Classics · Literary
The Old Man and the Sea
Bestseller: about 13 million copies (estimate)An aging Cuban fisherman who has gone eighty-four days without a catch rows far out into the Gulf and hooks an enormous marlin, beginning a three-day struggle of endurance.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1952
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 127
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a spare, meditative short novel about dignity, effort and stubborn pride.
Skip this if you want dialogue, a large cast or much happening.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Old Man and the Sea
- What is The Old Man and the Sea about?
- An aging Cuban fisherman who has gone eighty-four days without a catch rows far out into the Gulf and hooks an enormous marlin, beginning a three-day struggle of endurance.
- Who should read The Old Man and the Sea?
- Read it if you want a spare, meditative short novel about dignity, effort and stubborn pride. Skip it if you want dialogue, a large cast or much happening.
- How long and how fast is The Old Man and the Sea?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 127 pages, first published in 1952.
- Does The Old Man and the Sea have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Animal death.
- Can I borrow The Old Man and the Sea for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Old Man and the Sea; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Old Man and the Sea?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Moby-Dick, Life of Pi, Hatchet.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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