Love and Ruin
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
389
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1930s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain follows journalist Martha Gellhorn as she encounters Ernest Hemingway during the Spanish Civil War. Gellhorn's ambitions lead her to confront love, career challenges, and personal sacrifices. The novel explores themes of passion, independence, and resilience amidst the backdrop of war and historical change.
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Love and Ruin by Paula McLain has been widely praised for its rich historical detail and compelling portrayal of Martha Gellhorn's passionate relationship with Ernest Hemingway. However, some critics feel the pacing drags and character development of Gellhorn could be deeper. Overall, McLain's evocative writing captivates readers, making this historical novel well worth the read.
Readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong, complex female protagonists, as found in Paula McLain's The Paris Wife or Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls, will enjoy Love and Ruin. Fans of Ernest Hemingway and mid-20th-century settings will also find this novel captivating.
31,030 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
389
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1930s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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