Title: Hemingway’s Boat: Everything He Loved in Life, and Lost, 1934-1961
Author: Paul Hendrickson
First published September 20, 2011
534 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781400041626 (ISBN10: 1400041627)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
Paul Hendrickson’s Hemingway’s Boat: Everything He Loved in Life, and Lost, 1934-1961 is a captivating reinterpretation of the life of Ernest Hemingway. This book follows the writer during the years 1934 to 1961, from the peak of his career to his tragic suicide.
Hemingway’s boat, Pilar, is the one constant in his life during this time. Hendrickson traces Hemingway’s highs and lows as he travels from Key West to Paris, New York, Africa, Cuba, and finally Idaho.
Through previously unpublished material and interviews with Hemingway’s sons, Hendrickson reveals a side of the writer that is often overlooked. Despite his flaws and addictions, Hemingway was capable of remarkable generosity and compassion towards others, particularly struggling writers and lost souls.
The book also explores Hemingway’s relationship with his youngest son, Gigi, who lived his adult life as a cross-dresser and died alone in a Miami women’s jail. This beautifully written and bold book challenges the conventional perception of Hemingway and provides valuable insights into the life of this great American writer.
Editoral Review
Hemingway’s Boat: Everything He Loved in Life, and Lost, 1934-1961 by Paul Hendrickson is a non-fiction book which takes a deep dive into the life of the legendary writer, Ernest Hemingway. Published on September 20, 2011, the book explores Hemingway’s complicated relationship with the sea and boats, which served as a source of inspiration for many of his literary works.
Paul Hendrickson, an award-winning journalist and author, presents a unique perspective on Hemingway’s life, focusing on his love for boats and the sea. The book is an amalgamation of multiple themes such as love, loss, depression, and creativity, woven together beautifully by the author.
The book takes the readers on a journey through Hemingway’s life, starting from his early days as a journalist in Paris, then his move to Cuba, and finally his tragic end in Idaho. The author highlights the significant impact of boats and the sea on Hemingway’s work, as well as his troubled relationships with his family and friends.
Hendrickson’s storytelling is a perfect blend of meticulous research and stunning imagery. He describes Hemingway’s life with great sensitivity, and his writing style is engaging, vivid, and light-hearted.
The author pays attention to the tiniest details which makes the book an immersive experience for the readers. Although the book is primarily about Hemingway’s love for boats and the sea, it also touches upon several other significant events from his life, including his failed marriages, mental health struggles, and his final traumatic end.
Hendrickson draws a compelling parallel between Hemingway’s life and his writing, providing valuable insights into the writer’s creative process. However, one of the drawbacks of the book is that it is a bit too lengthy, which may deter readers who are not particularly interested in Hemingway’s life.
Moreover, the book lacks a clear narrative structure, which makes it challenging to follow at times. Despite these minor flaws, Hemingway’s Boat is a profound and insightful book that is bound to appeal to not just Hemingway fans but all those who love great literary works.
The book’s well-researched content, stunning imagery, and beautiful writing style make it a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the life and work of one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. In conclusion, I highly recommend Hemingway’s Boat to readers who are fans of Hemingway, non-fiction books, or just beautiful writing in general.
The book has a historical and cultural significance that makes it relevant even today, and its insights into Hemingway’s creative process make it valuable to aspiring writers. Based on my overall impression of the book, I would give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
