timeless epic that delves into the complexities of human emotions amidst the chaos of the Spanish Civil War. The novel follows the journey of an American idealist who joins the International Brigades to fight against the fascists, only to find himself entangled in a passionate love affair with a married woman. The story is a profound exploration of love, death, and the human condition, set against the brutal reality of war. /n/n Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece is renowned for its vivid portrayal of the Spanish landscape and the emotional turmoil of its characters. The novel's themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the inevitability of death resonate deeply, making it a classic that continues to captivate readers.

Reviews
Chick Who Reads Everything · 2022-03-21
okay 2.00

The book is okay but questions its place in the literary canon. It has some merits but falls short of expectations.

The reviewer finds 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' to be a rather okay book, questioning whether it deserves its place in the literary canon. They acknowledge that it has some merits but feel it doesn't quite live up to the hype. The writing is solid, but the story doesn't quite resonate as deeply as one might hope. It's a decent read but not a standout.

Quick quotes

    Overall, For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is a rather okay book.

    I'm not sure if it should be in the literary canon today, but it has some merit.

    It has some merits but falls short of expectations.

Book Thoughts from Bed · 2019-08-01
enjoyable 4.00

Initially disliked the book but ended up enjoying it, finding the characters compelling and the suspense engaging.

The reviewer started off not liking 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' but ended up enjoying it immensely. They found the characters to be compelling and were pulled in by the suspense. The emotional depth and the way the story unfolds made it a satisfying read. The reviewer appreciates the way Hemingway crafts his narratives, making even initially reluctant readers invested in the story.

Quick quotes

    I started out not liking For Whom the Bell Tolls and ended up enjoying it.

    I cared about the characters, I was pulled in by the suspense, and I was emotionally invested.

    The emotional depth and the way the story unfolds made it a satisfying read.

Heads Film Reviews · 2019-01-05
good 4.00

The book is praised for its detail, grit, and realism. It offers a frank look at human nature, which the reviewer enjoyed.

The reviewer appreciated the detail, grit, and realism in 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'. They found the book to be a frank exploration of human nature, which they enjoyed. The reviewer highlights the authenticity and depth of the characters and the situations they face, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    I liked the detail and grit and realism in this book.

    I enjoyed the frank look at human nature.

    The authenticity and depth of the characters and the situations they face make it a compelling read.

Reddit - r/Hemingway · 2013-01-01
excellent 4.50

The book is considered one of Hemingway's best works and a great novel overall. It is widely praised and holds a significant place in literature.

The reviewer started reading 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' expecting greatness, as it is widely considered one of Hemingway's best works and a great novel overall. They found the book to be compelling and well-regarded, with many praising its depth and significance. The reviewer appreciates the book's place in literature and its impact on readers.

Quick quotes

    It seems to be widely considered his best work and one of the great novels of all time.

    It is widely praised and holds a significant place in literature.

    The book's depth and significance make it a compelling read.

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