Ernest Hemingway, 21, marries Hadley Richardson eight years his senior and promptly moves with her to Paris to be among the upstarts, the in crowd, the expatriates that worshipped Paris as their city of creativity. Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald not to mention famous actors, musicians and painters were their companions though they often lived hand to mouth. Content to live in Ernest’s shadow, providing him with much needed stability and a shoulder, Hadley embraces his love of of the outdoors, spontaneous moves to various Euorpean locals, bull fighting, horse racing and for a time, drinking. But soon the lure and glamour began to fade. The eccentricities of open marriages, mistresses and provocative lifestyles leaves Hadley at loss especially after the birth of their son. Hemingway’s constant moodiness, carousing, heavy drinking, lack of decorum and superior attitude begin to unravel his wife’s resolve. His resentment of her few friendships also speak to his possessiveness and selfish nature. When “fame” arrives it shatters all handrails that Hadley has clung to. The intense love she feels for Ernest drives her to fight for their marriage and for Ernest’s life, but to what avail?
I adored the book, “Loving Frank” by Nancy Horner all about Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress; it as well as “The Paris Wife,” demonstrate the incredible sacrifices a companion must make to cajole an artist’s tender ego. Not surprisingly I see Nancy Horan endorsed this book and rightfully she should. The writing is so beautifully strong as it exposes lifestyles of creative geniuses. Paula MClain does an amazing job of keeping the reader glued to the perils of this complex couple. Homage is paid to many parts of Europe and sent me to the computer to look at the sites the Hemingway’s enjoyed. When a book alights your curiosity you know you have found a treasure.
Though a fictionalized account, the author did extensive research and to my mind didn’t make any major mistakes in her accuracy. The tale is riveting because of her ability to breath life into all the major players.
Great novel that I highly endorse.
