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GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

February 18, 2011 By Mary

Description

A deeply evocative story of ambition and betrayal, The Paris Wife captures a remarkable period of time and a love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.

Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway and her life changes forever. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill prepared for the hard-drinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy. Surrounded by beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.

A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.

About the Author

Paula McLain received her M.F.A. in poetry from the University of Michigan and has been awarded fellowships from Yaddo, the MacDowell Colony, and the National Endowment for the Arts. She is the author of two collections of poetry; a memoir, Like Family: Growing Up in Other People’s Houses; and a first novel, A Ticket to Ride. She lives in Cleveland with her family.

Details

  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books (February 22, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0345521307
  • ISBN-13: 978-0345521309

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

I was never a fan of Hemingway, but have always intrigued by his larger than life personality.  Paula McLain has weaved a wondrous blend of fact and fiction to bring the story behind Hemingway’s first wife and love Elizabeth Hadley Richardson.  If you look at pictures of Hadley from her youth, you can see her looks very clearly in her granddaughters, Mariel and Margaux.  I imagine she must have been stunning with an amazing personality and sense of humor to capture Hemingway’s heart so thoroughly.  McLain’s theorizes these ideas fully in this fictional account of their romance based on letters, written accounts and Hemingway’s story, The Sun Also Rises, based on his own experiences.

This book is for anyone looking to revisit The Cafe Society in Paris during the 1920’s.  I got the feeling that while Hadley loved her husband dearly, she didn’t really fit in with Cafe society since the lax morals didn’t suit her upbringing.  It is fascinating to read how she dealt with Hemingway’s affairs and the fact that he brought his soon to be mistress, Pauline, into his home life.  Hemingway must have been like a rock start in that world.  It must have been amazing to live through such a time period.

I am such a huge fan of books like this, that take fact and work out the details so a story can unfold.  It reminded me of Loving Frank by Nancy Horan which I adored.  It even makes me want to go back and reread Hemingway’s work.  Of course, this story couldn’t have been written without the famous characters and it is a fascinating romantic tale. I received this book from the publisher at no expense in exchange for my honest review.

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone with a US mailing addresses (no PO Boxes)

Contest ends on 3.4.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 3.5.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by  Ballantine Books and up to five copies of the book will be available.
Only one winner per household address!

Complete the below form
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Comments

  1. Zoë says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    I just read this and I have a review coming myself next week. Although I can appreciate your perspective I was ultimately disappointed by the book… it just felt too much like a biography with dialogue and not truly the novel I was craving, with all the heart that implies.

  2. holdenj says

    February 18, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    I thought Paula’s Q&A at her website about the book was very interesting. And her comments about Hadley referring to herself as Victorian vs. modern, especially in the 20’s, is a very interesting detail of her character.

  3. holdenj says

    February 18, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    I just read a review for this in EW as well, it looks like a book I’d really like. Thanks for the info and chance to win!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  4. llevinso says

    February 18, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    Hmm, I’m torn on this book because I really really dislike Hemingway, and I don’t mean as an author.

  5. Bethie says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    I am not a fan either. But I think this story would be interesting.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  6. nicolesender says

    February 19, 2011 at 9:13 am

    Daily entry
    2/19
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  7. holdenj says

    February 19, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I saw that Horan did a quote for the book at the website. We should talk about Loving Frank sometime!
    Daily entry 2/19. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  8. Bingo says

    February 19, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    I like that this book has info for book clubs on its site

    kdhaney at gmail dot com

  9. Rosita says

    February 19, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    Sign me up, please!
    rosita dot p dot mariani at gmail dot com

  10. Rosita says

    February 19, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    I found the discussion about Fact vs. Fiction on the book’s website fascinating.
    rosita dot p dot mariani at gmail dot com

  11. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog says

    February 20, 2011 at 5:05 am

    This book looks great, i’m so fascinated by this time period. i went to her site and i absolutely loved the photo gallery. thank you for the contest!

