Hemingway’s Masterpiece: ‘Across the River and into the Trees’ Now Available in Persian

In a significant literary event, a Persian translation of Ernest Hemingway’s acclaimed novel, “Across the River and Into the Trees”, has been released in Tehran. This translation, skillfully done by Ahmad Kasaipour, is published by Hermes, marking a notable addition to the collection of Hemingway’s works available in Persian.

Originally published in 1950 by Charles Scribner’s Sons, “Across the River and Into the Trees” emerged after its serialization in “Cosmopolitan” magazine. The title draws inspiration from the poignant last words of Confederate General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, evoking themes of mortality and the journey into the afterlife, a concept prevalent in Christian beliefs.

The narrative unfolds around Colonel Richard Cantwell, a 50-year-old U.S. Army officer engaged in duck hunting in the Marano Lagoon near Venice, Italy, as World War II approaches its end. Faced with a terminal heart condition, Cantwell is haunted by his past experiences, particularly his memories from World War I and a passionate yet tumultuous romance with Renata, an 18-year-old Venetian woman who is over three decades his junior.

Hemingway’s portrayal of Renata draws from his own feelings for a young woman named Adriana Ivancich during his time in Italy, reflecting the deep emotional undercurrents present in the novel.

At its core, “Across the River and Into the Trees” delves into profound themes of mortality and the human confrontation with death. Critics often liken Hemingway’s exploration of love and loss to that found in Thomas Mann’s “Death in Venice”, as both works grapple with the inevitability of death. Hemingway aimed to evoke emotional intensity, escalating tension throughout the narrative before arriving at a heart-wrenching conclusion.

Despite facing a wave of negative reviews—where many critics viewed it as a disheartening indication of a once-great literary talent reaching a creative impasse—the novel resonated with readers and became a bestseller in the United States, dominating The New York Times bestseller list for seven consecutive weeks.

The story reaches its climax as Cantwell suffers heart attacks while leaving Venice after his duck hunt, mirroring the novel’s opening scene. In his final moments, he recalls Jackson’s last words: “No, no, let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” The narrative concludes with his driver reading a note from the Colonel, which stipulates that his belongings should be passed to Renata, encapsulating the themes of enduring love and poignant loss that define the story.

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) remains one of the most influential American novelists, renowned for his concise and impactful prose style. His adventurous life and straightforward public persona have significantly contributed to his enduring literary legacy, which includes seven novels, six collections of short stories, and two non-fiction works. Notably, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.

During the tumultuous years from 1942 to 1945, Hemingway described himself as “out of business as a writer.” This period was marked by personal tragedies, including a series of accidents and health crises that affected his family, particularly following notable car and skiing accidents.

It was in this challenging environment that Hemingway penned “Across the River and Into the Trees”, fueled by a platonic love for the young Adriana Ivancich. Although the book was initially met with harsh criticism, Hemingway would later regain acclaim with the publication of “The Old Man and the Sea” in 1952, which solidified his status as a literary giant.

This new Persian translation adds a valuable layer to Hemingway’s legacy, allowing Persian-speaking audiences to engage with his exploration of love, loss, and the human condition in a novel that remains relevant to this day.