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Confession – I haven’t read much of Earnest Hemingway’s work. A random line or two, and a lame attempt at reading The Green Hills of Africa. My interest, however, was recently rekindled in a round about way.
My sister recently read The Paris Wife for her book club then handed it off to me. Being in need of a good vacation read, I took it along on our trip at the end of August.
The book is historical fiction written from the point of view of Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson. It’s a fairly quick read and I keep describing it to friends as delightfully melancholy. Spoiler! The book follows the couple’s 1920s romance, marriage and eventual divorce. But I was drawn to the perspective of being a “life force’s” shadow in the form of Hemingway’s wife and how that affected both her and their relationship. Again, historical fiction but the facts are pulled from what is known about their relationship.
The book is worth a read and perhaps I’ll pick up one of Hemingway’s books now. Ok, I’ve added it back to the list, but not the top and slightly begrudgingly based on his actions as a husband. Perhaps I’ll start with A Moveable Feast (his memoirs of Paris with Hadley).
Since 2011 is the 50th anniversary of Hemingway’s death, there seem to be a few other publications being released about his life and loves. As I was walking past the corner bookstore last night, I also noticed another new release on the same subject. Paris Without End by Gioia Diliberto, from what I read in the shop window, is more of a non-fiction account of the couple as they traversed love and the Atlantic.
All in all, “The Paris Wife” is worth a read, but probably leans toward the female audience.
Now it’s back to the business books. Ugh.
Ahhhh…back from vacation and feeling (mostly) refreshed. The week off was delightfully low key.
During our 24 hours in and around Traverse City, I did manage to stop into one of my favorite shops, Cali’s Cottons, where I found this little gem of a book. I then perused it throughout the rest of vacation.
Lesley M. M. Blume, journalist, columnist and writer extraordinaire, is a woman after my own heart. Her book, Let’s Bring Back, based on her Huffington Post column, is an encyclopedic field guide to the charming side of bygone eras tipped in gold and gloved in white. From Fred Astaire to typewriters, tea time to three martini lunches, it’s all in there. The book is just swimming with random bits of nostalgia.
As I explored Ms. Blume’s site, I discovered she
has also published a fantastic looking book about New York City’s St. Regis Hotel and the creative, strange and interesting figures who’ve roamed the halls. It Happened Here is the inaugural book that has been published under a new project by Thornwillow called the Thronwillow Libretto. Additional books will be released by other well known writers who will contribute writings of now and then. Intriguing!
Happy Tuesday,
Yes. I’m a Harry Potter fan and in the spirit of the final movie’s premiere (no, I’m not attending a midnight show), here’s my list of magical inspiration to convey my excitement:
1. I’m also a design geek so naturally I love these “just for fun” re-designs of the HP book covers…
2. This shirt has been on my radar for a while and today I pulled the trigger. I actually bought it and will wear it proudly. {$20}
3. The lovely Ms. Rowling is keeping the momentum going. Launching soon, the new site of Pottermore.
