Kind of disappointed in my first Hemingway experience (A Farewell To Arms). What are your thoughts?

I’ve been reading a lot of classic literature as of late and have had some amazing experiences. This is my first one that has truly felt like a let down. When I wanted to get into Hemingway I noticed many people suggesting to start here.

I don’t even mind Hemingway’s style or dialogue or run-on sentences or anything like that. The story itself felt very shallow and unfulfilling.

When I began the novel I knew it was a love story and I knew it was a war story. When we were first introduced to Catherine Barkley, her and Frederic’s interactions were so fast and shallow, I felt like I was watching 2 high schoolers interact with a love interest for the first time. Catherine is such a sweet soul but a literal doormat for a character with barely any substance to him whatsoever. The first half of the book, I thought Catherine was just serving as a placeholder for what Frederic thought love might be, but then he actually would end up falling for one of the other female characters (who he had way more interesting conversations with!!) Interestingly I really enjoyed Frederic’s demeanor and subtle dialogue while he was at war, because it painted the picture of him being a calm, soft spoken lieutenant who everyone respected. With Catherine, he seemed like the most dull, boring, careless partner in the world. I think at one point he even admits he’s lying when he tells her he loves her. Their entire love seems nothing more than pure physical infatuation. They never have any meaningful discussions. They never get to know each other really. They just compliment each other, say how much they love each other, and eat meals together.

I hoped it would get better by the end (I had the ending spoiled for me), but it really didn’t. Their relationship remained hollow. Frederic remained Frederic. I actually enjoyed how little he cared about the child dying, although tragic it highlighted that Catherine really was all he cared about and was so in love with her that their accidental baby didn’t even matter. In their final few conversations I expected something deep and profound that would make her death hurt so much more but it just never happened.

I guess I enjoyed reading this book somewhat, but I feel like maybe it could have been so much more. Should I just cut ties with Hemingway after this? Maybe he’s just not for me? Or what do you think might be more of what I’m looking for?