<P> The novel, set against the backdrop of World War I, describes a love affair between the expatriate Henry and an English nurse, Catherine Barkley . Its publication ensured Hemingway's place as a modern American writer of considerable stature . The book became his first best - seller, and has been called "the premier American war novel from that debacle World War I ." </P> <P> The novel has been adapted a number of times, initially for the stage in 1930; as a film in 1932 and again in 1957, and as a three - part television miniseries in 1966 . The 1996 film In Love and War, directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Chris O'Donnell and Sandra Bullock, depicts Hemingway's life in Italy as an ambulance driver in the events prior to his writing of A Farewell to Arms . </P> <P> The novel is divided into five sections . In the first, Frederic Henry, an American paramedic serving in the Italian Army, is introduced to Catherine Barkley, an English nurse, by his good friend and roommate, Rinaldi, a surgeon . Frederic attempts to seduce her; although he doesn't want a serious relationship, his feelings for Catherine build . Frederic is wounded in the knee by a mortar on the Italian Front and sent to a hospital in Milan, where Catherine is also sent . </P> <P> The second section shows the growth of Frederic and Catherine's relationship as they spend time together in Milan over the summer . Frederic and Catherine gradually fall in love . After his knee heals, Frederic is diagnosed with jaundice but is soon kicked out of the hospital and sent back to the front after it is discovered he concealed alcohol . By the time he is sent back, Catherine is three months pregnant . </P>

How many books in a farewell to arms