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Papa Hemingway

a.e. hotchner

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Between 1948 and 1961, Earnest Hemingway and A. E. Hotchner traveled together from New York to Paris to Spain, fished the waters off Cuba, hunted in Idaho, and ran with the bulls in Pamplona. And everywhere they talked. For 14 years, Hotchner and Hemingway shared a conversation. Hemingway reminisced about his childhood, recalled the Paris literary scene in the twenties, remembered his early years as a writer, and recounted the real events that lay behind his fiction. And Hotchner took it all down. His notes on the many occasions he spent with his friend Papa - in Venice and Rome, in Key West, on the Riviera, in Ketchum, Idaho, where Hemingway died by his own hand in 1961 - provide the material for this utterly truthful, profoundly compassionate bestselling memoir of the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. What emerges is an extraordinary portrait of a great writer who had, and determined, the time of his life.

381 pages, Broché

First published January 1,1955

This edition

Format
381 pages, Broché
Published
January 1, 1966 by Mercure de France
ISBN
ASIN
B0000BROMC
Language
French

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About the author

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a.e. hotchner

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Aaron Edward Hotchner was an American editor, novelist, playwright, and biographer. He wrote many television screenplays as well as a biography of Ernest Hemingway. He co-founded with Paul Newman the charity food company Newman's Own.

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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews All reviews
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StaminaRose
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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In spring, Cosmopolitan sent A.E. Hotchner to Cuba.

His task was to persuade Ernest Hemingway to write an article for the magazine. For Hotchner, this trip was more than just a business trip. It was the opportunity to get to know his idol. Surely, he didn't expect to find a friend in the writer.

The way to Hemingway's affection leads through a bar. There, huge cocktails are drunk, Hotchner is introduced to some of Hemingway's friends and is well received. After that, he had a friend for life.

Although it may seem superficial how Ernest Hemingway chooses his friends, he shows a good touch in doing so. To me, it doesn't seem as if he is being used by his friends. He is generous and the center of every social gathering. Often, his parties get out of hand. Nevertheless, no one ever seems to be angry with him because there is no better advertisement than him. So people adorn themselves with him and he with them. In some ways, Hemingway's friends seem to me like a "Who's Who" of his time.

A.E. Hotchner describes Hemingway's life as some people imagine a "real man's life": fishing, hunting, alcohol and of course women, and not always his own. All of this seemingly without consequences. People call him Papa Hemingway, equally out of friendship and respect.

But there is also another side to Hemingway. The side that doesn't cope with fame. The side that can't bear that his body will one day no longer keep up. A.E. Hotchner describes how the strong lion becomes an old man who no longer wants to live like that.

It is not a biography in the usual sense. Rather, it is the story of a friendship.
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One_Esper
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It seemed like an excessive amount of baloney. I stopped truly enjoying anything right in the middle. And I knew that within just a few pages, I wouldn't have any interest in it. Hotchner states that he is aware that Hemingway was in a great deal of pain and wasn't his usual self following a double plane accident. Then he proceeds to tell a story about Hemingway seizing a bucking calf by the horns and everyone gushing over his muscles. It's just a wreck of a fluff piece.

This description makes it clear that the content being discussed is lacking in substance and fails to engage the reader on a deeper level. The mention of Hemingway's pain and the anecdote about the calf seem out of place and don't contribute to a meaningful narrative. Overall, it comes across as a rather unimpressive and forgettable piece of writing.

Perhaps if the author had focused on more relevant aspects of Hemingway's life or provided a more in-depth analysis of his work, it would have been a more engaging read. As it stands, it's just a collection of random thoughts and anecdotes that don't amount to much.

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Pinkbismuth
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Though I haven't read a great deal of Hemingway's works, my visit to his home in Key West was truly a meaningful experience for me.

As I walked through the rooms, I could sense the essence of the man who had lived there. I loved delving deeper into his personality and getting a better understanding of the kind of person he was.

The perspective of the author, who was one of his lifelong good buds, added an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the whole experience. It was fascinating to hear about Hemingway from someone who knew him so well and had shared many memories with him.

This visit made me realize that there is so much more to an author than just the words on the page. By seeing where he lived and learning about his life, I felt a closer connection to his work and a greater appreciation for his talent.

I look forward to reading more of Hemingway's books and continuing to explore the world he created.
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haruna_ackerman
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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In 1948, A.E. Hotchner was dispatched from New York to Havana by Cosmopolitan Magazine to do a story on Hemingway. Hotchner was in awe of the famous writer and initially tried to dodge the assignment. However, it didn't work out. Even as he was intimidated by the thought of how Hemingway might dismiss him without a hint of a story, he summoned up his courage and initiated the first contact.


To Hotchner's dismay, from their first meeting at the Floridita Bar in Havana, the two connected. A true friendship ensued. Hotchner traveled to Cuba at least once a year and they communicated frequently by letter, wire, and phone. Papa Hemingway called him Hotch and Hotch was as close to Papa as anyone. During their general conversations, apparently very few subjects were off limits. Most of Papa's personal problems were discussed, and he even talked about some of his writing techniques.


