I mentioned a couple weeks ago that Adam surprised me with a new book for my kindle! Well, I just finished The Paris Wife and I have to say, it was fabulous!
You might know already that I’ve had a fascination with Hemingway for years. He was always my favorite writer that we read in school but I only really began to appreciate him (most specifically, A Farewell to Arms and A Moveable Feast) as I’ve gotten older. I won’t bore you with my obsession over the lost generation, T.S. Eliot, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein–that’s boring English major talk. Trust me, you will LOVE this book even if you think Hemingway is as boring as rocks and could care less about expats living in Europe post-WW1.
The book is fiction, and is narrated through the voice of Hadley, Hemingway’s wife. What struck me most was that the voice actually really sounded like Hemingway! I won’t spoil anything, but as readers, we learn about how Hadley met her husband and the joys and pain of her marriage. It’s definitely a page turner and kept me up late all weekend.
Loving Frank and Mary are the two books that come to mind when I think to compare this one. Basically, if you enjoy reading historical fiction accounts on the lives of famous guys’ wives, you will really enjoy this!
mitzi @ my nikon eats food
March 15, 2011 at 1:20 pmlooks like a really intriguing book. thanks for the recommendation!
Jessica @ How Sweet
March 15, 2011 at 1:21 pmI have been eyeing this book. Definitely going to pick it up now!
cathyb.@brightbakes
March 15, 2011 at 1:21 pmwheeee! another book for my “stash”…I used to have the hardest time lining up “to reads”…but since reading your blog your suggestions have kept me well supplied! š
I sure appreciate these book postings…
Thanks,
cathy b.
P.S.the Mister is traveling for business so I get to be a single girl this week…aka lots of reading time š
Laura
March 15, 2011 at 1:24 pmI’m sooo happy you posted this!! I picked the book up after I saw it on your blog and just finished it two days ago. I LOVED it as well and it definitely reminded me of Loving Frank which I also LOVED!! I was so engrossed in this story. Great recommendation and review!
Heather
March 15, 2011 at 1:27 pmI just saw this book in People magazine and thought, “I bet Jenna is going to read this!” I can’t to read it, can’t put The Help down now!! š
megan @ blackberries for jam
March 15, 2011 at 1:27 pmI love your book posts. The timing of this one is perfect! I just finished Pictures of You last night on your recommendation and ADORED it. Now I know what I’m reading next! Thank you, thank you!!
hippierunner
March 15, 2011 at 1:31 pmI love how you’re so excited about it! Now I am too! Definitely going to look for this book!
Baking 'n' Books
March 15, 2011 at 1:55 pmI seen this book. I really should try it. I’m not sure if I would “take” to the historical-type day books so much? Used to love them when I was younger but not now so much. I’ll give it a try though! Anything with “Paris”…;)
I just read “The Frugalista Files” and reviewed it on my site! Definitely a lighter but such a good message and hope! The Author’s actually a blogger who left her journalism job and got herself out of a lot of debt. Loved it!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
March 15, 2011 at 2:19 pmI’ve heard so much about this book! Glad to hear it has your approval. I can always appreciate a book that actually reads like a genuine voice! I’m definitely adding it to my list!
Kiran
March 15, 2011 at 2:23 pmA must have book now, thanks for sharing š
Linda
March 15, 2011 at 2:30 pmI’m going to pick this one up. Thanks for sharing!
Melizza
March 15, 2011 at 2:46 pmI was *just* wondering about this book. Glad you were able to recommend it. Adding it to the list! Thanks.
Lindsey@ Lindselicious
March 15, 2011 at 3:35 pmYou’ve sealed the deal for me- been seeing/hearing a lot about this book lately! Thanks for the rec!
Alexa @ Simple Eats
March 15, 2011 at 3:37 pmOoh that book looks awesome! I’ll have to read it!
Christine (The Raw Project)
March 15, 2011 at 3:41 pmVery interesting book, thanks for the review.
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
March 15, 2011 at 3:43 pmThanks for the tip. Sounds like a good read.
The Teenage Taste
March 15, 2011 at 4:06 pmThat book sounds like a great pick! Thanks for the recommendation!
I really need to get back into reading books. The only reading I’ve been doing lately is blog reading! š
never not dreaming
March 15, 2011 at 4:14 pmI mentioned this in a recent post because Oprah “O” magazine has it listed as a must-read. If my library carries it in the future, I might give it a try. I’m not typically into 1920’s era books…unless, you count Sophie Kinsella’s ” Twenties Girl”…
I did read “Rescue” by Anita Shreve back in January, I notice you have that listed as a book you read. It was enjoyable; not really my “thing” though, but I’m open to reading new types of things.
Molly
March 15, 2011 at 4:25 pmI need a new book-this may be the one!!
Side note: have you been to Starbucks recently? Their bakery case resembles your blog!
Anna @ Acquainted With The Night
March 15, 2011 at 4:25 pmOMG! I kind of want to read this now! I definitely didn’t like The Old Man And The Sea, but I did like The Sun Also Rises…OH and I love F. Scott Fitzgerald! His writing is great! I’m getting the itch to read The Great Gatsby Again! š
Did you hear they’re going to tear down the house that was the inspiration for Daisy’s house? Such a bummer!
Tracy
March 15, 2011 at 4:26 pmI’ve been wondering how this book was, right up my alley! I read Loving Frank and appreciated it, but read it on my honeymoon which was not the right time to be reading about affairs!
