Book of the Day: Men Without Women By Ernest Hemingway



Quote of the day: 

You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. -Paul Sweeney 





There are many great short stories out there and as it is a form that I enjoy, what better way to start the year than with a selection of short stories from Ernest Hemingway, who was an American novelist and short story writer well known for his understated and adventurous style of writing. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1954. His public image and style influenced later generations with many of his books considered classics of American literature.

First published in 1927, 'Men Without Women' written by Hemingway is a collection of 14 short stories -132 pages of reading. The way the stories are brought to life is outstanding. Each story shoots like an arrow and hits you square in the face. Hemingway's men are bullfighters, war veterans, boxers, hard drinkers and gunmen, often reflecting the period back when things were different. Masculine toughness and feminine sweetness. Stories and events laid bare with endings that ask a lot more questions than the story would allow, leaving you either baffled or enlightened.

It is the ability to get lost in the stories and to feel what the characters feel, to see what they seemingly perceive, to grasp the underlying nuances and expressions while imagining the time and period it was written in-all these elements magnify the stories told.

And for such a small book the dialogue is straight forward. Simple stories but with unique subject lines and memorable characters. It certainly it is certainly a great book that has stood the test of time and definitely one to have on any bookshelf -to return to at a later date like an unforgotten well of water.


Are you reading anything at the moment? Do share.



Peace. Love. Light* 




Current Listen: David Bowie - Let's Dance


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30 Comments

  1. I'll have to add Men Without Women by Ernest Hemingway to my must read list, it does sound like a book I would enjoy. Currently I am reading Twist of Faith by Ellen J Green I have just started this one but it appears is going to be a good read.

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  2. ...put on your red shoes and dance the blues.... Good song my man *grin*
    I am currently not reading. Pheeew! I shall be following my impulses this year, and I believe reading is one of them... Ugh, sounds like a New Years resolution, it's not. And Happy New Year to you

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  3. Sure knew how to bring characters to life indeed.

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  4. I'm not reading right now. Sounds good!

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  5. I liked this collection quite a lot. Gave it 4 stars. Not Hemingway's absolute best stories but some really good ones

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  6. I was not a lover of short stories but Alice Munro converted me. I’ll look for the Hemingway.

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  7. Hemingway's stories are classics, for sure. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Pleasure meeting you.

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  8. I've read very little of his work, but from what I know of him... he dealt with his share of demons.

    I'm currently reading Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

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  9. I am not a huge Hemingway fan. I will however take a look at this book when I have a chance. At the moment I am reading a collection of short biographies of each signer of the Decl;aration of Independence.

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  10. I have to admit that the last time I read any Hemmingway was in high school and that was a long time ago. Just a shade under 50 years. Boy am I getting old.
    Thank you for your visit.

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  11. Books are my life...both reading them and writing them :) I go through about three a week, sometimes more. Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  12. Not a fan of short stories.
    Right now I'm reading, Hart's War by John Katzenback.

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  13. Love short stories... (Hemingway is not one who we read ... except when made to dos back in school...) And the above quote we can "relate to", good Sir... a great weekend to you and yours... and "Hello", from across "the Pond"...

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    1. and we Always enjoy reading your choice of "Quotes" that begin each post... (often one on the "bright-spots" of our day !!

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  14. I'm about to embark on a book written by fellow author and blogger, Glynn Young, called Dancing King. His first two in this series, Dancing Priest and A Light Shining, were so very amazing, I've reread them both! I plan to review Glynn's book on my blog soon, so be looking for it.
    Blessings!

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  15. that quote is so so true. i would totally agree, when i read a book, i find i am remember memories, or maybe a think of a story some 1 once told me. books just make you dream, recall or just have a great time. i love reading. as a kid i only read books that i had to because the school made me. now i read to learn, promote, help, teach, i am always reading more than just 1 book. and all sorts of genres. what is difficult is all the reviews i have to do. lately i have been listening ... so Audible book. now that is fun 'cause you can listen while doing the normal life routine. so awesome!! wish i had more time. can i read while i sleep?? ha. ha! ( ;

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  16. I have a collection of Hemingway's novels, but I must admit, I've never read any of his short stories. (Shame on me, huh?) I'll have to rectify that.

    I'm currently reading a mystery by Ruth Harris.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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  17. I have read a little Hemingway, but not this short story. It's interesting to read about this one. Happy weekend. Hugs-Erika

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  18. Great review!
    I'll add it to my TBR list.
    Thanks for the visit!

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  19. I have read a bit of Hemingway, He was very fond of cats and they still roam the property in Key West.

    Peace, light and love

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  20. I'm reading Small Admissions. Happy New Year!

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  21. I'm rereading The Passage by Justin Cronin for maybe the third time.

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  22. Never gave much thought of about Ernest Hemingway siblings. I see had one brother and four sisters.

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  23. I'm just finishing a very light hearted Christmas Romance Story!

    All the best Jan

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  24. Been reading the Outlander series and still doing so when I get time.

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  25. I love David Bowie's Let's Dance!
    I just finished "The Fault in Our Stars" and it was really good. I believe they made a movie of it too. Your book choice sounds like a classic, and I'm always looking for a good read. Thanks!
    Happy New Year to you and yours,
    Ceil

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  26. Your blog is very nice,Thanks for sharing good blog.

    หนัง Animation

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  27. I love short stories! My current book of short stories is 'Drifting House' by Krys Lee, excellent collection.

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  28. I have to add that Ernest Hemingway book to my collection. I have to tell you, that quote the beginning of this post is so very true. It took me a considerable amount of time to get through 2 large volumes of the The Auto biography of Langston Hughes, and even though he died in 1967, as I was getting close to the end of the book when they discussed his medical issues- I will never forget; I was on the stationary bike while reading the book, and as I was reading the last few pages, I became overwhelmed with tears and sadness and at the end, I had to get off the bike, shower and go home. I was so upset, I cried. I felt a really close friend had just passed away. I was so invested in that book! Great post, by the way.

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