This is a book in that new style of fiction, where the author takes a historical person or persons and imagines them in various scenarios. I think that the novel, The Paris Wife, was the most successful in this new genre or style.

There were four Mrs. Hemingways, so the author has plenty of material to work with, imagining the interaction between Ernest Hemingway and each of his wives.

The author acknowledges her references and I have read all but two of them.

how the author fleshes out the character of Fife. I think she is probably more fair to her than she deserves, but it is certainly a believable portrayal. I was less thrilled with how she treats Hadley because I have "A Moveable Feast" as a reference for that relationship.

the way Ernest himself comes across as a big dumb ox. I just do not believe the way he is portrayed here as being realistic. How would such a brutish moron get all these beautiful, intelligent women to marry him? He had to have a certain charm and intelligence. I mean, how many writers have won both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for fiction?

sad for the way Ernest Hemingway is portrayed. He's a convenient villain, but I really believe there was much more to the man than his fictional portrayal here or in The Paris Wife.

How many men are so beloved by their ex-wives? That is what does not mesh for me. I go with his son Jack's description of him as a big, kind teddy bear sort of fellow. I don't think this book does justice to my favorite writer. It buys into the myth and stereotypes that have formed painting him as an uncaring brute who was narcissistic and mean.

I don't see that as being the case when you read the true story of Hadley and Ernest. Something is missing in this - the soul of the man.

The story was readable, but not believable to me. Maybe I just don't want to believe it. The character of Harry Cuzzamano was an interesting fictional creation. If only he had found that lost suitcase!

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Created Jun 25, 2014 at 5:04pm • Submit your own review...