To Have and Have Not

One of Hemingway’s more political novels for sure. Not necessarily a page turner but definitively had some interesting themes. I bought this book for one of my college courses discussing “the American Dream.” This book coincides with that theme in many ways - sometimes following our dreams is strangely a lot like fishing; sometimes the fish gets away.

Hemingway once said "A man can be destroyed, but not defeated... a man can be defeated, but not destroyed" To Have and Have not is primarily a story about the destruction of a man... one of the 'have nots' (the conchs) of Key West. The central character, Harry Morgan, constantly struggles throughout the book defying the law, even killing those who stand in his way just trying to make a living. Hemingway peels back the skin of this entire society and shows the reader what lies beneath. This is the classic Hemingway tale of the central character encountering malevolent circumstances and fighting them one by one to the bitter end. I love this book! I wish the movie version had actually been about this book, instead of what it turned out to be. A "Howard Hawks" film with an "Ernest Hemingway" title.Maybe the critics don't consider this to be his finest novel... but I've read most of his work now and I think its the best one in the bunch.

I've always been a fan of Hemingway's The Sun also Rises and a Farewell to Arms. I wanted to read another of his books, and since I loved the Bogart and Bacall movie I purchased this despite the typical literary review that calls To Have and Have Not his worst novel. This book is great!! It's gritty, realistic, and the characters are consistent in their characterizations and actions throughout. The bar dialogue, Harry's actions as he delves into crime, they're all dead on. The plot-line really comes together with the juxtaposition of the rich and the poor (I dare you to not be disgusted by the "vital" concerns of the wealthy in the last few chapters). Hemingway's depiction of Harry's suffering wife is perhaps the *ONLY* completely believable female representation I have *EVER* read. This book is macho, poignantly sad, exciting, and full of heart wrenching loneliness throughout.

Famous first line, at least among Hemingway aficionados. Well-constructed hero, action man, but identified by his flaws. Female lead who would destroy the man she loves if she can & never understand what she did, that "American female cruelty". A little bit of a different style in that the 4 sections move freely between 1st person & 3d person omniscent for no apparent reason. Stick with it. All will be revealed before it is over. A good, satisfying Hemingway novel.

Hemingway's genius as the greatest American writer of the century is evident from the first chapter. His action narrative skills are first rate, but get beneath that level and find his wonderful insight into the shallowness of the rich in contrast to the depth of the protaganist, a poor fisherman, and adventurer. And, if you think Hemingway is all machismo, read chapter 21 for its gut wrenching sensitivity from the female perspective. Enjoy!