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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Loved this book.
Hemingway was one of the first classic writers I can remember reading and enjoying. I was thrilled last year to be approved for this book. Quickly disappointment set in. I tried several times to read it and could not get interested. This year I opted to listen to the audiobook. I did finish it but again a disappointment.
The story base is very interesting but details seemed to overshadow and drag the story on longer than needed. The most interesting fact for me came towards the end when learning Martha was the only female at Normandy. I would have loved to have learned more about her experiences there.
I am happy I stuck with this book but do not think I will read again.
I received a complimentary copy from Random House Publishing House- Ballantine Books through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own. The audiobook I received from my local library.
Fascinating historical fiction about Martha Gellhorn, yes Hemingway’s third wife but a dynamic journalist and novelist in her own right.
This book is an excellent retelling of the romance between Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway. Their relationship lasted 7 years and took them both to war-torn Spain as they began their journey, ending in the final days of World War II. Their careers as writers and journalists began with love and collaboration and ended with conflict and ruin. Martha struggled as a woman for recognition and acceptance in a masculine world of war correspondents. She suffered as critics refused to acknowledge her written works on their own merit, rather comparing them in a disparaging and unfair way to her partner and established literary genius Hemingway. She managed to have a long and successful career thanks to her determination to fight for what she felt she deserved, becoming the first woman to make it to the beach of Normandy during Operation Overlord. She is an inspiration to all woman who have been faced with similar obstacles in their careers. She remained fiercely independent and made her own way in a man’s world.
This book sucks you right into Martha Gelhorn and Ernest Hemingway’s world. Martha is a strong, resilient main character; I found myself cheering for her from the start. I started limiting myself to reading one chapter a night because I didn’t want it to end!
I have a real respect for Hemingway’s 3rd wife Martha Gellhorn after reading this book.
I really liked this book. I have read a few others about Hemmingway and this was one of the best. Well written, emotional , educational and good character development. I learned about the third wife from her point of view, and her extensive journalistic career and devotion to it. Information about WW 2 was well exposed in a story kind of way with the reader getting a feel for how dangerious the areas they were reporting on were for the journalists.
Ernest Hemingway’s third wife. Incredible history, first hand of the Spanish War, pre-curser to WWII. Details of his Cuban estate and life. Very revealing
A fascinating glimpse of a part of Ernest Hemingway’s life through the eyes of his brave and talented wife, Martha Gellhorn.
Martha Gelhorn had a very active career. She was not merely Ernest Hemingway’s third wife. This book recounts her dilemmas and triumphs in a convincing way.
Enlightening portrayal of the relationship between Ernest H. And Martha Gelhorn. Also good info about life of Martha, independent of Ernest.
Well written dramatization of Ernest Hemingway and his third wife, the renowned journalist and war correspondent, Martha Gellhorn. The prose is often lyrical and consistently literary.
BOOK REVIEW:
Paula McLain, thank you for this wonderfully written story of the Historical Fiction genre.
“Ernest always said there was a season for everything. A season to love and to be loved. To work and rest your bones and your spirit. To dream and to doubt, to fear and to fly”.
This story of Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn is truly all of that and more. It is factual, complex, intense and full of charisma…. to a fault. It is a push and pull of the human condition; passion for career and country, love of self, and the love they held for each other. You will travel with Ernest and “Marty” through several war zones, not only the ones abroad but the ones right at home.
A compelling and intriguing read that will not disappoint as you delve deeper into the lives of two people who were meant to cross paths……and the joy and torment that ensues.
Loved this book and author
Paula McLain is one of my absolute favorite authors. Highly recommended!
Extremely well written and memorable book I have recommended to may friends and students.
It wasn’t nearly as good as her earlier books. The Paris Wife and (especially) Circling the Sun were much better.
Wonderful!
I did not care for characters themselves. Recognized their talents, but certainly not likeable.
This is the story of Hemingway’s 3rd wife. The story is very interesting and I learned a lot about Hemingway and his wives but I found this book sometimes difficult to get through. I believe that the very short chapters make it feel abrupt at times and difficult to really dig into. I did enjoy the book and the way the story unfolds and is written. I loved the way the author describes the push and pull between Hemingway and Gellhorn and it feels very real. I just wish it had been easier to get into.