I hated Hemingway in high school, didnt bother with him again until later in life, and now I kind of get it

His novels sound like a man that knew everything fades away, faster than you expect. If you had to write a letter to your future self 60 years from now, you might write it the way he wrote his novels.

Its about writing down the most distilled version of yourself.

Many other authors’ language and characterizations depend on understanding the time in which they lived, but Hemingway tried to boil out the things that are most permanent and most likely to be understood forever.

I love ATOTC but its in no man’s land unfortunately

Its not profound enough to thrive outside of its time but its too pulpy to help us properly understand what went on in those years. You need to be the kind of semi-nerd that enjoys reliving the life of 19th century bourgeoisie (but some years removed from the events of the novel) to really love it.

Im afraid that as time wears on people will care about it less and less