So tragic!

This story is truly heart-wrenching. It tells of a series of unfortunate events that led to a devastating outcome.

The main character, a kind and gentle soul, was faced with one obstacle after another. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to overcome the challenges that came their way.

The circumstances were beyond their control, and as a result, they suffered great loss and pain.

It is a reminder of how cruel life can be at times, and how quickly everything can change.

This tragic tale will stay with you long after you finish reading it, leaving you with a sense of sadness and empathy for the main character.

It serves as a powerful lesson about the fragility of life and the importance of珍惜 what we have.

Shortly after the death of Hemingway, I found myself standing on the Champs-Elysees, right in front of a movie theater entrance. I was just twelve years old at that time, sneaking around Paris without my parents' knowledge. Back then, without the existence of cell phones, it was possible to get away with such things.

A theater on the Champs was in the process of removing its usual pictures and replacing them with images of Hemingway. His passing was indeed a significant event, and a large number of people were gathered, looking at those images with great interest.

I could relate to many aspects described in the book, as I had lived in Paris and wandered around like a Gamin myself. I own a copy of this book, one of the originals. Its pages have turned yellow, and it emits a musty smell.

The author essentially recorded what he was told and what he had experienced. I suspect that at times, Hemingway might have been pulling the wool over Hotchner's eyes, telling tall tales about eating pigeons and such, things that we now know to be untrue.

It's a decent book, but Hotchner's overly revering attitude, constantly referring to Hemingway as "papa," is rather nauseating and reeks of sycophancy. I would recommend it as a read, but one should also explore other biographies as well. It's an imbalanced book that belongs to another era.

Great bio of one of my very favorite writers <3

This is an amazing biography of one of my all-time favorite writers. It delves deep into their life, exploring their childhood, education, and the events that shaped their writing career. The author has done an excellent job of presenting a comprehensive and engaging account of this remarkable individual.

From their early days of scribbling stories in notebooks to becoming a published author, every step of their journey is chronicled with great detail and passion. We learn about their inspirations, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them to achieve success. The bio also provides insights into their writing style and the themes that recur in their work.

Reading this bio has only increased my admiration for this writer. It has given me a better understanding of their creative process and the person behind the words. I highly recommend this bio to anyone who is a fan of this writer or interested in learning more about the world of literature.

This book was nearly as good as a Hemingway novel itself.

Basically, it is a memoir written by the journalist A.E Hotchner, chronicling his friendship with Ernest Hemingway from the late 1940's until Hemingway's death in 1961.

The structure of the book is very cleverly designed. Each chapter is not only headed by a new year but also a new location, as Hotchner frequently accompanied Hemingway on his exotic adventures.

For example, you can read 4 chapters and follow their journey from Havana to the Keys, then to Paris, and finally to Madrid for a bullfight.

Each chapter provides a more in-depth and complex view of Hemingway than what is presented on a book jacket. He was a man of great vitality, yet also prone to black moods and self-destructive tendencies.

With every hunt, fishing trip, bullfight, and hike, we witness Hemingway's unraveling, his attempts to build himself up, and ultimately, in 1961, his descent into such deep depression that he takes his own life.

This book is not merely a tribute to Hemingway; rather, the actions of his remarkable life clearly reveal the kind of man he was.

This is truly the best biography I have ever perused regarding Ernest Hemingway.

However, it transcends the boundaries of a mere biography. It is, in fact, an eyewitness account provided by a friend, A. E. Hotchner. Hotchner was by Hemingway's side through numerous significant episodes in his life.

They witnessed the thrilling running of the bulls in Pamplona, relaxed at his finca in Cuba, trailed bullfighters around Spain during the perilous summer, and commemorated Hemingway's 60th birthday party at La Consula, a magnificent mansion in Malaga, Spain.

If you are an ardent fan of Hemingway, then this book is an absolute must-read for you. It offers a unique and intimate perspective into the life of this literary giant, allowing you to experience his adventures and emotions as if you were there with him.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Hemingway and his remarkable life.

So sad.

What else is there to say? The story that unfolds is one of a relationship between two individuals that has endured over the years. It's a tale filled with both joy and sorrow, like a beautiful melody that sometimes turns a little melancholy.

They met in a bustling city, their eyes locking across a crowded room. In that moment, something sparked, and a connection was formed. Over the years, they shared countless memories - walks in the park on sunny days, cozy nights by the fireplace, and adventures in far-off places.

But as time passed, challenges emerged. Their dreams and aspirations sometimes pulled them in different directions. There were arguments and misunderstandings, but through it all, their love endured.

Now, looking back, they can see the growth and change that has occurred. Their relationship has evolved, becoming stronger and more resilient. It's a story that reminds us that love is not always easy, but it's worth fighting for.

And so, we are left with a sense of sadness, but also a glimmer of hope. For in the end, it's the memories and the love that will always remain.

A true story of the rise and descent of a great American literary figure is truly heart-wrenching. Hemingway, a renowned writer, suffered from long-term brain injuries and unfortunately did not receive the necessary help. The doctors did their best with the knowledge and resources they had at that time, but alas, their treatments had the opposite effect and made his condition worse.

If Hemingway were alive today, it is possible that his medical outcome could have been different. With the advancements in medical science, there might be more effective treatments available to address his brain injuries. However, it is also important to consider that the social and historical conditions that pushed him to become a great writer might not exist in the same way.

His experiences, the wars he witnessed, and the cultural context of his time all contributed to shaping his unique writing style and perspective. Without those specific circumstances, he might not have achieved the same level of literary greatness. It is truly a tragedy that such a talented individual had to endure so much and that his potential was cut short.

I’m confounded.

This work is very well written and interesting. However, as a newer Hemingway reader and fan, I just can't fathom why anyone would desire to release this portrayal of a friend's last days when the final act is depicted as so bleak and hopeless.

While I delight in Hemingway's books, his personal life has never struck a chord with me.

And despite being aware that he was a bit of a grump, this book still comes across as an unnecessarily harsh presentation by a friend of Hemingway's final days. For my part, I just have a difficult time believing that anyone who knew him as a friend or liked him personally would ever release this, especially the stuff about the psyche ward near the end.

All his CIA paranoia here actually acquires some credibility from the mere existence of this book. One would think that his loved ones around him would have wanted to keep that troublesome stuff quiet for the sake of his brand's endurance.

But no, instead they published it to the world.

Something just doesn't make sense here.

The book, to some extent, was mildly entertaining. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes rather repetitive, almost like a trainwreck in slow motion. Hotchner, the author, comes across as such a sycophantic character, which only adds to the reader's annoyance. He wastes an excessive amount of ink portraying the rich and famous individuals around Hemingway and marveling at Hemingway's self-destructive and profligate lifestyle.

Although the book is well-written, the self-parody that Hemingway had become by this stage of his life warranted some truly insightful analysis. Instead, what we get is more of an attempt at a "Moveable Feast" during the nightmare years. Carlos Baker's works and Hemingway's own letters still remain the best sources for understanding Hemingway.

In conclusion, while I would not skip this book entirely, one should not expect too much from it. It has its moments, but overall, it fails to provide the in-depth exploration and understanding that Hemingway's complex life and personality deserve.

What an outstanding book!

Hotcher clearly had a deep affection for Ernest, and based on the diverse experiences they had together, it was evident that the feeling was mutual. Papa was truly a remarkable character. He had a passion for bullfights, hunting, fishing, boating, and, above all, writing.

It's难以置信 that after all these years, I haven't read a single one of his books or short stories. However, this oversight is going to be corrected shortly.

I am eager to embark on this literary journey and discover the genius of Ernest Hemingway. His works are renowned for their简洁 yet powerful prose, and I'm excited to see how he brings his characters and stories to life.

From what I've heard, his writing is not only engaging but also thought-provoking, challenging readers to think about life, love, and the human condition. I can't wait to immerse myself in his world and experience the magic of his words.

As written by many before me, A.E. Hotchner was indeed an extremely close friend of Hemingway.

Consequently, his perspectives on the author might lean somewhat one-sidedly towards the positive. However, for me, this doesn't hold significant importance.

I wholeheartedly relished the book and was delighted to listen to numerous tales regarding Hemingway's life.

The final two chapters, in which Hotchner detailed his time spent with Hemingway during the latter's psychological decline, were profoundly moving.

These chapters offered a poignant and intimate look into Hemingway's struggles, adding a layer of depth and complexity to our understanding of the great author.

Despite any potential biases in Hotchner's account, the overall narrative provided a fascinating and engaging exploration of Hemingway's life and character.

It served as a reminder of the impact that a person's life experiences can have on their work and the lasting influence they can have on the literary world.

Overall, I found the book to be a valuable and enjoyable read, one that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in Hemingway or the history of literature.

An Incredible Biography

This is an incredibly engaging biography that offers a fascinating look into the final decade or so of Hemingway's life. Whether you are a die-hard fan of his work or not, this account is so rich, honest, and truly worth a read.

The book covers the years Hemingway spent in various locations such as Cuba, Europe, Key West, and Idaho. As you turn the pages, you almost feel as if you have embarked on a great journey through these diverse places.

I have always had a complex love/hate relationship with Hemingway's writing. Sometimes his style would captivate me, while other times it would leave me a bit cold. However, the man himself has always intrigued me.

What makes this book truly special is that it is written from the perspective of a dear friend who was with Hemingway until the end. This personal touch adds an extra layer of authenticity and makes the book feel like a true homage to the great writer.

In conclusion, I have no hesitation in giving this book an unquestionable 5 stars. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Hemingway's life and work.