Under Kilimanjaro : Book Review

"Under Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway is a captivating novel that explores the life of Harry Street, a renowned writer struggling with personal and artistic challenges. Set amidst the rich African landscape of the 1950s, the story takes readers on a journey of self-reflection and the pursuit of meaning. Hemingway's masterful writing paints vibrant pictures of the African scenery and delves into themes of love, adventure, and mortality.

One of Hemingway's strengths lies in his ability to craft complex and flawed characters, and Harry Street is no exception. As readers accompany him on his quest for purpose, they are drawn to the depth of his internal struggles. The relationships Harry forms, particularly with his lover Cynthia and his friend Kandisky, add layers of complexity and intrigue to the narrative, enhancing the overall depth of the story.

Hemingway's descriptive language is another highlight of "Under Kilimanjaro." The vivid and detailed descriptions transport readers to the African landscape, immersing them in its beauty and harshness alongside the characters. Through Hemingway's words, readers can hear the sounds, see the sights, and feel the sensations of Africa, making for an incredibly immersive reading experience.

The novel also tackles profound and thought-provoking themes. Hemingway explores the nature of love and the sacrifices it entails, as well as the struggles of the creative process itself. Harry's journey towards finding his artistic voice and the pressure he faces to produce great work resonates with readers on a deeper level. Additionally, the theme of mortality looms large as the characters confront their own fragility against the vast and unforgiving African landscape.

Overall, "Under Kilimanjaro" is a must-read for fans of Ernest Hemingway. With its compelling characters, remarkable writing style, and themes that invite introspection, the novel showcases Hemingway's literary prowess. Whether readers are seeking adventure, romance, or deeper contemplation, this book offers a captivating and immersive reading experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

What are readers saying?

"Under Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway has garnered a diverse range of reactions from its readers. Some were deeply impressed by Hemingway's eloquent writing style and his ability to paint a vivid picture of the African landscape. They praised his skillful use of imagery, which transported them to the wilderness, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa.

However, there were also those who felt that the book suffered from a lack of coherent plot and well-developed characters. These readers found the story to be sluggish and meandering, lacking a clear direction or purpose. They struggled to connect or empathize with the characters, feeling that they were not fully fleshed out. Consequently, some readers found themselves uninspired or disengaged as a result.

Nevertheless, despite these criticisms, there were still readers who found merit in "Under Kilimanjaro." Some appreciated the book's exploration of masculinity, colonialism, and the impact of war on individuals. Hemingway's introspective and philosophical ponderings resonated with them, even if the plot itself fell short.

To summarise, opinions on "Under Kilimanjaro" diverge significantly. While some readers laud Hemingway's descriptive prowess and the book's thematic exploration, others argue that it lacks a compelling narrative and well-rounded characters. If you appreciate immersive descriptions of African landscapes and are open to a more introspective storytelling style, this book may be worth your while. However, if you prefer a tightly woven plot and developed characters, it might not be the best fit.