A Farewell to Arms

A Farewell to Arms is a novel by American writer Ernest Hemingway, set during the Italian campaign of World War I. First published in 1929, it is a first-person account of an American, Frederic Henry, serving as a lieutenant in the ambulance corps of the Italian Army. The novel describes a love affair between the American expatriate and an English nurse, Catherine Barkley. Its publication ensured Hemingway's place as a modern American writer of considerable stature. The book became his first best-seller and has been called "the premier American war novel from [...] World War I". The title might be taken from a 16thcentury poem of the same name by the English dramatist George Peele. The novel has been adapted a number of times: initially for the stage in 1930; as a film in 1932, and again in 1957; and as a three-part television miniseries in 1966. The film In Love and War, made in 1996, depicts Hemingway's life in Italy as an ambulance driver in events prior to his writing of A Farewell to Arms. Characters Lieutenant Frederic Henry: An American serving in the Italian Army as an officer directing ambulance drivers. Miss Catherine Barkley: A nurse and love interest of Henry. Lieutenant Rinaldi: An eccentric Army surgeon serving near the front lines who takes a brotherly interest in Henry. The priest: An army chaplain, often has discussions about God and war with Henry. Helen Ferguson: A friend and fellow nurse of Miss Catherine. Miss Van Campen: The officious superintendent of nurses at the American hospital in Milan. She and Henry immediately dislike each other. Miss Gage: An unconventional nurse at the American hospital in Milan who befriends Henry. Major Valentini: A brisk, cheerful and competent surgeon who operates on Henry's wounded knee in Milan. Gino: A very likeable Italian soldier whose vocal patriotism nonetheless bothers Henry. Bonello: An ambulance driver under Henry's command who deserts to find safety by being captured by the enemy. Piani: An ambulance driver who stays with Henry out of personal loyalty. Passini: An ambulance driver killed in the mortar attack that wounds Henry. Aymo: An ambulance driver killed by straggling guards of the retreat's main line. Emilio: A bartender in the town of Stresa who helps them flee to Switzerland. Count Greffi: A ninety-four-year-old nobleman, having some past acquaintance with Henry.