The Sun Also Rises

By: Ernest Hemingway, Colm Toibin

Narrated by: William Hurt

Originally published in 1926, The Sun Also Rises is Ernest Hemingway’s first novel and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style.​

A poignant look at the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation, the novel introduces two of Hemingway’s most unforgettable characters: Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley. The story follows the flamboyant Brett and the hapless Jake as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain with a motley group of expatriates. In his first great literary masterpiece, Hemingway portrays an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions.

Who's your papa? Listen to more from Ernest Hemingway.©1926 Charles Scribner's Sons. Copyright renewed 1954 Ernest Hemingway. All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form (P)2006 Simon and Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon and Schuster Audio Division, Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

2007 Audie Award Finalist for Classics

"An absorbing, beautifully and tenderly absurd, heart-breaking narrative....It is a truly gripping story, told in lean, hard athletic prose...magnificent." (The New York Times)

“The ideal companion for troubled times: equal parts Continental escape and serious grappling with the question of what it means to be, and feel, lost.” (The Wall Street Journal)

bad narration

William Hurt is a quality actor but i do not enjoy his efforts as a narrator. I may have given this book 4 stars if not for the narration but i doubt it. I agree this is one of Hemingway's better efforts as an author.

Very entertaining

I had not read this in over 40 years and forgot what a great story it is. I thought William Hurt was an excellent narrator other than not having a good English accent for Brett

Writing okay, stilted narration.

Intellectually I can process that Hemingway was a good writer yet it all seems a little dated and boring to me ...though, it might just be the stilted narration by William Hurt that I didn't care for. He seems so vain that he has to chop up and almost mispronounce things to add his touch.

My first Hemmingway listen

Would you listen to The Sun Also Rises again? Why?

Yes I would listen again, the story was easy to understand if not relatable and since this is my first Hemmingway listen or read, I have no comparision. I was surprised to find his work mundane, but compelling enough to keep listening.

Would you recommend The Sun Also Rises to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, I would recommend this to others as the story was informative about various subjects and lifestyles of a bygone era.

Which character ??? as performed by William Hurt ??? was your favorite?

I don't have a favorite, but the Scottish accent Hurt did for Mike was great!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book did not have me on the edge of my seat, so I stopped and started as time allowed.

Any additional comments?

I was satisfied to have finally listened to the work of such an acclaimed author as Hemmingway,even if I was a little surprised at how mundane and simplistic his style seemed to me. I supposed nothing can take away from a great story, but if you prefer novels that are a little more wordy and challenging then you might want to pass on this one.

A really nice listening experience

William Hurt’s narration was really pleasing to listen to and he really did a great job of making the characters come alive. The story itself was a bit slow at times but was good overall.

A masterpiece in every way.

A true classic. One of the greatest ever written. Wonderfully performed by the late John Hurt.

Nicely read!

The story itself is pretty dismal as Hemingway chronicles the emptiness many of the Lost Generation found.The narration by William Hurt, though, is great! This narration really enhances the reading of the book as he captures tone and emotion. The Scottish accent (Mike) is really well done and the humorous exchanges between Bill & Mike come across especially well.

The Sun Also Rises - Read by William Hurt

Book: Normally, I do not comment on classics. In this case, I will. The story was interesting and gave a glimpse of the period. However, I felt it was wandering and lacked a strong sense of purpose. I understand the style of writing and the context / detail were the strongest features of the book.

Reader: I enjoyed Mr. Hurt's take on the novel. He helped me immerse myself into the characters.

William Hurt disappointing

Story is as depressing as Hemingway intended. William Hurt does OK with French and Spanish words but it really hurts to listen to his attempt at Scottish and Upper class English accents. His flat rendition of the narrative is distracting. I would expect more from a professional.

There's nothing wrong with the performance.

I don't know why all these reviewers are complaining about the performance. I thought it was fine. It's a book on tape folks, not a Broadway musical.