This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Old Man and the Sea

   

   An aging Cuban fisherman struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream, isolated from the world and from human help. For days, he fights the marlin alone, admiring its strength, dignity, and faithfulness to its identity—its destiny is as true as his as a fisherman. He finally kills the marlin, but sharks attack and devour it before he can return to the shore. The fisherman returns home empty-handed but remains undefeated, having proven his abilities to himself.

   The 54th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Sun Also Rises

   

   The novel is a poignant tale set in the 1920s post-World War I era, focusing on a group of American and British expatriates living in Paris who travel to Pamplona, Spain for the annual Running of the Bulls. The story explores themes of disillusionment, identity, and the Lost Generation, with the protagonist, a war veteran, grappling with impotence caused by a war injury. The narrative is steeped in the disillusionment and existential crisis experienced by many in the aftermath of the war, and the reckless hedonism of the era is portrayed through the characters' aimless wanderings and excessive drinking.

   The 62nd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. A Farewell to Arms

   

   Set during World War I, the novel follows an American ambulance driver in the Italian army and his love affair with a British nurse. The story is a first-person account of the protagonist's experiences in war and his struggle to survive amidst chaos and destruction. The narrative explores themes of love, war, and the fragility of life, culminating in a tragic ending that underscores the futile nature of war and the inevitable suffering it brings.

   The 67th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. For Whom the Bell Tolls

   

   Set in the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, the novel follows the story of an American dynamiter, who is assigned the task of blowing up a bridge during a crucial attack on the city of Segovia. Alongside the war narrative, the story also explores his relationships with various characters, including his love affair with a young Spanish woman. The narrative beautifully encapsulates themes of love, war, death, and the transient nature of life.

   The 97th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Stories of Ernest Hemingway

   

   This book is a collection of short stories penned by a renowned 20th-century American author, known for his minimalist and direct style of writing. The stories span a range of themes, including love, war, wilderness, and loss, often drawing from the author's own experiences as a journalist and war correspondent. Each story offers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of life, showcasing the author's ability to capture profound emotions and experiences in simple, yet powerful prose.

   The 655th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. In Our Time

   

   "In Our Time" is a collection of short stories that explores the theme of lost generation, focusing on the disillusionment and angst experienced by people post World War I. The stories are interconnected, often featuring the protagonist Nick Adams, and depict various stages of his life. The book is renowned for its unique narrative style, which uses a combination of minimalist prose and a stream-of-consciousness technique, reflecting the fragmented nature of the post-war world.

   The 825th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. A Moveable Feast

   

   The book is a memoir that offers a vivid and intimate glimpse into the life of a young expatriate writer in 1920s Paris. Through a series of vignettes, it captures the vibrant literary and artistic scene of the time, featuring encounters with notable figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. The narrative reflects on themes of love, ambition, and the struggles of the creative process, all set against the backdrop of the enchanting and sometimes harsh realities of Parisian life. The memoir is both a nostalgic reflection on a formative period and a testament to the enduring allure of the city.

   The 855th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Death In The Afternoon

   

   This work delves into the intricate world of bullfighting, exploring its cultural significance, artistry, and the profound emotions it evokes. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and philosophical musings, the narrative offers a vivid portrayal of the spectacle, capturing the tension, beauty, and brutality inherent in the sport. The author reflects on themes of courage, mortality, and the human condition, providing readers with a deeper understanding of both the matador's craft and the broader Spanish tradition.

   The 5904th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. The Garden Of Eden

   

   The novel explores the complexities of love and relationships through the story of a young American writer and his wife while on their extended honeymoon in the French Riviera. Their idyllic existence becomes complicated when they befriend another woman, leading to a tangled and emotionally charged ménage à trois. The narrative delves into themes of gender roles, identity, and the creative process, as the characters push the boundaries of traditional marriage and sexuality, ultimately testing the limits of their paradise.

   The 9773rd Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Men Without Women

    

    "Men Without Women" is a collection of short stories that explore the theme of loneliness and emotional isolation. Each of the fourteen stories focuses on men who have lost or can't attain the love of a woman, resulting in feelings of despair, alienation and loneliness. The characters range from matadors to boxers, soldiers to artists, all of whom are navigating the complexities of masculinity, love, and life.

    The 11571st Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. To Have And Have Not

    

    This novel follows the life of Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain based in Key West, Florida, during the Great Depression. Struggling to support his family, Morgan is drawn into a world of contraband and illicit activities, including smuggling Cubans and running alcohol. The narrative delves into themes of survival, the stark realities of poverty, and the moral compromises one must face when pushed to the brink. Through Morgan's tragic journey, the story explores the profound disparities between the wealthy tourists and the destitute locals, painting a grim picture of economic disparity and human desperation.

    The 14876th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. The Nick Adams Stories

    

    This collection of interconnected short stories follows the life of a young man as he navigates the complexities of growing up in early 20th-century America. Through a series of poignant and reflective narratives, the protagonist experiences the joys and challenges of childhood, the turbulence of adolescence, and the trials of adulthood. Set against the backdrop of nature's beauty and the harsh realities of war, these stories explore themes of identity, resilience, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

    The 15659th Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber

    

    "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" is a story about a wealthy American man who, while on a safari in Africa, gains courage and personal growth after initially behaving in a cowardly manner when faced with danger. This transformation, however, leads to his wife killing him, possibly accidentally, out of fear that his newfound courage would end their marriage. The narrative explores themes of courage, masculinity, and the dynamics of power in relationships.

    The 15897th Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. Hills Like White Elephants

    

    Set in a train station in Spain, the story revolves around a tense conversation between a man and a woman as they await their train to Madrid. The couple discusses an unnamed operation, which is implied to be an abortion, revealing the underlying strain in their relationship. Through sparse dialogue and subtle symbolism, the narrative explores themes of communication, choice, and the complexities of human relationships, leaving much to the reader's interpretation.

    The 16735th Greatest Book of All Time

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