Across the River and into the Trees
61 pages • 2-hour read
Ernest HemingwayAcross the River and into the Trees
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
Classic FictionVenice, Italy • World War II
•
Death•
War1950
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Across the River and into the Trees by Ernest Hemingway follows the story of an aging American Colonel Richard Cantwell, who, suffering from a heart condition, spends his final days in Italy. The narrative traces his reflections on past wars and his poignant romance with a young Venetian countess named Renata. As Colonel Cantwell revisits old memories and shares his wartime experiences, he confronts the end of his life with dignity and nostalgia.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Romantic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
10,821 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ernest Hemingway's Across the River and into the Trees elicits mixed reactions. Critics praise the evocative portrayal of Venice and the nuanced exploration of aging and mortality. However, some find the narrative structure disjointed and the dialogue stilted. While Hemingway's prose captivates, the plot and character development may not resonate with all readers.
Who Should Read Across the River and into the Trees?
Readers who enjoy Across the River and into the Trees by Ernest Hemingway are likely fans of introspective narratives and nuanced character development found in works like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. They appreciate post-war reflections, poignant romance, and evocative Italian settings similar to A Farewell to Arms.
10,821 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A 19-year-old Venetian aristocrat who develops a significant relationship with the colonel, embodying both the vibrant history of Venice and her own tragic wartime experiences.
A young American soldier accompanying the colonel in Italy, whose lack of experience contrasts with the colonel's seasoned perspective, acting as a surrogate son figure.
An employee at the Gritti Hotel in Venice who shares a warm but fundamentally transactional relationship with the colonel, reflecting social dynamics of postwar Europe.
A prominent Venetian aristocrat who organizes social events like the duck shoot, representing traditional Venetian society and its exclusionary practices.
288
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
Classic FictionVenice, Italy • World War II
•
Death•
War1950
Adult
18+ years
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