Charles Koch recommended this book on his website.
"The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway is a modernist novel set in the aftermath of World War I. The story revolves around a group of disillusioned expatriates who travel from Paris to Pamplona, Spain to witness the bullfights and take part in the festival of San Fermín.
The novel introduces Jake Barnes, an American journalist injured in the war, who is impotent due to his war injury. He is in love with Lady Brett Ashley, a beautiful and free-spirited Englishwoman, but their relationship is hindered by Jake's condition. Despite their deep connection, they are unable to consummate their love.
Brett becomes involved with a number of other men, including Robert Cohn, an American writer, and Pedro Romero, a young and talented bullfighter. As the group embarks on their journey to Pamplona, tensions rise and conflicts ensue amidst heavy drinking and partying.
The characters struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to lack substance and authenticity. They engage in various activities such as fishing, drinking, and attending bullfights, all in a desperate attempt to fill the void that exists within them.
Throughout the novel, Hemingway explores themes of masculinity, lost generation, and the consequences of war. His spare and direct writing style, characteristic of the author's work, conveys the characters' emotional struggles and their inability to fully connect with each other.
"The Sun Also Rises" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of post-war disillusionment, love, and the search for identity. Hemingway's portrayal of the "Lost Generation" resonates with readers, making it a classic of American literature that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and unforgettable characters.