The Old Man and the Sea

Beautifully written short story about a man that loves his craft doesn't give up through adversities.

Love the conversations Santiago has with himself and especially at moments where he starts doubting himself or his old body but gets back up and keeps going.

'But man is not made for defeat,' he said. 'A man can be destroyed but not defeated.'

Two key aspects of Santiago I really appreciate are that he is extremely empathetic and wise. He knows his strengths — his experience but also his weaknesses — his old age and weak body. After catching the fish he starts calling it his brother. He questions and talks about why we kill. Why other species try to kill us. It's all a part of life and I love the way he talks about it. He appreciates the birds, the sky, the sharks that try to kill him, the fish that he is trying to catch and a lot more.

The mechanics of fishing feel really technical at times as if the writer really knows the ins and outs of fishing. Upon researching a bit more after finishing the book I found out, Ernest Hemingway actually was very passionate about fishing.

Overall a really enjoyable read.

Some of my favourite quotes from the book in no specific order.

'I may not be as strong as I think', the old man said. 'But I know many tricks and I have resolution'.