HAVANA

EARNEST HEMMINGWAY

Havana in the 1930s was a city of contrasts, full of life and culture. It was a city that drew many writers and artists, including the legendary American author, Ernest Hemingway, who made it his home for many years. Hemingway was drawn to the vibrant energy of the city, the music, the people, and the nightlife. He spent a lot of his time in Havana writing, socializing with other writers, and indulging in the local culture.


Hemingway House

The Hemingway style of the 1930s was characterized by a rugged individualism, a love of adventure, and a fascination with the underbelly of society. Hemingway was famous for his terse, direct prose, and his ability to capture the essence of a moment with few words. His writing was heavily influenced by his experiences in Havana, where he found inspiration in the people, the landscape, and the culture.

In Havana, Hemingway was known to frequent the city's bars and nightclubs, where he would drink rum and converse with other writers, artists, and locals. He was particularly fond of the Floridita, a bar that became famous for its daiquiris and for its association with Hemingway. The writer even had his own designated table at the bar, which is now a tourist attraction.

Hemingway also had a love for sportfishing, which he pursued in the waters off the coast of Cuba. He often took friends and fellow writers out on his boat, the Pilar, in search of marlin and other game fish. His love for fishing is evident in his writing, which often features vivid descriptions of the sea and the creatures that inhabit it.

In his novel, "To Have and Have Not," Hemingway captured the essence of Havana in the 1930s. The book is set in the city and features a cast of characters that embodies the spirit of the place. The novel explores themes of poverty, crime, and corruption, which were prevalent in Havana at the time.

Overall, the Hemingway style of the 1930s was shaped by his experiences in Havana. The city provided him with a wealth of material and inspiration, which he used to craft some of his most famous works. Hemingway's legacy in Havana lives on today, and the city remains a popular destination for writers, artists, and other creatives seeking inspiration and adventure.




HAVANA 1940'S

Havana in the 1940s continued to be a vibrant city full of culture, music, and nightlife. However, there were some notable changes from the 1930s that influenced the Hemingway style of the time. The 1940s in Havana was a period of political instability and transition, with the rise of the Batista regime and the increasing influence of the United States in Cuba.

Ernest Hemingway continued to call Havana his home during this time and his writing style evolved to reflect the changing times. In the 1940s, Hemingway's writing was characterized by a greater focus on the themes of war, politics, and social injustice. These themes were evident in his novel, "For Whom the Bell Tolls," which was published in 1940 and based on his experiences covering the Spanish Civil War.

Hemingway's interest in sportfishing continued in the 1940s, and he often hosted friends and fellow writers on his boat, the Pilar, in search of marlin and other game fish. He also continued to frequent his favorite bars, including the Floridita, which had become a hub for writers and artists.

Hemingway's influence on the culture of Havana was also evident in the growing popularity of the mojito, a cocktail that he was known to enjoy. The mojito, which features rum, lime, mint, sugar, and soda water, became a favorite of Hemingway's and he is said to have enjoyed them at many of the city's bars and restaurants.

In addition to his writing and fishing, Hemingway also became involved in the politics of Cuba during this time. He was a vocal critic of the Batista regime and was sympathetic to the Cuban Revolution that would eventually take place in 1959. His interest in politics is evident in his writing, particularly in his short stories, which often explore themes of revolution and social change.

Hemingway's style of the 1940s was influenced by the changing times in Havana. His writing reflected the political turmoil and social injustice of the era, while still capturing the essence of the city's vibrant culture and nightlife. Hemingway's legacy in Havana continues to be celebrated today, and the city remains a popular destination for those seeking a really unique adventure.