This is considered Hemingway’s best work by most, and for good reason.

The story
exudes optimism in every sentence, every word. This is the story of Santiago, his skiff, and the
sea.
Santiago is old, poor and extremely unfortunate. The last one is recent. The story picks
up from a point where he really has nothing going for him. But still he tries, he believes, and
most importantly he is not willing to quit.
The hardships of fishermen's life, in general, are brutal. Having to go through such
struggles alone is just hell. One could see how life at the shore and the sea tames one’s
mindset to see the positive even in the middle of a hurricane.
The writing is pure magic. I was at the sea, with Santiago, the whole time. I cried at his
pain. I saw the pool of blood in the ocean. At night I was lying on the boat, looking at the stars,
and when I stood up, I saw the reflections on water, which was even more beautiful.
I will leave you with one thought, or rather Santiago’s thought, “It is better to be lucky.
But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready”.