This biography is not only detailed but also highly enjoyable to read.

It provides a comprehensive look into the life and times of the subject, offering a wealth of information that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow along and understand the various events and experiences that shaped the subject's life.

Each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a seamless narrative that draws the reader in and makes them eager to learn more.

Overall, this is an excellent continuation of a very detailed biography that is sure to please fans of the genre and anyone interested in learning more about the subject.

It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-written and informative biographies.

2 stars
MY REVIEW HAS BEEN REVISED AFTER COMPLETING THE BOOK

Reynolds' biography of Hemingway leans more towards an analysis of his written works rather than a deep exploration of his inner self. This volume, the second in Reynold's series on Hemingway, focuses on the years 1922 - 1926. It is mainly set in Paris, but also touches on Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Austria. In 1924, Hemingway started to gain acclaim. The book details his marriage to Hadley and his growing attraction to Pauline, who would become his next wife. It also covers the birth of his son and his years as a reporter for The Toronto Star and Hearst. He was in Turkey during the fire and catastrophe in Smyrna, where he missed the actual events but heard others' accounts. He was an observant listener, as always. I found the coverage of these historical events more engaging than other parts of the book. Hemingway aimed to be a fiction writer, which is the main emphasis here. The book primarily explores his friendship with the members of the Lost Generation in Paris in the 20s.

The main focus is on what Hemingway wrote during this period. One must be well-versed in his works. A chapter might begin by relating what one of his fictional characters is thinking or doing, which can be confusing. The reader has to quickly recognize Hemingway's fictional characters, especially since they are often based on real people. Just as Hemingway fictionalized real events, this biography blends fact and fiction.

As a literary analysis of his writing and his path to recognition, the book delves into the details of his writing and publishing contracts. Perhaps it is most beneficial for budding authors seeking guidelines on writing techniques, as it shows what Hemingway learned from others.

The book presents more of what Hemingway did rather than what he thought. The reader observes his actions and choices. I still appreciate Hemingway's writing but do not admire him as a person. This has nothing to do with his love for bullfighting. At least in the first book, there was some exploration of why he was drawn to this practice. In this second book, the focus is on how he became a writer. While I like Hemingway's writing style, dissecting every aspect of his books makes the magic fade.

I was not satisfied with the presentation of Hemingway's conversion to the Catholic faith or his changed feelings for Hadley. I couldn't understand his thought process, so I couldn't empathize with him.

There is a significant amount of repetition within this second book and from the previous one. The excessive repetition was really annoying.

You do learn a bit about Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Sylvia Beach.

I will not continue this series. I don't like Reynold's focus or his presentation of the facts. I get the impression he is trying to imitate Hemingway's style, but it doesn't work. The extremely rapid narration of the audiobook by Allen O'Reilly also made the reading experience less enjoyable.

I have learned about Hemingway, but I like him less. This is who he was, what he did, and what he said. You can like an author's work but not the author himself. I'm glad I know him better, but for now, I've had enough of Hemingway!

My view on the first book of the series may be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I just completely adore him.

After visiting Key West, I have discovered that I have an intense desire to read more about his life.

Specifically, I am intrigued by how he interacted with the other great artists of the early 20th century in Europe during that time period.

It would be fascinating to learn about the conversations they had, the ideas they shared, and the influence they had on each other's work.

I can only imagine the creative energy that must have been present in those artistic circles.

By delving deeper into his life and his interactions with these other artists, I hope to gain a better understanding of his art and the context in which it was created.

Perhaps I will uncover some new and interesting details that will further enhance my appreciation for his work.

I am truly excited to embark on this literary journey and explore the life of this remarkable artist.

If you are someone who desires to embark on a five-part biography of Ernest Hemingway or wishes to obtain some extra information after perusing 'A Movable Feast', then this particular work will surely not disappoint.

It is an extremely detailed and captivating book that delves into the origins of Ernest Hemingway during the post-war years.

The author has painstakingly researched and presented a wealth of information about Hemingway's life, experiences, and the events that shaped him during this crucial period.

From his early days to his rise as a literary icon, every aspect is explored with great depth and precision.

