Love and Ruin Paperback – 13 Jun. 2019

I really enjoyed The Paris Wife and this novel was equally compelling, fascinating and full of wonderful characters. It is mesmerising and McLain's ability to capture place, historical setting and social settings means the reader always feel as if they are there, caught up within the story. Set in the Spanish Civil War, the novel begins at an exciting moment in history - made more so by the fact the main character is a woman and a woman who is longing for adventure and travel. Martha Gellhorn is an inspiring character - a strong and brave woman who then falls in love with the charismatic yet tempestuous Ernest Hemingway. I really enjoyed the conflict, dilemmas and emotional blackmail between the two of them as they fall in hopelessly in love, yet as both their writing careers flourish are faced with constant comparisons - particularly for Martha - which creates tension between them. Martha is a truly inspiring character. Her constant pull between her love for Ernest and the passion for her career and writing give the novel depth and further interest. McLain has clearly researched these characters in detail and I felt like I learned a lot from reading this. It was thoroughly enjoyable and probably my favourite read this summer. Highly recommend.

I loved this book. What fascinating lives Gellhorn and Hemingway led. Beautifully portrayed by McLain. I was captivated.

Excellent read. I think the cover and title are deceptive as they make it sound like a lightweight romance but it is much deeper than that.

I loved every single word and couldn’t put this book down.Now reading both MG and Hemingway’s work. Both fascinating characters, and Paula McLain depicts the agony of love and loss perfectly.

book in good condition

I loved both Hemingway and Martha however I liked Martha the best a woman ahead of her time. Great insight into there lives together well written.

I so enjoyed this book,on the life of Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn.Such a good read.

If you enjoyed The Paris Wife you should enjoy this.