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This was the first Hemingway piece I've read. At first, I was thrown off by the simplistic writing style, but I think Hemingway has shown that art comes in many forms and content is more important than presentation. I can appreciate the drive of an old man to prove himself in life one last time. I think it must be a mixed blessing to be a respected artist in your own time. On the one hand, being able to earn a living as an artist is to fully "live the dream", but on the other hand, there is such pressure to produce a never-ending series of masterpieces, each one topping the last...it's unrealistic. There is a Morrissey song that says "The teenagers who love you--they will wake up, yawn and kill you....The critics who can't break you, somehow help to make you...". It can be exciting to experience the early works of a young up-and-coming artist, but I also really enjoy the later works of many writers, musicians, and artists when they reflect back on their own life and works as the mortal clock continues to march forward. Once a person can no longer hide behind the mask of youth, beauty, and strength, they must rely on their wisdom, charm, and integrity to make a name for themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and am looking forward to reading some other Hemingway works.