NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A powerful novel of the stormy marriage between Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn, a fiercely independent woman who became one of the greatest war correspondents of the twentieth century—from the author of The Paris Wife and the new novel When the Stars Go Dark, available now! “Romance, infidelity, war—Paula McLain’s powerhouse novel has it all.”—Glamour NAMED ONE … powerhouse novel has it all.”—Glamour
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • New York Public Library • Bloomberg • Real Simple
In 1937, twenty-eight-year-old Martha Gellhorn travels alone to Madrid to report on the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and becomes drawn to the stories of ordinary people caught in the devastating conflict. It’s her chance to prove herself a worthy journalist in a field dominated by men. There she also finds herself unexpectedly—and unwillingly—falling in love with Ernest Hemingway, a man on his way to becoming a legend.
On the eve of World War II, and set against the turbulent backdrops of Madrid and Cuba, Martha and Ernest’s relationship and careers ignite. But when Ernest publishes the biggest literary success of his career, For Whom the Bell Tolls, they are no longer equals, and Martha must forge a path as her own woman and writer.
Heralded by Ann Patchett as “the new star of historical fiction,” Paula McLain brings Gellhorn’s story richly to life and captures her as a heroine for the ages: a woman who will risk absolutely everything to find her own voice.
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3.5 stars
This was my first book by Paula McLain and it will not be my last. I have seen other reviews stating that Love and Ruin don’t compare to Paris Wife or Circling the Sun, so I am more than anxious to set my eyes upon those books.
I waffled a bit with my rating because while I really enjoyed this book, I also found myself skimming over many parts. I really loved Marty, she was a woman before her time. I loved that she was strong and she knew what she wanted for herself; that in the end, she chose herself. I understood her grief and loss, but she was just too much of a woman for Hemmingway to handle and she wasn’t going to let him hold her back.
I am not a big fan of the classics, so I have not read any of Hemmingway’s works and quite frankly, I don’t really know much of him as person. But I’ve got to say, he seems like a real jerk. I really did not care for him and just kept thinking that Marty was way too good for him.
One of the other struggles I had was the very descriptive war scenes. I know, its historical fiction, but like Marty, I wanted to human connection. I found myself skimming through the war passages, which is why I ultimately decided on 3.5 stars. The story of Marty Gellhorn is a good one, and I was completely captivated by her story.
I would recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.
I’ve read three of Paula McLain’s books and loved them all. Love and Ruin was a fantastic read, hated for it to end.
I loved this book. I learned so much about Martha Gellhorn that I just didn’t know. McLain writes in such a flowing style. I would put this right up there with “The Paris Wife.”
Story of an amazing woman, despite the influence of Hemingway!
I was pleased to be able to read Paula McClain’s Love and Ruin about Hemingway’s third wife, Martha Gelhorn and Ernest Hemingway. I had a love/hate relationship with this book. When reading about Martha’s adventures as a correspondent, I was in awe of her courage to get “the story” behind enemy lines during a time when journalists were men. It was difficult to read about the relationship between Martha and Ernest. At times boring, and I found myself wanting the writer to “get on with it.” It is definitely a good read when focused on Martha’s journalist adventures.
Loved this book, along with Paula McLain’s other books such as The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun. Wonderful writing, lyrical and believable, building characters that you feel you know.