  12. holdenj says

    February 20, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Daily entry 2/20. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  13. Carol W. says

    February 20, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    I found the timeline of Hemingway’s life very informative.

    wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

  14. Rosita says

    February 21, 2011 at 1:53 am

    In for today!
    rosita dot p dot mariani at gmail dot com
    daily entry
    02.20

  15. nicolesender says

    February 21, 2011 at 5:50 am

    daily entry
    2/20
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  16. holdenj says

    February 21, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    I always like A Moveable Feast, found it more accessible to me than fishing stories.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  17. Bethie says

    February 22, 2011 at 3:29 am

    Daily Entry 2/21

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  18. Bethie says

    February 22, 2011 at 3:29 am

    Daily Entry 2/21

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  19. nicolesender says

    February 22, 2011 at 5:57 am

    daily entry
    2/21
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  20. Matthew & Vallyn Willden says

    February 22, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    Looking at the website just makes me want to read this book more.

  21. nicolesender says

    February 22, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    daily entry
    2/22
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  22. Bethie says

    February 22, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Daily Entry 2/22

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  23. holdenj says

    February 22, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Daily entry 2/22. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  24. Rosita says

    February 23, 2011 at 12:46 am

    Count me in for today.

    rosita dot p dot mariani at gmail dot com
    Daily entry for Feb. 22nd

  25. Patty says

    February 23, 2011 at 1:02 am

    I agree completely with Paula McLain that the time she writes about in The Paris Wife, Paris in the Twenties, is a completely fascinating time. It must have been a daunting but also very satisfying task to immerse herself in that amazing era.

    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com

  26. Patty says

    February 23, 2011 at 1:03 am

    Daily entry 2.22
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com

  27. Anonymous says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:52 am

    I’m a big fan of Hemingway and I really got a kick out of seeing the photos that the author posted of him on her website.

    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  28. Anonymous says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:59 am

    Daily entry for 02.22
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  29. nicolesender says

    February 23, 2011 at 9:32 am

    daily entry
    2/23
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  30. holdenj says

    February 23, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    Daily entry 2/23. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  31. Bethie says

    February 23, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    Daily Entry 2/23

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  32. Patty says

    February 24, 2011 at 1:11 am

    Count me in for today.
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com
    Daily entry Feb. 23rd

  33. Anonymous says

    February 24, 2011 at 1:12 am

    Daily comment: 02.23
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  34. Rosita says

    February 24, 2011 at 1:40 am

    My fingers are crossed!
    Daily Entry for 2/23
    rosita dot p dot mariani dot esq at gmail

  35. Susan says

    February 24, 2011 at 6:36 am

    When I was in my 20s, I read all of Hemingway’s books. I was in awe of his brilliant writing. This book, I believe will bring back good memories of when I read Hemingway.

    susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  36. holdenj says

    February 24, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Daily entry 2/24. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  37. Bethie says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    Daily Entry 2/24

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  38. Patty says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:53 am

    Would love to win this.
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com
    Daily Entry for Feb. 24th

  39. Anonymous says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:55 am

    Comment for today:
    2/24
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  40. Rosita says

    February 25, 2011 at 2:05 am

    02.24
    Daily entry
    Fingers crossed for today!
    rosita dot p dot mariani at gmail dot com

  41. nicolesender says

    February 25, 2011 at 3:11 am

    daily entry
    2/24
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  42. holdenj says

    February 25, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Daily entry 2/25. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  43. Bethie says

    February 25, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    Daily Entry 2/25

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  44. nicolesender says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    daily entry
    2/25
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  45. Rosita says

    February 25, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    Fingers crossed for this one!
    rosita dot p dot mariani at gmail dot com
    Daily Entry
    Feb. 25th

  46. Patty says

    February 26, 2011 at 1:44 am

    Thanks for the chance to win this.
    Daily entry for Feb. 25
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com

  47. Anonymous says

    February 26, 2011 at 1:45 am

    Count this big Hemingway fan in for today.
    Daily entry comment: 02/25
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  48. holdenj says

    February 26, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Daily entry 2/26. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  49. Anonymous says

    February 26, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    I think this book would be a great way to learn more about this part of Hemingway’s life.
    Tony rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Daily comment for 02/28

  50. Patty says

    February 26, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    Looks like a fascinating book.
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com
    Daily entry: Feb. 26th

  51. Rosita says

    February 27, 2011 at 12:32 am

    Daily entry: 2.26
    My fingers are crossed!
    rosita dot p dot mariani[at]gmail dot com

