For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

An American joins the republic in the hills of Spain in 1937 and works with the guerrilleros who assist him in his mission to blow up a bridge controlled by the opposing Fascists.

The distinct personalities and mixed bag of the group hidden in a mountain cave become quite evident as they prepare for the order given to the young man from Montana.

Robert Jordan is a disciplined man with successful missions behind him. He is not prepared, however, for the personality clashes and the appeal of a woman with her own dark history.

A guerilla who has fallen into drunkenness, Pablo, has already surpassed Jordan in his self revelations, but is mistakenly seen as a hindrance by the others, including his acerbic wife, Pilar.

Acting as Jordan’s right hand man, Anselmo has all the characteristics most of the others lack; loyalty, trustworthiness, and integrity. He follows orders without question and without intent, acts as the exemplar for the entire group.

Raped by Fascists and rescued by Pilar, Maria is meek and fondly called “Rabbit” by Jordan. She slowly comes to her own as she falls in love with Jordan, hoping for a life free of conflict.

Pilar keeps the group grounded with her no nonsense approach and willingness to take part in all activities related to the mission. She acts as confidant to Jordan and Maria and isn’t afraid to lay it all bare.

Quotes:

No one could tell from the bodies of these wounded men he would leave in beds a the Palace, that they were Russians. Nothing proved a naked dead man was a Russian. Your nationality and your politics did not show when you were dead.

The uncertainty, the enlargement of the feeling of being uncertain, as when, through a misunderstanding of possible dates, one does not know whether the guests are really coming to a party…

Perhaps I could meet Hemingway for a drink or 5 and discuss his writing techniques and keen insight into the heart and soul of the people he has encountered over his life. I’d steer the conversation early and then let the liquor lead us where it may.

My rating for For Whom the Bell Tolls is a 7 out of 10.

Please share your own reviews or comments by using the Leave A Comment link below.

Next up, Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey…