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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews
July 14,2025
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Fascinating and Tragic



I have always been deeply fascinated with Ernest Hemingway. There is a remarkable similarity in our hobbies. We both have a passion for fishing, which allows us to enjoy the tranquility of nature and the excitement of the catch. Reading is another common interest. Hemingway's works are not only captivating but also offer profound insights into the human condition. Hunting, too, is something we both engage in. It gives us a sense of adventure and a connection with the wild.



However, reading the accounts of his final year was an extremely tragic experience. Hemingway, who had led such a vibrant and eventful life, seemed to be plagued by personal demons and health issues. His mental and physical state deteriorated rapidly, and it was heartbreaking to see such a great literary figure in such a vulnerable position. The end of his life was a poignant reminder of the fragility of human existence and the power of命运. Despite the tragedy, Hemingway's legacy continues to inspire generations of writers and readers alike. His works will always be a testament to his genius and his unique perspective on life.
July 14,2025
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This is a truly great book that delves deep into the life of a remarkable man and details many of his travels and the ordeals he endured.

I found it absolutely fascinating to get this peek into his life and travels. Hotch has done an outstanding job of taking the reader along on the journey, into the Férias, the conversations, and the revelry that they had.

Of course, the ending is a bittersweet one, as it tells of the sad state of treatment and care that ultimately led to Hemingway's death.

However, I choose to read this book as another one of the inspiring and fun driving books, focusing on how much fun Hemingway could have and the force of nature that he was.

It's a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on a literary icon and his adventures.
July 14,2025
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The author's well-written recollection of the time spent with Ernest Hemingway is truly captivating.

It offers a detailed and vivid account of their interactions, painting a picture of the great author.

The description is so moving that it allows the reader to almost step into the shoes of the author and experience those moments.

Hemingway, one of the great literary figures of the last century, comes to life through the author's words.

The recollection not only showcases Hemingway's talent and charisma but also provides insights into his personality and writing process.

It is a fascinating read that will appeal to both fans of Hemingway and those interested in the world of literature.

The author's writing style is engaging and the narrative flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to read from start to finish.

Overall, this recollection is a valuable addition to the body of work on Hemingway and a must-read for anyone interested in his life and legacy.
July 14,2025
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The images at the end of this book alone are worth the price of admission. Ernest Hemingway has been my favorite author for 40 years, consistent and unwavering. I've delved into many of his remarkable works and also explored others' works that revolve around him.

Mr. Hotchner had an abundance of inside "the circle" experiences with this legendary American icon. His respectful approach to the extremely personal observations about Mr. Hemingway is truly commendable.

I discovered numerous things about Mr. Hemingway that had hitherto been unknown to me.

What a tragic conclusion to a man who possessed such an extraordinary gift and a massively generous heart. I am deeply grateful that he was able to share his gift with us in this world for as long as he was capable.

His works will forever remain a testament to his genius and will continue to inspire generations to come.
July 14,2025
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Incredibly insightful,

this is a first-hand memoir that offers something a straight biography simply could not.

The story is about a person who met a tragic end. He died because his mind became infected with paranoid delusions that ultimately led him to take his own life.

I had always wondered about the events that led to this outcome. What could have caused such a descent into madness?

Perhaps it was a combination of factors, both internal and external. Maybe there were underlying mental health issues that were never properly addressed.

Or perhaps the pressures of life became too much for him to bear.

As I read this memoir, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the person behind the tragedy and the complex web of circumstances that contributed to his downfall.
July 14,2025
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I had never seen Hemingway as fragile and in constant need of validation until I read this. It was quite a revelation. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, though. After all, beneath the tough exterior that he presented to the world, there could have been a more vulnerable side. We often assume that famous writers are these larger-than-life figures, immune to the insecurities and doubts that plague the rest of us. But perhaps Hemingway was no different. Maybe his need for validation drove him to create the powerful and influential works that we know today. It makes me wonder if there are other aspects of his life and personality that we have overlooked or misinterpreted. Reading this has given me a new perspective on Hemingway, and I am eager to learn more about the man behind the legend.

July 14,2025
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A man can be destroyed but not defeated

A.E Hotchner's books about Hemingway are always a source of great satisfaction. For fans like me, it's a precious opportunity to learn about the man behind the public persona of the author. This book has an intimate feel, making you almost believe you're sitting in a café, chatting about a mutual friend. The friendship between Hotchner and Hemingway was truly unique. After reading "Hemingway in Love" and this one, it's clear that Hotchner has been challenging the world's perception of Hemingway as an emotionless'macho man'. Hotchner has given Hemingway a new chance to be understood as he really was by those who cared about him.

