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I general I'd say I agree 98% with Grandy's post above.
Ah, finally a topic of interest!I know I shouldn't be judging an author by one book. But if "A Farewell to Arms" is any indication, Hemingway was a terrible, terrible writer. Nothing interesting happens for 90% of the book...the two leads are devoid of any actual chemistry and mostly just say "Do you love me, darling?" "Of course I love you." "Do you love me?" "I love you, darling" back and forth for pages and pages of soul-destroying ennui. Oh, and there's much listing of various alcoholic drinks. That's it. That's what stands out in my mind. So whenever anyone says of someone's writing ability, "Well, it's no Hemingway," I feel like forcing them to read "A Farewell to Arms" and then tell me again that this man is the pinnacle of literary prowess.
But what tickles me off is just that: People try to make him sound the maximum authority, like's he's untouchable. They put him above all other books, like the supreme name. I'd try to write more but I'll have to go travelling. I expect 6+ pages of off-topic when I get back.
Have you ever read Dracula? Same thing. Pretty boring book really. I mean it's like 'Oh, the girl is kidnapped... we should save her... But first, we need to have some tea!' but it still is good because it was the original.