I really liked this book. However, it didn't quite capture my interest as much as the historical novels that are written from the perspective of one of his wives.

This book, though, was extremely informative for me. It allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Hemingway from the viewpoint of one of his close personal friends.

I found it fascinating to learn about the different aspects of Hemingway's life and personality that were revealed through the eyes of this friend.

The author did a great job of presenting the information in an engaging and accessible way.

Despite not being as enthralled as I would have been with a novel from the perspective of a wife, I still think this book is a valuable addition to any Hemingway enthusiast's collection.

It offers a unique perspective and provides insights that might not be found in other works about the famous author.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Hemingway and his inner circle.

I felt an urgent need to address this matter promptly, and so I did. However, I spoke with the utmost gentleness.

"Papa, why do you want to take your own life?" I asked.

He paused for just a moment, and then he began to speak in his familiar, deliberate manner.

"What do you think occurs to a man approaching sixty-two when he realizes that he will never be able to write the books and stories he vowed to himself? Or fulfill any of the other things he promised himself during the good times?" he inquired.

"Hotch, if I cannot exist according to my own principles, then existence becomes unfeasible. Do you comprehend? That is how I have lived, and that is how I must continue to live—or not live at all."

*

Ernest had been correct: Man is not designed for defeat. Man can be physically destroyed, but his spirit cannot be defeated.

This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of human resilience and the indomitable will that lies within each of us.

To be able to read Ernest Hemingway’s story in some of his own words was truly a privilege.

His unique writing style and the vivid descriptions he provided made the story come alive in our minds.

The friendship that he and “Hotch” shared was also wonderful. It was a bond that seemed to withstand the test of time and various challenges.

We can only imagine the many conversations and experiences they had together, which no doubt influenced Hemingway’s writing.

Reading about their friendship gives us a glimpse into the personal life of this great author and makes us appreciate his work even more.

It shows that behind the words on the page, there was a real person with real relationships and emotions.

Hemingway’s ability to capture these aspects of life in his writing is what makes his stories so enduring and beloved.

We are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to read and experience his work.

I really liked Hotchner's writing. It was truly fascinating to learn about his relationship with Hemingway.

This book would be even more interesting if one were extremely familiar with Hemingway's works. It delved deeply into his plots that were derived from his personal experiences and the real individuals that the characters in his novels were based on.

It's astonishing how extensively Hemingway traveled in the 1940s and 1950s. For me, Hemingway wasn't a particularly endearing person. He drank excessive amounts and was a womanizer.

His ultimate descent into mental illness was extremely sad. His creativity and productivity were curtailed by his illness, and it was finally brought to an end by his suicide.

Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on Hemingway, both as a writer and as a person. It makes one think about the complex nature of his life and work.

I'm truly thankful for this remarkable book. It has had an amazing impact on me, making me feel an unprecedented closeness to my favorite author and his truly incredible stories and adventures.

Hotch is undeniably a superb writer. His memoir is so captivating that it reads almost like the classic "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote. The way he weaves his words and constructs his narrative is simply masterful.

Moreover, the quote "Man is not made for defeat. Man can be destroyed but not defeated." really stands out. It's a powerful statement that encapsulates the indomitable spirit within us all. It makes you think about the nature of perseverance and the ability to rise above challenges, no matter how difficult they may be. This book is not just a collection of words; it's a source of inspiration and a window into the mind of a great author.

The last decade of the life of the greatest American writer was filled with very great insights.

During this period, the writer delved deep into the human condition, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

Their works became a reflection of the changing times, capturing the essence of society and the struggles of the individual.

With each new piece, the writer offered a unique perspective, challenging readers to think differently and see the world in a new light.

Their insights were not only profound but also accessible, making their works beloved by readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Even in the face of personal challenges and setbacks, the writer continued to produce some of their most memorable works, leaving a lasting legacy that would inspire generations to come.

Today, their works are still studied and celebrated, a testament to the power of their insights and the enduring nature of their art.

I knew very little about Hemingway before reading this book.

However, after delving into its pages, I was presented with a remarkable and vivid first-person account of his later life, travels, and thoughts.

The author has done an excellent job of capturing Hemingway's essence and bringing his experiences to life.

We are taken on a journey with him, witnessing his adventures in different parts of the world, his interactions with various people, and his inner musings.

It is truly fascinating to see how Hemingway's life and work were intertwined, and how his experiences influenced his writing.

This book has not only increased my knowledge and understanding of Hemingway but has also given me a new appreciation for his literary genius.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Hemingway or in gaining a deeper insight into the life of a great writer.

