This is a difficult book for me to rate.
In terms of the story, it's one of the oldest cliches in the book, so to speak: young writer marries woman who gives up her life and identity to support his career; he becomes famous and leaves her for a more image-conscious woman who fits his new vision of himself. The interesting part is that the young writer is Ernest Hemingway, and the narrator is his poor first wife, Hadley Richardson. You meet them, and all their friends: Gertrude Stein; F. Scott Fitzgerald and his "golden girl," Zelda; Ezra Pound; John Dos Passos; and so on. You learn that The Sun Also Rises was based entirely on a true story, except that Hemingway wrote his wife out of it, then gave her all the royalties.
In terms of the writing: on one hand, there is some very good writing here, including some top-notch Hemingway imitations. On the other hand, there are some really tired cliches, and a lot of "he said," "she said." Hadley is an an exasperating Pollyanna at times: was she really that trite, or is this a weakness on Paula McClain's part? Hard to say, but frustrating to listen to.
At any rate, if you are interested in Hemingway's Paris life, you will enjoy at least parts of The Paris Wife.
In terms of the story, it's one of the oldest cliches in the book, so to speak: young writer marries woman who gives up her life and identity to support his career; he becomes famous and leaves her for a more image-conscious woman who fits his new vision of himself. The interesting part is that the young writer is Ernest Hemingway, and the narrator is his poor first wife, Hadley Richardson. You meet them, and all their friends: Gertrude Stein; F. Scott Fitzgerald and his "golden girl," Zelda; Ezra Pound; John Dos Passos; and so on. You learn that The Sun Also Rises was based entirely on a true story, except that Hemingway wrote his wife out of it, then gave her all the royalties.
In terms of the writing: on one hand, there is some very good writing here, including some top-notch Hemingway imitations. On the other hand, there are some really tired cliches, and a lot of "he said," "she said." Hadley is an an exasperating Pollyanna at times: was she really that trite, or is this a weakness on Paula McClain's part? Hard to say, but frustrating to listen to.
At any rate, if you are interested in Hemingway's Paris life, you will enjoy at least parts of The Paris Wife.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