Whether you are a die-hard Hemingway fan or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable writer, this book is a must-read. It offers a unique perspective and provides valuable insights into the man behind the masterpieces.

What a wonderful time it is to have lived in Paris!

Paris is a city that is filled with countless interesting and eccentric people. It is a place where you can meet individuals from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories and personalities.

Whether you are strolling along the Champs-Élysées, sitting in a café in Montmartre, or exploring the Louvre, you are bound to come across some truly fascinating characters.

From artists and writers to musicians and actors, Paris has always been a haven for the creative and the unconventional.

The city's rich history and vibrant culture have attracted people from all over the world, making it a melting pot of different ideas and perspectives.

Living in Paris allows you to immerse yourself in this diverse and exciting community, and to form lasting friendships with some truly remarkable individuals.

It is a place where you can expand your horizons, learn new things, and have experiences that you will never forget.

So if you ever have the opportunity to live in Paris, don't hesitate. Embrace the city and all that it has to offer, and enjoy the company of its many interesting and eccentric folks.

What an incredibly fascinating and detailed book! It is not only enjoyable but also mind-boggling.

One can't help but wonder how the writer managed to get so deep into Hemingway's mind and psyche. It feels as if you are right beside Hemingway, experiencing his days in Paris and Europe during those life-altering years.

Reynolds also provides some astounding letters and correspondence. I was sometimes amazed at the remarkable resources he had at his disposal.

To his credit, he doesn't hold back in revealing Hemingway's flaws, such as misogyny, anti-Semitism, jealousy, and his various betrayals of his wife, friends, mentors, and supporters.

There is a paragraph that shows Hemingway's different ways of presenting the same facts in two different letters, one to his parents and the other to a male friend. When I read the sentence "John Dos Passos and I may go down to the Riff together," the background given made me intuitively feel that he was trying to hide an upcoming liaison with Pauline Pfeiffer.

I really liked his take on Pfeiffer's creepy behavior, and at the same time, he easily showed the factors in Hemingway's marriage to Hadley that led to their split.

He also, in very few words, touched on the dangerous influence of people like Gerald and Sara Murphy, which he will probably explore further in the next volume.

Near the end of the book, there are some stunning passages that detail the creative processes behind The Sun Also Rises. I was able to sympathize with his commitment and discipline when writing, and I better understood the thinking and attitudes that made him such a groundbreaking writer.

I read this book word for word, leisurely, over a period of three months, treating the reading time as little mini-vacations. I would go out to my balcony, close the door behind me, and surrender to the feeling of being transported back to that magical time in history. Reynolds made it so real and did it so well.

On the other hand, much of it may well be just conjecture on his part. But either way, it's a remarkable book.

This is the second volume of Michael Reynolds' multi-part biography of Ernest Hemingway, and it is truly a brilliant read.

It delves into Hemingway's years in Paris, taking the reader on a journey from his early days as an unpublished and aspiring writer to the creation of his first full-length novel, The Sun Also Rises. The research and detail in this book are extremely impressive, covering Hemingway's activities almost on a daily basis. There are abundant references to the people and events that served as inspiration for his fiction.

Many major literary figures make an appearance here, such as Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, Sherwood Anderson, F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, and others.

Despite being set in the 1920s, the book has a remarkable immediacy that is seldom found in biographies. Thanks to Reynolds' generous inclusion of geographic and historical details, the reader feels as if they are right there with Hemingway and the others. He alludes to world events, current literature, cultural matters, and, of course, bullfighting, painting a vivid and clear picture of the era he writes about.

Reynolds also conducts a close study of Hemingway's character. He examines his marriage and other relationships with women, his connection with his family back in Illinois, his interactions with other writers, and his clashes with editors and publishers.

In conclusion, this is an excellent book that comes highly recommended.

A good insight into young Hemingway is provided, taking us on a journey from his growing depression to his discovery of his own unique voice, and even delving into his petty resentments and jealousies.

Moreover, it is also useful as a glimpse into the Left Bank of the 1920s. By 1924, the golden age of this area was already fading under the pressure of tourists from Peoria.

Hemingway was far from an overnight success. In fact, his first book took a year to sell approximately 20 copies. However, Reynolds does an excellent job of guiding us through Hemingway's most crucial years.

