A Farewell to Arms is set during World War I and follows the story of Lieutenant Frederic Henry, an American serving as an ambulance driver in the Italian army. The novel captures his experiences on the front lines, his developing relationship with Catherine Barkley, a British nurse, and his internal struggles with the brutality of war and the fragility of human life. As Frederic faces the horrors of battle and the loss of comrades, he finds solace in his love for Catherine, but their relationship is marked by tragedy.

A Farewell to Arms has faced censorship and bans, primarily due to its candid depictions of war, violence, and sexual content. The novel’s realistic portrayal of the horrors of war and its stark depiction of the futility of conflict led to it being banned in several countries, including Italy, where it was seen as undermining national morale. Additionally, some American schools and libraries have challenged the book due to its explicit language and themes of desertion and cowardice.