Review: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a group of aimless, hard-drinking expatriates wander through Europe, nursing their wounds from World War I, then The Sun Also Rises is the book for you. Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel is a defining piece of literature that captures the disillusionment of the “Lost Generation.” But is it all hype, or does it still hold up nearly a century later? Let’s dive in and see if this classic is worth your time.

Table of Contents

Plot Summary | Spoiler Alert |

Set in the 1920s, The Sun Also Rises follows a group of American and British expatriates living in post-World War I Europe. The story is told from the perspective of Jake Barnes, a journalist based in Paris.

As he moves through the city’s vibrant nightlife, filled with cafés, parties, and endless drinking, he interacts with a circle of friends who are all searching for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Among them is Lady Brett Ashley, a charismatic and free-spirited woman with whom Jake shares a deep but complicated relationship. Their interactions, along with those of other friends—including the insecure and restless Robert Cohn—create a web of emotional tension, unspoken desires, and personal conflicts.

As the novel progresses, the group leaves Paris and embarks on a trip to Spain, where they experience the beauty of the countryside, the excitement of bullfighting, and the thrill of local festivals. However, their personal struggles and unresolved tensions follow them, leading to emotional confrontations and moments of self-discovery.

At its heart, The Sun Also Rises is a story about longing, identity, and the aimless search for fulfillment in a world forever altered by war. Through Hemingway’s signature minimalist prose, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a lost generation trying to find its place in an uncertain world.

Hemingway’s Signature Style: Simple Yet Powerful

If you’ve read anything by Hemingway before, you know he’s all about minimalism. No flowery prose, no drawn-out descriptions—just crisp, direct sentences that pack a punch. It’s a style that makes the novel a breeze to read, but don’t mistake simplicity for shallowness. Every word is carefully chosen, and what’s left unsaid is often more powerful than what’s written on the page.

The dialogue is particularly sharp. The characters rarely say what they mean outright, which creates an underlying tension throughout the book. Hemingway’s famous “Iceberg Theory” is on full display here—what you see is just the tip, and the real weight of the story lies beneath the surface.

Themes That Still Resonate Today

Despite being nearly 100 years old, The Sun Also Rises feels surprisingly modern. Themes of alienation, toxic relationships, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world are as relevant now as they were in the 1920s.

• The Lost Generation – The characters are drifting through life, numbing themselves with alcohol and empty relationships, unable to fully heal from the trauma of war. Sound familiar? Many young people today can relate to that sense of aimlessness in an uncertain world.
• Unattainable Love – Jake and Brett’s love story is one of the most frustrating yet compelling romances in literature. It’s a reminder that sometimes love alone isn’t enough.
• Masculinity and Insecurity – From Jake’s injury to Robert Cohn’s desperate need for validation, the novel explores different aspects of masculinity and what it means to be a “man.”

What Works and What Doesn’t?

✅ What Works:

• The writing is simple but powerful.
• The characters feel real—flawed, messy, and deeply human.
• The themes still resonate today.
• The settings (Paris and Spain) are vividly brought to life.

❌ What Doesn’t Work:

• The characters can be infuriating—self-absorbed, reckless, and sometimes just plain awful.
• The plot meanders a lot. If you’re looking for a tightly structured narrative, you won’t find it here.
• Some of the language and attitudes, particularly toward race and gender, are outdated and problematic.

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Conclusion

If you love literary fiction and want to experience one of Hemingway’s most celebrated works, then The Sun Also Rises is a must-read. It’s not a book that will spoon-feed you answers, and it’s definitely not a feel-good story. But if you’re in the mood for a novel that captures the raw emotions of lost souls searching for meaning, this one delivers.

Would I recommend it to everyone? Not necessarily. If you prefer fast-paced plots and likable characters, you might struggle with this one. But if you appreciate nuanced storytelling and Hemingway’s signature style, it’s a classic for a reason.

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