For Whom the Bell Tolls takes place during the Spanish Civil War. An American volunteer named Robert Jordan is fighting against Franco’s fascist rebels and during the story his mission is to destroy a vital bridge to support an offensive from the Republican Army. He is sent to a guerilla band living near the bridge in the Spanish Sierra.
In the guerilla camp Jordan meets the Spanish girl Maria with whom he directly falls in love with. She changes his perspectives on various subjects and in her presence he tends to become a different person. However, she cannot change his perspectives on the war and when his mission is at risk, he puts her aside and focuses on the mission.
Throughout the novel, Jordan begins to realize that not all orders are good and well thought-out. This however does not stop him from going on with his orders to blow up the bridge.
The story gives a clear perspective of under which circumstances the Spanish Civil War was fought. It gives insight in the minds of people who were part of the war, showing the reader how it must have been like fighting in the war. Because of this, the book is truly worthwhile reading.
/Adam Orre
For Whom the Bell Tolls Zine 