Irina
March 15, 2011 at 4:33 pmJenna, you should also try Erich Maria Remarque if you are interested in the “lost” generation. German writer, same perspective… the most famous piece if of course All is Quite on Western Front”, but there are others that are just as good! Give him a try…
Amber
March 15, 2011 at 4:34 pmHi Jenna! I love your recommendations. I have read a few you have mentioned and loved them all!
I just have a question for you (and other readers). I am moving to your beloved Charleston in a few weeks. I was wondering if you had any recommendations on things to do and see? I’ve never been there, but have always called it “my dream city” so I am super excited! Any tips? =) Thank you!
Astrid
March 15, 2011 at 5:54 pmI love your book recommendations! I just finished “Cooking for Mr. Latte”, loved it!
kaila @ healthy helper blog!
March 15, 2011 at 6:16 pmI have never been able to get into Hemmingway! People sware he is amazing…but I just haven’t enjoyed any of his books yet. But I trust your book judgement (lol) and maybe this one will be a way to ease me into liking Hemmingway. Thanks!
Kim
March 15, 2011 at 6:35 pmOh my gosh. I fell in love with Hadley in AMF. I can’t wait to read this now! Also, I started The Lost Generation Book Club in college. How funny. š
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
March 15, 2011 at 6:44 pmthanks for the book recommendation and b/c you said it was the best book you read in 2011 in a post last week, I ordered Pictures of You from amazon and it arrived…TODAY!
Now I just have to figure out how to find time to read, be a mom, work FT out of the house 50 hrs a week, and run my blog…
hah!
š
French Heart
March 15, 2011 at 7:00 pmLOVED this book. Gave my copy to a friend who couldn’t put it down & she passed on to others–ditto. Now almost finished with “Paris Was Ours’ 32 essays by writers on their lives in Paris. SO fantastic!
Maeve
March 15, 2011 at 7:28 pmI am obsessed with the Lost Generation/Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, Pound etc. I actually think I learned a lot about men/relationships from Hemingway’s stories…thanks for the recommendation, I’m putting this on my request list for my library!
Megan@Dirty Dishes Daily
March 15, 2011 at 7:29 pmThat sounds like a great book. I’m a huge Hemmingway fan so that is right up my alley.
Kris
March 15, 2011 at 7:37 pmI love that you’re such a big reader. I want to read more. But after working, making dinner, cleaning up, helping with homework……..I’m just too tired. I love hearing about the books you read. I’ll read one of them someday!
Eliza
March 15, 2011 at 7:59 pmeeee!!!! i’m SOOO happy you reviewed this book and liked it. i too love love love hemingway and all the lost generation writers. i’m definitely going out & grabbing this book STAT! š
Domain Name Checker
March 15, 2011 at 9:00 pmIt’s a very good book. can always appreciate a book that actually reads like a genuine voice! Iām definitely adding it to my list!
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Paul
Annabel Manners
March 15, 2011 at 9:49 pmI keep reading about this book… time to add it to my night stand. Thanks for the tip! š
katie
March 16, 2011 at 3:22 amI am reading The Help and I love love love it! I think I will be done reading it tomorrow, its a book you just cant stop reading, I think you read it before ; )
I really want a kindle! I hope to get one soon!
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down)
March 16, 2011 at 3:27 amOh yay, a new book review! I’m heading to the bookstore this week to stock up on some new ones. I’ll be adding this to my wish list. š
Joelle (The Pancake Girl)
March 16, 2011 at 4:05 amAh, I love Hemingway- from one English major nerd to another, I understand. I just downloaded this book onto my Nook- so excited!
Louise
March 16, 2011 at 8:13 amI just finished Room by Emma Donoghue. I needed something light after such a disturbing book, so I am now reading Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. I’m loving it so far. Have you been on Goodreads? It’s really fun.
Maria
March 16, 2011 at 8:19 amI’m about to finish Water for Elephants right now and I was looking for a new book, so thanks for this posting! I heard this was a good read š
Natalia - a side of simple
March 16, 2011 at 8:24 amYour recommendations are always on my to-read list! I really think you should check out Saving Ceecee Honeycutt, Jenna. I read it right after The Help and the Southern charm and characters were just what I was craving again!
jenna@frombostonwithlove
March 16, 2011 at 11:43 amoh this one sounds great. I loved Loving Frank so this is right up my alley. And I love Paris. And Hemingway. And baked goods.
Bizzle
March 16, 2011 at 7:41 pmI’ll add this to my list. You’ve so got to read “Cutting For Stone” next!
Ellie
March 18, 2011 at 1:08 amFans of the “wife of famous guy” niche would probably like “Memoirs of a Muse” by Lara Vapnyar. It definitely subverts the genre but it’s brilliant and precise. I love Lara Vapnyar (I always recommend her to fans of Jhumpa Lahiri) and really hope more people come to love her!
Lauren
March 18, 2011 at 11:52 amHey, I’m a fellow English major. I love love love Hemingway, also! I have to read this book. Fitzgerald is actually my favorite author, and I am so excited for Gatsby movie to come out in 2012!!
Nicki
March 23, 2011 at 9:09 amSince you like historical fiction based on the lives of historical guys’ wives, I would HIGHLY recommend the trilogy by Sarah Gulland about Josephine, Napoleon’s wife. My Mom passed them along to me and we both loved them! The first is called “The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.” š
Myra Swearingen
July 12, 2011 at 5:49 pmI just added The Paris Wife to my Kindle a few days ago . I can’t wait to start it.