[cafard]

Hemingway eventually developed a tendency to self-parody. Jonathan Yardley, who used to review for the Washington Post, said that "Bad Hemingway" contests were pointless, for Papa had long ago retired the prize. And he was not well served by his mid-century admirers, who couldn't always tell the good from the bad. (The same happened to D.H. Lawrence, I think) One can find oneself reading the earlier, better Hemingway by light of the later, which is unfortunate.

I haven't read much in years, but some time ago, I opened A Farewell to Arms, and I must say that the first few pages are beautifully written.

[csense]

That was exactly the book I couldn't finish. I remember being turned off within the first few pages...