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Love and Ruin

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Love and Ruin

By: Paula McLain
Narrated by: January LaVoy
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About this listen

In 1937, courageous and independent Martha Gellhorn travels to Madrid to report on the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and finds herself drawn to the stories of ordinary people caught in devastating conflict. She also finds herself unexpectedly - and uncontrollably - falling in love with Ernest Hemingway, a man already on his way to being a legend. In the shadow of the impending Second World War, and set against the tumultuous backdrops of Madrid, Finland, China, and especially Cuba, where Martha and Hemingway made their home, their relationship and professional careers ignite.

But when Hemingway publishes the biggest literary success of his career, they are no longer equals, and Martha must make a choice: surrender to the suffocating demands of a domestic lifestyle or risk losing her husband by forging her way as her own woman and writer. It is a dilemma that will force her to break his heart and her own.

Based on a true story.

Martha Gellhorn was one of the greatest war correspondents of the 20th century. For Whom the Bell Tolls was dedicated to Martha and inspired by the time they were together in Spain. It was Hemingway's most successful book to date; it sold half a million copies within months, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and triumphantly reestablished his literary reputation.

©2018 Paula McLain (P)2018 Hachette Audio UK
Contemporary Fiction Fiction Heartfelt War Cuba

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Absorbing tale of an incredible life

Yet again Paula Maclain has delved into his-tory and retold it from the POV of a significant woman, in this case, celebrated war correspondent Martha Gellhorn (who also happened to be Hemingway’s third wife). Seen through the modern lens of gender relations, it’s relatable for anyone who’s had to balance career ambitions with societal expectations, and the demands of a needy, jealous partner. Hemingway’s genius cannot obscure his terrible attitude towards women and in particular his view of what a wife should be. I marked it down one star only because I felt the book was overwritten in parts - too much lengthy description of events and scenery, when Maclain’s real skill is in delving into characters and interpersonal relationships. It’s now sent me down the rabbit hole of bingeing on anything I can find on Gellhorn and Hemingway - including the brilliant Ken Burns documentary, and the Hollywood movie (not as good but ok if you’re feeling a bit bereft after the book ends). I had tears in my eyes listening to the author’s note at the end. A matchless life indeed.

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