  52. nicolesender says

    February 27, 2011 at 5:45 am

    daily entry
    2/26
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  53. Patty says

    February 27, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    I’m in for today.
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com
    Daily entry: Feb. 27th

  54. holdenj says

    February 27, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    Daily entry 2/27. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  55. Bethie says

    February 28, 2011 at 12:17 am

    Daily Entry 2/27

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  56. Anonymous says

    February 28, 2011 at 12:23 am

    Sounds like a terrific examination of Papa’s expat life in Paris.
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com
    daily comment for 02/27

  57. Rosita says

    February 28, 2011 at 12:57 am

    Fingers crossed for this one.
    Daily entry: 2/27
    rosita dot p dot mariani[at[gmail dot com

  58. nicolesender says

    February 28, 2011 at 6:06 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  59. nicolesender says

    February 28, 2011 at 6:09 am

    daily entry
    2/27
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  60. Rosita says

    February 28, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    Fingers still crossed. Hope you pick me!
    rosita dot p dot mariani[at]gmail dot com
    daily entry 2.28

  61. holdenj says

    February 28, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Daily entry 2/28. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  62. Anonymous says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:08 am

    Daily comment for 02/28
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  63. Patty says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:09 am

    In for today.
    Feb 28th
    patricia dot mariani dot esq[at[gmail dot com

  64. nicolesender says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:38 am

    daily entry
    2/28
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  65. Patty says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    In for today.
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com
    Daily entry for March 1st

  66. holdenj says

    March 1, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Daily entry 3/1. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  67. Rosita says

    March 2, 2011 at 2:18 am

    Fingers crossed for today!
    3/1
    Daily entry
    rosita dot p dot mariani[at]gmail.com

  68. Anonymous says

    March 2, 2011 at 3:47 am

    This Hemingway fan would really like to win.
    Daily comment for 03.01
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  69. nicolesender says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:11 am

    daily entry
    3/1
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  70. Rosita says

    March 2, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    In for today.
    rosita dot p dot mariani[at]gmail dot com
    daily entry 3/02

  71. Bethie says

    March 2, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Daily Entry 3/2

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  72. Anonymous says

    March 2, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    Daily Hemingway fan comment for today 3.2
    Tony
    rositatony[at]yahoo[dot]com

  73. holdenj says

    March 2, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    Daily entry 3/2. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  74. nicolesender says

    March 2, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    daily entry
    3/2
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  75. Patty says

    March 3, 2011 at 1:23 am

    Would love to win this one.
    daily entry
    march 2nd
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com

  76. Patty says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    In for today.
    Daily entry
    March 3rd
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com

  77. Anonymous says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Count this Hemingway fan in.
    Today’s comment, 03.03
    Tony rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  78. holdenj says

    March 3, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Daily entry 3/3. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  79. Rosita says

    March 4, 2011 at 1:36 am

    Thanks for the giveaway.
    daily entry 3/3
    rosita dot p dot mariani dot at gmail dot com

  80. nicolesender says

    March 4, 2011 at 2:56 am

    daily entry
    3/3
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  81. Bethie says

    March 4, 2011 at 3:40 am

    Daily Entry 3/3

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  82. Patty says

    March 4, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Want to win.
    patricia dot mariani dot esq at gmail dot com
    March 4th
    Daily entry

  83. Rosita says

    March 4, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    Daily entry
    03/04
    Fingers crossed for today!
    rosita dot p dot mariani [at] gmail dot com

  84. Anonymous says

    March 4, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Just remembered this morning that Hemingway would sometimes stop writing midsentence. He said it was a great way to ensure that he picked up his writing with the same amount of intensity the next day.
    Daily comment for 3.04
    Tony
    rositatony(at)yahoo(dot)com

  85. nicolesender says

    March 5, 2011 at 6:15 am

    daily entry
    3/4
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

  86. Peppermint says

    March 5, 2011 at 7:06 am

    Daily Entry – March 4th

    -Danah
    icrave13@hotmail.com

  87. Mary (BookHounds) says

    March 5, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    JESSICA — frellathon

    TONY — rositatony

    JULIA — JHolden955
    An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam). The winner(s) has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

    Thanks to all who entered.

    PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

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