This work is highly recommended for anyone who has an appreciation for Hemingway and the Lost Generation. It offers a detailed and engaging look into the life and times of one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century.

Whether you are a die-hard Hemingway fan or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating era, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and entertainment.

This is an excellent biography of Hemingway's years in Paris. Reynolds has truly delved into all the available information. Where possible, he even presents Hemingway's life from a daily perspective. I absolutely adored reading this. I'm certain that anyone who loves Lost Generation fiction and lifestyle will be as impressed as I was. While this biography may not surpass Hemingway's own "A Movable Feast" in covering and describing Paris, it does offer additional details and insights into the aspects covered by Hemingway's memoirs, and perhaps more honestly. In any case, if you have a passion for the 1920s, you'll love this book. It's not just about Hemingway's life; it also provides significant details about his involvement with Ford Madox, Gertrude Stein, and many other iconic 1920s writers. Additionally, numerous art celebrities make their way into this biography. The final year, when Fitzgerald enters Paris, is excellently covered and described by Reynolds, making it a very enjoyable read. Now that I've completed this, I plan to do a lot of re-reading. Not only "The Sun Also Rises," but also "The Great Gatsby," "Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man," and many more. I have an absolute love for the Lost Generation, and this biography has not only delightfully enhanced the visuals and facts of that era but also rekindled my own thirst for that period of unrestricted artistic pursuit and a good, dangerous, and exciting life.

First and let's get this out of the way.

Yes, Hemingway was a complete bastard to a lot of people. I'm not talking about being politically correct by today's SJW standards. He was a bully and like most bullies this was brought on by his own insecurities.

I've read most everything he wrote and loved most of it. If you're a Hemingway fanboy you will love this book. If not, prepare to discover that one of the 20th centuries greatest writer's was a deeply flawed vindictive ass.

Now that that's settled, I really liked how this book showed how Hemingway developed as a writer. Who his major influences were and how his writing process worked. His personal relationships with the members of the Parisian left bank are all laid out here to be enjoyed by his admirers.

It delves into the details of his early days in Paris, where he rubbed shoulders with some of the most prominent literary and artistic figures of the time.

We learn about his friendships, rivalries, and the experiences that shaped his unique writing style.

The author does a great job of painting a vivid picture of Hemingway's life and times, making it an engaging read for both die-hard fans and those new to his work.

Overall, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind and life of one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

I truly relished this book.

Particularly, I took great delight in reading it subsequent to perusing "A Moveable Feast".

Michael Reynolds delves deep into Hemingway and explores what he was engaged in during his years of residing and penning in Paris.

One can regard it as a companion volume to Hemingway's "A Moveable Feast".

The author's in-depth research and vivid portrayal of Hemingway's life in Paris offer readers a unique perspective.

It allows us to better understand the context and experiences that influenced Hemingway's writing.

Whether you are a die-hard Hemingway fan or simply interested in the literary scene of Paris during that era, this book is definitely worth a read.

It provides valuable insights and enriches our understanding of one of the greatest American writers.

Everything about this biography was of the first rate.

Hemingway, at the suggestion of Sherwood Anderson, made his way to Paris. There, he dedicated himself to honing his personal writing style with great effort.

He also indulged in a fair amount of leisure, living off his wife's money and some newspaper work. During this period, he benefited significantly from the personal tutoring of Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein.

Some individuals compare this book to A Moveable Feast, but I would beg to differ. Mr Reynolds' book is firmly fact-based and is replete with footnotes. The research, structure, and storytelling are all outstanding.

However, I found myself imagining going back to the Paris of those days, seeking out Hemingway, challenging him to a three-round boxing match, and giving him a friendly thrashing in the ring. He could hardly move at all. What a braggart he must have been. I have never been fond of the way he treated his wife, Hadley. She deserved much better.

Anyway, I will always remain a fan of his writing. I believe A Farewell to Arms is an almost flawless novel. I did grow weary of hearing about Hem's Oak Park values in contrast to the more sophisticated "values" of Paris. Really? Give me a break. This truly is a fine biography. Highly recommended.