Martin Eden by Jack London
270 pages (Project Gutenberg)
1909
We meet Martin just as he has decided to give up the life of a sailor and become a writer. We follow his struggles as he tries to follow his dream, impress the woman he falls in love with, and make a better life for himself. Then, we get to watch him crash and burn.
I could sympathize with Martin. I could understand his drive. I could appreciate his struggle against adversity. I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about him or root for him.
Then there's the ending. Without going into spoilers, lets just say its one I'll never be a fan of, no matter how good the author.
If there is a book by Jack London that belongs on this list, it is, unquestionably, The Call of the Wild. Martin Eden, not so much.
1909
We meet Martin just as he has decided to give up the life of a sailor and become a writer. We follow his struggles as he tries to follow his dream, impress the woman he falls in love with, and make a better life for himself. Then, we get to watch him crash and burn.
I could sympathize with Martin. I could understand his drive. I could appreciate his struggle against adversity. I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about him or root for him.
Then there's the ending. Without going into spoilers, lets just say its one I'll never be a fan of, no matter how good the author.
If there is a book by Jack London that belongs on this list, it is, unquestionably, The Call of the Wild. Martin Eden, not so much.