Enjoyed this read.


I truly enjoyed this piece of writing. It provided me with a wealth of knowledge about Hemingway. His life, although relatively short, was filled with so many remarkable experiences. He was indeed a man who was well-suited for that particular era. Hemingway's works have had a profound impact on the literary world. His unique writing style and the themes he explored have inspired countless writers. Reading about his life makes me appreciate his contributions even more. It's fascinating to learn about the events and people that influenced him. I look forward to delving deeper into his works and continuing to discover the genius that was Hemingway.

Several memoirs have been penned by those who had the privilege of spending time with Hemingway.

However, it is debatable whether anyone was closer to him, especially during his later years, than "Hotch."

This particular memoir presents first-person accounts that provide a unique and in-depth look into the life of the legendary author.

What makes it truly remarkable is the surprisingly candid portrayal of Hemingway's final troubled mental state and his ultimate decision to commit suicide.

Readers will gain valuable insights into the complex and often tortured mind of one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century.

The author's personal experiences and observations offer a fresh perspective on Hemingway's life and work, making this memoir a must-read for fans and scholars alike.

It serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of a literary icon and the struggles he faced in his final days.

Overall, this memoir is a fascinating and revealing account of Hemingway's life and the events that led to his tragic end.

One of the advantages of growing old is that when you realize, just a few pages into a book, that you have read it before, it doesn't matter in the slightest.

This is Hemingway's life recounted in a affectionate manner, as the authors make their best effort to depict Hemingway exactly as he would have liked his image to be promoted. Even with the adoration, it makes for a great read.

I had this book on a stack, with the book beneath it being Jim Harrison's memoir. It's remarkable how similar they look in their 60s. There could be a thesis to be written in comparing them.

Perhaps exploring the commonalities and differences in their lives, writing styles, and the way they are remembered. It would be an interesting study to see how two prominent figures in the literary world, who shared a certain age and perhaps some life experiences, developed and were perceived.

Both Hemingway and Harrison have left a lasting impact on literature, and a detailed comparison could offer valuable insights into their works and legacies.

Who could not find Hemingway interesting?


What an extraordinary life Hemingway led! His story is truly fabulous. At certain moments, the author appears to introduce new characters rather abruptly. However, given the numerous individuals involved, it becomes quite challenging to keep track of who is who and the reasons behind their significance.

Nevertheless, this is a worthy story that is well worth your time. Hemingway's experiences and the way he weaves them into his work are captivating. Despite the initial confusion regarding the characters, as you delve deeper into the story, you begin to appreciate the complexity and depth of each one. It's a journey through a world filled with adventure, love, and loss.

Whether you are a fan of Hemingway or simply someone looking for a compelling read, this story has something to offer. So, take the time to immerse yourself in Hemingway's world and discover the magic that lies within.

This memoir is best regarded as a man's remembrance of his unwavering and unconditional love for a close friend, specifically Hotchner's for Hemingway. Given what we know about Hemingway's friendships, it's uncertain and perhaps improbable that he felt the same way about Hotchner. However, in a book like this, that doesn't matter; this is Hotchner's recollection.

Hotchner clearly had faith in everything Hemingway told him. The book is composed of eighty to ninety percent tall tales that Hemingway related to Hotchner. It's almost难以置信 that Hotchner was so completely naïve as to believe these stories. The fake anecdotes vary from ridiculously funny to just plain stupid, with the occasional one having a hint of truth. But all are presented by Hotchner without comment or qualification, accepted with wide-eyed trust like a sponge absorbs water.

In the 1999 edition, Hotchner adds a preface where he reluctantly admits that perhaps not all the stories may be entirely true. But most of this new introduction consists of a very nasty attack on Mary Hemingway, who didn't want Hotchner to use personal letters from Hemingway in this memoir and tried to stop him.

Many of the tall tales Hemingway told Hotchner, and several provided by Hotchner himself, are clearly suspect as written, which should have alerted readers way back in 1966 when Hotchner rushed this book into print to beat Carlos Baker's biography of Hemingway (1969). And the vast majority of these tales have been thoroughly disproven in other memoirs and biographies written since. Many of the ‘conversations’ sound staged and phony, not reading as real dialogue, consisting of a short introductory statement by Hotchner, followed by a long reply from Hemingway that reads like a prepared essay.

This memoir is almost entirely fictional, but it's good when Hotchner provides personal anecdotes of his time spent with Hemingway. At least there, if the events are exaggerated or misremembered and filtered through unconditional love via massive hero worship, they are Hotchner's version of his personal relationship with Hemingway.