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B.J. | 2/10/2014
" It was interesting, but I felt the middle dragged. "
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Ann Torrey | 2/8/2014
" This was a really good book, shows a lot how different countries live and also how people's thinking are so different. Ended a little sad, however but still enjoyed it very much. "
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Sarah | 2/8/2014
" Ugh... book club choice. One of the few books I can ever say I didn't finish reading. "
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Georgann | 2/3/2014
" I don't know how she did it, but Paula McLain made me believe I was reading Hadley Richardson's memoir. The evocation of time, place and personality is wonderful. Finely imagined and well researched this is historical fiction as it was meant to be. Hadley must have been a brave and intelligent woman who did more for Hemingway's career than she was ever credited for. And the tragic genius of Hemingway is detailed here as well as in any biography or critical study. "
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Stephanie | 1/29/2014
" The story of Hemingway and his first wife is fascinating, but I'd say you would be better off reading A Moveable Feast, his memoir of that time. I didn't feel that McLain added a new dimension to the story by telling it from Hadley's (fictionalized) perspective. "
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Charlotte | 1/25/2014
" Paris of the lost generation is of immense interest to me and this book is a true representation of the era. McLain has done a superb job of weaving a complex life's story out of scanty facts about Hemingway's first wife, Hadley. I believe her expansion of her subject has been done flawlessly to produce an engaging read sure to excite all devotees of both Hemingway and the lost generation. "
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Amanda | 1/24/2014
" So this is a tough one to rate. I hated the characters, they made me incredibly mad. However perhaps that is a reflection on the author herself, who could elicit such emotion out of me when reading the book. It was well done but I couldn't stand the people or their actions, perhaps if there had been one character I did like, it would of been more bearable. "
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Audrey | 1/24/2014
" I read this book because the author was coming to Pittsburgh for a literary event that I bought tickets to. She is a wonderful speaker and I really enjoyed the event. I also enjoyed the book. My heart ached for Hadley and Ms. McLain was able to make you feel for her. She was strong and practical when everyone else was not. She knew what she wanted and was willing to do what it took for her own happiness. EH was a beast who did not deserve her. And her "best friend" Pauline was scandalous. No one needs friends like that. I never do spoilers so you will have to read it for yourself. I will read more by Paula McLain. "
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Felisa | 1/19/2014
" Liked it - not my favorite but glad I read it. "
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Janice Shepard | 1/15/2014
" An interesting enough story...it made me think about how fragile and tenuous relationships can be. I wanted to give Hadley a backbone! "
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Donni | 1/11/2014
" If you love Hemminway you will like this book! Gives you an insight as to his subject matter in his first books and his complicated relationships with women and literary friends. Good read!! "
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Lshanna | 1/4/2014
" I loved this-- excellent history, embellished with great details. "
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Amanda | 1/3/2014
" Had this book on my To Read shelves for quite some time. I'm not sure why I waited so long. I found this book lovely and well written. "
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Alyssa | 12/15/2013
" I liked the writing, and loved the descriptions of 1920s Paris, but the main character really frustrated me - she was such a doormat. "
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Mandy | 12/13/2013
" Finding it very hard to finish this book....I expected better writing. I had to skip through multiple dialogue text, because I couldn't stand to read one more "he said, she said" line. "
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Amy | 12/11/2013
" I felt very connected reading this story and I don't always get this gift from the author. I was captured by her rich details and enjoyed each page. "
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Amanda | 12/9/2013
" Excellent book. But after reading what a sorry cheating excuse of a husband he was i will definitely never read a Hemingway book. Sorry. But no. "
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Chantal | 7/10/2013
" I forgot I wasn't reading an autobiography, MacLaine writes with such conviction. "
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Janet Dunnagan | 6/17/2013
" Loved this book! Just loved it! My fav books are those that I can disappear into and lose myself for a few hours...this was one of those! "
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Patsey Reilly | 5/26/2013
" I liked this book as I got further into it. Learned a lot about Ernest Hemingway, his first wife, and life in Paris in the 1920's. I cannot believe they could function with all the drinking they did! "
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Ruth Parker | 3/22/2013
" I really enjoyed this book because so much history was in there. Hemingway, Fitsggerald, and other famous writers were all part of the book. I learned a lot I did not know about Hemingway. There was also a good story behing the history. "
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Lynne | 12/17/2012
" I loved this book. Great audio. I never knew anything about young Ernest Hemingway. Beautifully written book. "
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Nadia Khawaja | 8/16/2012
" This piece of historical fiction is very well done; keeps you interested and motivated; loved it "
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Anita | 7/2/2012
" Really enjoyed this look at Hemingway's early days in Paris. The author's use of Hadley, his first wife, as a narrative lens allows a new perspective on him. "
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Mallory Scott Whitehouse | 6/9/2012
" One of my favorite books from the past 5 years. I've read it twice. I love it. "
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Karen | 5/26/2012
" It was fun to read for the personal connections to Oak Park, Petosky, Walloon and Key West. All in all, an interesting story. "
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Joanne | 12/10/2011
" Loved the story and the almost real life story. "
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Tammy Caporale | 10/26/2011
" Great love story and enjoyed learning more about Hemingway's early years. "
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Fran | 10/8/2011
" A fascinating story based on the first wife of Ernest Hemingway. A great read. "
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Beth | 10/7/2011
" There are some lovely moments of brilliance in this book that I adored. At other times I wanted a bit faster pace. I would have given this 3.5 stars and would recommend for a holiday/travel read. Fast, engaging with a main character I really liked as well as how the author wrote her voice. "
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Marie | 8/23/2011
" I liked it more than I thought I would. I liked Hadley, and the writing was good. 3 1/2 "
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Brittany | 6/30/2011
" This book was wonderful. I loved the story and the historical figures and getting to see how their love began and grew and then eventually failed. I thought this book was well written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. "
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Rosie | 6/2/2011
" A great historical novel about authors and arists in the early 1900's. A poignant love story, made sadder by knowing the history of it all. Definitely a good read. It prompted me to look for some old Hemingway writing to download to my Kindle.
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Ellie | 6/1/2011
" A compelling story. Interesting historical perspective.
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Gina | 6/1/2011
" Read it in one afternoon, so that should tell you a lot :)
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Linda | 5/31/2011
" I was expecting more.However the book was still good
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Diane | 5/30/2011
" It gave a different perspective on Hemingway's life.
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Ilona | 5/30/2011
" Saaaad... and reinforces Hemingway's legacy as a misogynistic prick.
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Quinn | 5/30/2011
" Good historical fiction based upon real life of Earnest Hemmingway and first wife Hadley.
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Sue | 5/30/2011
" Really liked this book - about Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley. Takes place in the 1920's.
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Val | 5/30/2011
" This book is told from the point of view of Ernest Hemingway's first wife. I always enjoy these fictional biographies, especially when they explore what may have been going through the mind of those who are considered a side-note to someone famous.
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Carol | 5/29/2011
" Loved this book....made me look up all the real people mentioned. Hemingway, though brilliant is a sad individual and they seemed unlikely as a couple, but their lives together were certainly filled with lots of partying and love in the early years.
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