Other than the gruesome Aesop fables, I’m now ‘forcing myself’ to finish the short stories from the Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway. The journey has been intriguing and challenging, leading me to a deeper understanding of Hemingway’s work.
A Confusing Start
The first story I attempted was The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. As it was on the first page, I felt it was a natural starting point. I read it to the finish line but got lost in the middle. Or did I? By the end, I felt like I actually didn’t get it. The narrative’s complexity and Hemingway’s distinctive style left me puzzled.
A Change in Approach
After struggling with the first story, I decided to pause the book for two weeks. Resuming with a fresh perspective, I realised that reading cover to cover might not be the best approach for Hemingway’s collection. Instead, I opted to open the book randomly, hoping to find a story that would captivate me.
Discovering Page-Turners
This new method led me to three stories in a row that were such page-turners. These stories, Up in Michigan, On the Quai at Smyrna, and Indian Camp, were my first three successful reads of 2020. Each story offered a unique glimpse into Hemingway’s world, and I found myself thoroughly engaged.
Up in Michigan: This story portrays the complexities of human emotions and relationships, set against the backdrop of a small town in Michigan. The vivid descriptions and the raw portrayal of characters drew me in, making it hard to put down.
On the Quai at Smyrna: Here, Hemingway captures the horrors of war and its impact on both soldiers and civilians. The stark, unflinching narrative provides a powerful commentary on the brutality of conflict and its lingering effects.
Indian Camp: This story stands out for its exploration of life and death, seen through the eyes of a young boy. The combination of innocence and harsh reality creates a poignant and thought-provoking tale.
A New Understanding
After reading these three stories, I began to grasp Hemingway’s style and themes. His ability to convey deep emotions and complex situations through simple yet powerful prose became more apparent. The layers of meaning in his stories started to unfold, revealing the brilliance of his writing.
Rereading Francis Macomber
With this newfound understanding, tonight is dedicated to rereading The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber with a different perspective and expectation. I am confident that this time, the story will resonate more profoundly, and I will appreciate its nuances.
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