Community Chat

[Oznell]

Rather than the book section this time, decided to post this here since this biography involves history and social observations as much as literary concerns.

Looking at Ernest Hemingway through the lens of his major loves--  Agnes von Kurowsky, the ultimately rejecting nurse who was the inspiration for "Catherine Barkley" in "A Farewell to Arms";  and wives Hadley Richardson, Pauline Pfeiffer, Martha Gellhorn, and Mary Walsh.

We get so much more than just his romantic relationships in this.  The way he was shaped by his upbringing in suburban Chicago, and extreme "roughing it" during formative childhood summers in wild northern Michigan:

The familiar turf of his complex relationship with his parents, Clarence, a successful physician, and Grace, a former opera singer is well-known. 

The adult Hemingway was known to be an unsettling combination of sensitivity, and insecurity combined with intermittent cruelty in relationships.  His forceful mother had dressed him as a girl in childhood, causing much anguish;  his father struggled with overwhelming depression and committed suicide, foreshadowing Ernest's later depression and suicide... 

All of the women with whom he had intense relationships are fascinating in their own right.  Hemingway idealized his first wife, Hadley, both in real life, and in his unforgettable memoir of their Paris days, "A Moveable Feast".

In his eyes, she was the lost "good person",  the one he forsook for others, as literary fame and glittering temptations overtook him...   She has always seemed so sympathetic-- and was indeed remarkable, serene and loving, an anchor to the volatile Hemingway's brilliant but unreliable temperament..

Actress Mariel Hemingway, his granddaughter, gives a very revealing foreword to the book, making it another must-read for all fans of this tortured, enigmatic writer.

[nwbabs]

Thanks for posting this information @Oznell this look like a read of interest. Added it to my Libby list to be notified when the library obtains. Cheers and Happy Reading All!

[Oznell]

Great, @nwbabs !

[Oznell]

Hemingway's wives in order:

The third one over, Martha Gellhorn, was considered one of the greatest of war correspondents herself.

And not to be left out, his youthful love that he didn't get to marry, Agnes von Kurowsky.  She was an American nurse who treated him for his First World War war wounds in Milan, I think:

And injuries or no, the young Hemingway looks like he could very well have been a bit of a mischievous handful as a patient--

He was so complex.  All his flaws notwithstanding, he had some highly worthy qualities in addition to his brilliance.  The book outlines his absolute determination to support his mother and younger siblings after Dr. Hemingway's suicide, even when his own finances were precarious.  His matter-of-fact assumption that he would have to assume responsibility, was one attractive aspect of his multi-faceted personality....  

[bmorechick]

Thank you @Oznell ...I will put this on my reading list.  I just love learning about new things or people. 

[tansy]

Such a sad family history.  His granddaughter committed suicide, too

Recently I tried a few of his books again but still didn't care for them.  My husband did enjoy a few though.

Nice pics.

[Mz iMac]

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@tansy wrote:

Such a sad family history.  His granddaughter committed suicide, too

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@tansy   Your source? 

Per WiKi:  Mariel Hemingway the one mentioned in this thread is alive & well.

Per WiKi:  The above sister, Margaux Hemingway committed suicide.

[PinkyPetunia]

If I remember correctly, a few years ago PBS had a 3 part documentary about Hemingway.  Those of you having PBS Passport may have access to it.  Might have been a Ken Burns work.  Very interesting.

[tansy]

It was a Ken Burns production, @PinkyPetunia.

[tansy]

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@Mz iMac wrote:

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@tansy wrote:

Such a sad family history.  His granddaughter committed suicide, too

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@tansy   Your source? 

Per WiKi:  Mariel Hemingway the one mentioned in this thread is alive & well.

Per WiKi:  The above sister, Margaux Hemingway committed suicide.

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I didn't say it was Mariel.  Honestly I couldn't remember the sister's name.  

@Mz iMac