Travel was a significant part of Hemingway's life. He regularly visited New York, Paris, Madrid, Key West, and Ketchum, Idaho. Spain was his favorite destination, and the Spanish lifestyle was reflected in his writing, from 'The Sun Also Rises' to various short stories.


There was no single thing in this book that defined the Hotchner-Hemingway relationship, unless one considers brotherly love. That kindness is fully on display toward the end as Hotchner describes Hemingway's mental path to self-destruction.


'Papa Hemingway' is a must-read human tragedy that offers a unique insight into the life and mind of one of the greatest American writers.
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_Redo_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This memoir begins at a rather leisurely pace, but as it progresses, it gradually becomes truly captivating and riveting by the conclusion. Hemingway is indeed a name that is synonymous with adventure, and this is no exaggeration.

Interestingly, this memoir only encompasses the last 14 years of his life. I was truly amazed at the sheer volume of events and activities that were taking place during this relatively short period. Although none of his passions, such as hunting, bullfighting, and boxing, are shared by me, it was still incredibly fascinating to listen to the accounts of his life and his unique lifestyle.

The build-up to the end of the memoir is hauntingly and heartbreakingly poignant. It leaves a lasting impression on the reader. I am really glad that I took the time to read this remarkable piece of work. It provides a unique insight into the mind and life of one of the most iconic literary figures of the 20th century.
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tsundereputa
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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"Every man meets the same end - he said then - only the details of his life and death distinguish individual men."

Ernest Hemingway, stop making me cry in the end, for fuck's sake.

Aaron Hotchner presents notes and memories from his days spent beside Ernest Hemingway.

Even though Ernest Hemingway is one of my favorite people who have ever existed and my idol, since August I have had a certain block when reaching for his works. I had read "How It Was" by Mary Welsh and although the book was very much to my liking, it was, however, a painful and brutally honest account, especially about Hemingway's condition, and this suffering somehow overshadowed my perspective and muddled my thoughts.

Hotchner's publication has a similar character and, as I already mentioned at the beginning, I cried over the last about 20 pages. However, it is also a different perspective and a more... humorous? reading? There is a lot of Ernest's laughter, his crazy ideas and jokes in it, for example, making Hotchner an assistant toreador. There are also memories of Scott Fitzgerald, which I had dreamed of. I don't set books against each other, but I think Aaron's story allowed me to regain my balance. It was charming and full of love.

And... just as I love "The Sun Also Rises", now it is again difficult for me to accept what its cost was.

It's a great story, what can I deny?

PS.

No one I knew then considered themselves a member of the lost generation or even heard such a term. And there were quite a few of us.

This article delves into the complex relationship the author has with Ernest Hemingway's works. Despite being a huge fan, the author experienced a block after reading Mary Welsh's "How It Was" due to its painful portrayal of Hemingway's state. Hotchner's publication offers a different perspective, with a mix of humor and love, yet still brings up difficult emotions. The author reflects on the cost of loving Hemingway's works, like "The Sun Also Rises". The PS adds an interesting note about the perception of the "lost generation" among those the author knew at the time. Overall, it's a personal and thought-provoking exploration of the impact of Hemingway's life and works on the author.
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Mayu-chan37
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is my first encounter with a book by this particular author. It gives the impression of being a biography of Hemingway, yet it is written in such a distinct manner that every single page holds great interest. The reason for this lies in the fact that the author was actually there, which is why it falls into the memoir genre.

Before delving into this book, my knowledge of Hemingway was rather limited, having only read a couple of his short stories. However, after this intimate and personal exploration of the man, I am now eager to read more of his works, as well as those of the author.

As a writer myself, I found it extremely encouraging and comforting to read about the struggles of an author who was considered a god in his time. From the amount of time it took him to write his books, to his self-doubts, numerous rewrites, and self-edits, it provided a valuable insight into the creative process.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for writing and desires to know more about Hemingway. It offers a unique perspective and is truly a captivating read.
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SNaG21
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Bio by friend & confidant, Hotch.

Hotch read it before in 2017. It is much more flattering than Mary Dearborn’s telling.

The documents cover EH from the time Hotch & Ernest meet until his paranoid depression, shock treatments, and final suicide.

He was a consummate man’s man who lived life to the fullest and whose literary output was acclaimed during his lifetime.

However, none of the discussion about the self-aggrandizing lying or other personality quirks and dirty laundry is included.

Overall, it is a much more fun read. 3.5***

This bio provides a different perspective on EH compared to other accounts. It focuses on the positive aspects of his life and career, painting a more favorable picture.

While it may lack some of the details about his flaws and personal issues, it still offers an interesting and engaging read.

Readers who are interested in EH and his work may find this bio to be a valuable addition to their collection.

It gives them a chance to see a different side of the man and understand more about his personality and character.

Overall, it is a well-written and enjoyable bio that is worth checking out.
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