Sunday, March 22, 2015

Book review - The Paris Wife



I posted this photo a couple of weeks ago on Instagram since it was a perfect snapshot of how I was spending a snow day - dreaming of and reading about Paris. As my trip quickly approaches, I begin to feel a bit panicked that I haven't read more of the 50+ books about Paris that I have on my list.

I did at least finish this one - The Paris Wife.  It was VERY well done. I read it in less than a week and found myself getting lost inside the story, which is always a good sign. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like the book. It was hard for me to 'know' Hadley, the main character; I didn't feel like I connected to her at all. By the time she and Ernest marry, though, I was invested in the story and her character. Another stumbling block for me was the amount of nicknames in the book. Sometimes it was hard for me to keep up with the nickname references, but I managed somehow. ;)

It probably doesn't surprise you that I liked the story since it's about the wife of a major American writer, Ernest Hemingway. I'd heard stories about his private life when I studied his works in college, but those were really all just side notes. This novel brought the vague pictures I had in my mind about the Hemingways to life. Since much of the book was set against the backdrop of Paris, how could I not love it? I will say that part of the story was hard for me to read. I felt sorry for Hadley, and she frustrated me too. By the end, though, I felt better about almost all of the characters. I can't give too much away here since I don't want to give you any spoilers.

The short of it? Read this book; I don't think you'll regret it. 

2 comments:

  1. This book is on my to-read list. Thanks for the review.

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  2. I've read it...but can't remember much except I know I liked it! It was read by our book club. Am I the only one that wishes I could read, and read and remember them all!!...or am I the only one that forgets....;)

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