A Farewell to Arms

First published in 1929, Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" was the author's first bestselling novel, one which propelled Hemingway to the top of the literary world, and began the author's legacy as one of the greatest American writers of all time. In this semi-autobiographical novel, we find the story of Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver serving in the Italian army during World War I. When Frederic is injured and recovering in a hospital in Milan, he develops a romantic relationship with an English nurse named Catherine. After Frederic's injuries are healed, he must return to the war front, which he does not want to do. Catherine informs him that she is three months pregnant, and the two make plans to reunite after the war has ended. Counted amongst one of the greatest works of the modernist literary movement, "A Farewell to Arms" combines the author's characteristically minimalistic style with an intimate portrayal of the search for meaning amidst the chaos of war.