Hadley Richardson, a quiet woman from St. Louis, marries the aspiring writer Ernest Hemingway after a brief courtship and moves with him to 1920s Paris. The narrative follows their life in a cramped apartment as Hemingway struggles to establish his literary career and publishes The Sun Also Rises. They navigate a social circle of expatriates including Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ezra Pound. As the couple moves from cheap French cafes to the skiing slopes of Austria and the bullfighting rings of Spain, the marriage collapses under the weight of Ernest’s ambition, heavy drinking, and an eventual affair with their friend Pauline Pfeiffer.
This book serves readers interested in the Lost Generation and the domestic reality behind mid-century literary figures. It appeals to those who want a visceral look at Jazz Age Europe without the romanticized veneer often found in biographies. The reader walks away with a detailed understanding of how the artistic demands of a burgeoning career can erode a partnership. It provides a clear view of how Hadley’s financial and emotional support stabilized Hemingway during his formative years before he achieved international fame.
Inward-looking; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2011
- Language
- EN
