Anand's Musings

Across the River and into the Trees is probably the most underrated novel by Hemingway. Richard Cantrell, the American Colonel has spent most of  his years in war and now that the war is over, there is this feeling of lost youth and it is that feeling that brings him back to Venice, a city he once defended, to redeem himself. He falls in love – a love that is difficult to fathom – with young Reneta who is old enough to be his daughter.

Apart from going duck shooting, visiting cafes and roaming around in the beautifully described Venice, nothing much happens in the novel. There is no climax in the traditional sense but that is what makes it more compelling. While reading you are never trying to predict what might happen next as you are mesmerised by the moment, In fact you feel like you are hearing Colonel and Reneta talk, sitting at the table next to theirs at Harry’s Bar.

As with any other work Hemingway this one also allows you to interpret the characters in the way and depth you want to.

A wonderful read.