Published: February 27, 2011 by Ballantine Books
Category: Historical Fiction
I struggled rating this one properly. First, it was beautifully written and if I were just rating that it would have gotten at least 4 disco balls. Second, I despised Ernest Hemingway and Pauline Pfeiffer. If Ernest was a fictional character I wouldn’t have wanted to give this story my time. Not that I did even knowing he was in fact ‘real’, I thought I owed it to Hadley to finish.
Hadley Richardson is Ernest’s first wife. The Paris Wife is a work of fiction based on Ernest’s beginnings and the newly married couple’s move to Paris for Ernest’s career. There is not much more I will say in terms of detail, as its not my MO to spoil the reading experience for anyone. I have to give credit to author Paula McLain, who is a lovely writer. I often felt I was in each new city she described. She almost at times made me feel bad for Ernest which is no small feat: he was a bad husband and bad friend.
It must have been very hard for her to write this knowing many would not like the man, nor a few of the other characters as well. She was able to make them human – very flawed and arrogant – but still human. I will certainly read another Paula McLain book and will not be reading Ernest Hemingway any time soon. What a jerk.
Purchase Links
Amazon: Kindle Paperback Hardcover Audible
Barnes & Noble: Nook Paperback Hardcover Audio
If you have also read The Paris Wife, let us know what you thought! Am I being too dramatic? Maybe don’t answer that 😉
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Saturday Nite Reader 
Seems like he was a total asshat, and a drunk one at that 😉 but he did like cats and gave them a sanctuary
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Saw this book everywhere but didn’t realize it was about Ernest Hemmingway, knew he was a jerk, but not to that extent
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He was an awful person. I think you reviewed The Paris Wife really well.
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Thank you! xo
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Pity is wasn’t great for you. Lovely review
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It was beautifully written and I love the author, I just disliked Ernest! 😉
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I have seen this one everywhere and had no clue it was about Hemingway. Thanks for the honest review!
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I have seen this everywhere. Had no idea it was about Hemingway. Will check out!
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I am also not a fan of Hemingway. Great review though!
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I always feel so conflicted when I empathize with characters I don’t like. Great review!
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I have had this books sitting on my shelf for over a year. Despite hearing great things I have yet to pick it up. I’m a slacker.
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Tell me if you ever do!
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I haven’t heard of this one yet. Definitely a new addition to my TBR 🙂 Thanks for sharing it!
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I have to admit I struggled through lulls in this book. Glad you enjoyed it though, even if you don’t like Hemingway. 😊
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Great review, Now I am really intrigued by this book after reading your review but I don’t think it is my kind of book. But I might check it out one day and see if I like it or not, thank you so much for sharing your awesome post and for putting this book on my radar.
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Amazing review as always
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thanks love 😘
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