I absolutely loved this book. It offers a fresh perspective on Hemingway, showing his vulnerability and humanity. It's a must-read for anyone interested in Hemingway or great literature. The detailed accounts of their conversations and experiences add depth and authenticity to the story. Overall, it's a wonderful addition to the Hemingway literature and a testament to the power of friendship.

In conclusion, A.E Hotchner has once again proven himself to be a talented writer and a true friend of Hemingway. His books are not only a tribute to the great author but also a valuable contribution to the literary world. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
July 14,2025
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Banal memories about a journalist's travels with the writer E. Hemingway. The most interesting episodes of the book - about the circumstances of the creation of novels, stories, heroes, revealing E. Hemingway.



The journalist's journey with Hemingway was filled with both ordinary and extraordinary moments. They explored different places, met various people, and these experiences became the backdrop for the creation of Hemingway's works. The book delves into the details of how Hemingway crafted his novels and stories, the inspiration behind his heroes, and the unique atmosphere that surrounded his creative process. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Through these memories, we can better understand Hemingway's artistry and the impact his travels had on his writing.

Each episode in the book is like a precious gem, shining a light on a different aspect of Hemingway's life and work. Whether it's the description of a particular location that served as the setting for a story or the account of a conversation that sparked an idea, these details add depth and richness to our understanding of Hemingway's creative world.

July 14,2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Even though there were certain sections that I had already read in Hemingway in Love, it didn't diminish my enjoyment one bit.

I would absolutely recommend reading this book first.

In any event, it is a really excellent account of the last 20 years of Hemingway's life.

His emotional deterioration over the years is quite evident, which makes it seem particularly touching.

The author and Hemingway were clearly true friends, and that came through very strongly.

It warmed my heart to know that he had people like Hotch by his side until the end.

I'm so glad I read it!

Overall, this book provides a fascinating and detailed look into the later years of a literary giant.

The author's insights and personal connection to Hemingway add an extra layer of depth to the story.

It's a must-read for anyone interested in Hemingway's life and work.
July 14,2025
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PAPA HEMINGWAY_A PERSONAL MEMOIR, BY A.E HOTCHNER

I first became aware of Ernest Hemingway through Gabriel Garcia Marquez's honorable mention of him in The Scandal of the Century and Other Writings. He had been on my reading list for a long time, but I never got around to reading him until now.

Rather than directly reading his works, I decided to explore a profile by Lillian Ross and his biography, Papa Hemingway_A Personal Memoir, to understand his essence and the factors that influenced his writing and his tragic suicide in 1961. My interest was mainly in his writing life, which produced masterpieces.

A.E Hotchner’s Papa Hemingway_A Personal Memoir is similar to Lillian Ross’ Portrait of Hemingway. It profiles one of America’s greatest writers who won the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes for literature. Ross’ profile covered two days of Hemingway’s stay in New York, while Hotchner’s spanned thirteen years and five countries.

The memoir begins with Hotchner being assigned by Cosmopolitan magazine to commission Hemingway to write an opinion piece on the Future of Literature, which Hotchner thought was a bad idea. Hemingway never wrote the opinion piece but produced other literary works for the magazine.

Meanwhile, Hemingway and Hotchner’s relationship grew stronger. They traveled together to many places, including Cuba, France, and Africa. Hotchner describes the memoir as an account of thirteen years of adventures and misadventures.

We learn about Hemingway’s writing schedule. He would start writing in the early morning and continue until lunchtime. He would have a drink to relax before lunch and enjoy companionship and drinks before going to bed early, often agonizing over the problems in his morning writing.

Hemingway survived two plane crashes in Uganda. Hotchner witnessed Hemingway’s declining health and his eventual suicide in 1961. He did not attend the funeral in Ketchum because he couldn't say goodbye to Ernest in a public setting. Instead, he went to Santa Maria, Ernest’s church, to say goodbye privately.

I haven’t read other Hemingway biographies yet, but I appreciate the intimacy and intensity of this one. Armed with Lillian Ross’ profile and A.E. Hotchner’s memoir, I expect to have a better understanding of his works.
July 14,2025
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Hotchner tells the story of Hemingway through the anecdotes of their great friendship.

It is true that perhaps he softens the painful notes of "Papà" where it might not be correct to justify them. However, when read from the right perspective, that of the eyes of a dear friend, it truly offers an intimate look at who the man might have been beyond the writer.

Hotchner's account provides a unique window into Hemingway's life, revealing the complex and multi-faceted nature of the man.

By sharing these personal stories, he allows readers to see Hemingway in a more human light, beyond the larger-than-life image that often surrounds him.

The anecdotes offer insights into Hemingway's relationships, his passions, and his struggles, painting a vivid picture of a man who was both a literary giant and a deeply flawed individual.

Overall, Hotchner's work is a valuable contribution to the understanding of Hemingway and his legacy.
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