Book Review: The Old Man and the Sea

Review by Elinor

Title: The Old Man and the Sea

Author: Earnest Hemingway

Rating: 4/5

Plot: Santiago is a Cuban fisherman who lives in the hope that he will soon catch a great marlin that will provide the money for food that he often does without. When he finally hooks one, he spends several tiring days at sea in a constant battle with it over who will survive. During this time, he longs for the companionship of a boy he taught to fish, but who was made by his parents to fish with someone else.

Characters; In the beginning and end of the book you get to know "the boy" (as he is often called) whom Santiago taught to fish. His loyalty to Santiago is so sweet and is shown in the way that he cares for him. In the time at sea though, it is only Santiago and the fish, so you don't really get to see any development for other characters.

Emotion: This book mostly had a heavy sort of sorrow to it. It really captured the feeling of being all alone. The book is really an account of the man's thoughts while hoping to catch this giant fish, who he has a true respect for. I think the point that the author was trying to get across was that bad things happen to everyone, no matter how hard you try to avoid them. But your choice is whether or not you will let them defeat you.

My Thoughts: This book was very emotional, but what I really found beautiful about the story was that Santiago endured so much hardship, but he still was never going to give up. He was going to do his best, and if that wasn't enough, he would try harder next time. His love for the boy, and the boy's love for him nearly brought me to tears several times. The ending was what I really felt made the story, it really showed that something horrible can happen, and life can still go on, and something good can come of it. I think this is one of those books that everyone should read at some point, but it wasn't one that I absolutely loved, so I probably won't be reading it again. I would also recommend it for an older audience, because there was a small amount of language.

Thanks for reading!