The Paris Wife

Paula McLain

55 pages 1-hour read

Paula McLain

The Paris Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

Paula McLain

The Paris Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

331

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Life-Inspired Fiction
Setting

Paris, France • 1920s

Theme
Marriage

Forgiveness

Love
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, Hadley Richardson and Ernest Hemingway's whirlwind romance begins in 1920 and swiftly progresses to marriage despite opposition from their friends. They eventually move to Paris, where Ernest's writing career takes off, but their relationship deteriorates due to financial struggles, infidelity, and the strain of Ernest’s ambition.

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Romantic

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

313,165 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain offers a poignant portrayal of Hadley Richardson's marriage to Ernest Hemingway, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Paris. Praised for its rich historical detail and compelling narrative, some critique the novel for a slow pace and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it's an evocative read for historical fiction fans.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Paris Wife?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction and literature focusing on complex relationships will appreciate The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. Fans of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles and Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler will find similar enjoyment in this tale of Ernest Hemingway's first wife and 1920s Paris.

4.1

313,165 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

The first-person narrator who evolves from a sheltered woman into someone seeking her own identity beyond her famous husband.

A passionate and ambitious writer, whose experiences in World War I influence his psychological state and artistic pursuits.

A fashionable and confident editor for Vogue in Paris, who becomes intricately involved with the Hemingways.

A friend who introduces Hadley and Ernest, providing a cautionary perspective based on her own experiences.

Key figures in the Paris expatriate literary scene, serving as Ernest's mentors and influences on his early career.

Friends who offer Ernest support and understanding, with Don also becoming a confidant for Hadley.

A group of expatriate artists and socialites in Paris, embodying the hedonistic spirit of the Jazz Age and influencing Ernest's social and literary circles.

Book Details
Pages

331

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Life-Inspired Fiction
Setting

Paris, France • 1920s

Theme
Marriage

Forgiveness

Love
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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