The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Why read the book?

Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea follows Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who has gone 84 days without a catch. He sails far into the Gulf Stream, hooks a giant marlin, and battles it for days before sharks strip his prize. The novella explores man’s struggle against nature, pride, and fate through spare prose. It’s a timeless tale of perseverance and dignity.

Favourite quote

Man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.

What I Loved

The Old Man and the Sea captivates with its simple yet powerful language, painting Santiago’s solitary fight with vivid detail—the marlin’s leaps, the line’s burn, the sea’s vastness. Hemingway’s iceberg style leaves much unsaid, letting themes of courage and loss emerge naturally. Santiago’s respect for the fish and his dreams of lions show inner strength. The novella’s brevity packs deep emotion, making every word count in this classic of human spirit.

Key Takeaway

Endure with dignity, for the fight itself gives meaning.