This is not my favorite work by Simmons, but it is still a good read.

He delves into the incredible true story of how Ernest Hemingway, while residing in Cuba in 1942, assembled a motley spy group for the war effort. From this starting point, he extrapolates and weaves an engaging narrative.

In the afterword, Simmons provides us with valuable insights, revealing which elements of the story were factual. Surprisingly, it turns out that a significant portion of it is based on real events, much more than one might initially anticipate.

This not only adds an element of authenticity to the story but also makes it all the more fascinating. It gives readers a unique perspective on Hemingway's life during that time and the role he played in the war.

Overall, despite not being my top pick by Simmons, this book offers an interesting and thought-provoking read.

This is an outstanding piece of historical fiction.

It is based on the renowned author Ernest Hemingway's endeavors to foil Nazi spies in Cuba, where he resided. In April 1942, he reached out to the American ambassador in Havana and offered his services voluntarily. Hemingway was given the go-ahead, and he proceeded with a somewhat unorganized group of amateur counterspies.

They engage in numerous actions and, in the process, disrupt the Nazi spy ring. J Edgar Hoover, Marlene Dietrich, Ingrid Bergman, and Gary Cooper make appearances. Also showing up is the British spy, Ian Fleming, who later created the character James Bond, also known as 007.

Here is the most remarkable part: THE AUTHOR CLAIMS THAT 95% OF THE BOOK IS TRUE! This adds an extra layer of intrigue and authenticity to the story, making it a captivating read for those interested in history, espionage, and the life of Ernest Hemingway.

Ernest Hemingway as the leader of a Cold War espionage ring in Cuba? You betcha, and it's a great story!

Guns, testosterone, liquor, women, action, and grown men acting like fools - it's a wild and exciting ride from start to finish.

By the way, although the events of this novel are fictional, they do have a basis in fact. Hemingway reportedly led some kind of amateur naval surveillance crew off the coast of Cuba during World War II.

This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, as we can imagine the great writer himself involved in dangerous and secret operations.

Perhaps Hemingway's experiences during the war inspired him to create this fictional espionage ring, or maybe he simply used it as a backdrop for a thrilling adventure.

Either way, the idea of Hemingway as a spy is both fascinating and entertaining, and it makes for a great read.

A good read indeed.

Simmons has masterfully interwoven fact, fiction, and probabilities in this captivating adventure that stars none other than Ernest Hemingway.

The way he combines real historical events with fictional elements and the exploration of various probabilities makes for a truly engaging and unique narrative.

It takes the reader on a thrilling journey through Hemingway's life and experiences, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The author's attention to detail and his ability to bring the characters and settings to life is truly remarkable.

This book is not only a great adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of history, literature, and the human mind.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read that challenges their perception and takes them on an unforgettable journey.