The struggle between an old man and a very big fish. Or... is it the struggle between mankind and nature? I haven't been fishing in a very long time nor am I a big fan of fishing but I feel like going fishing now. For a very short book, it is quite suspenful, full of interesting description of incidents, and brimming with thoughts for the readers to ponder. In short, a powerful book to get you thinking..."But a man is not made for defeat... A man can be destroyed but not defeated..."