This is the story of an insecure woman, Hadley Richardson,who marries an egomaniacal author, Ernest Hemingway. This is a novel based on facts of their...moreThis is the story of an insecure woman, Hadley Richardson,who marries an egomaniacal author, Ernest Hemingway. This is a novel based on facts of their sordid lives among their companions in 1920s Europe and the consequences of their immoral choices.
If you've read biographies and other material about Hemingway as well as his writing, be advised that there is no new material here. The beauty of the story is the evocative writing that places the reader in the scene moving along with the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel.
This book is page-turner that kept me awake way too late because I simply could not put it down.(less)
This book is marketed as a novel, yet the author uses a pedantic approach-- as though teaching creative writing -- via the imagined life of Pat Nixon,...moreThis book is marketed as a novel, yet the author uses a pedantic approach-- as though teaching creative writing -- via the imagined life of Pat Nixon, wife of our disgraced President. The author's writing style is quite disconcerting because it reads like a text book. Must she explain the most obvious analogies, i.e., crystal bowl and crystal ball?The many comparisons of the Nixons and/or events in their lives to literary works, such as Chekhov, seems to be a purely academic effort with little merit.
If you want to learn about Mrs. Nixon, you would be far more gratified with PAT NIXON: AN UNTOLD STORY written by her daughter Julie Nixon Eisenhower, biased as it may be. Julie's book is an often quoted resource for this novel. Having read a biography of Mrs. Nixon and her daughter's book about her, I find this novel to be a disappointing exercise. However, if you are looking for a book that might provide some lessons in the writing process, this could be the book for you.
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This is a bitter novel about the most base and amoral characters, depression, negativity, and self-serving rationalization.
In writing his ...moreThis is a bitter novel about the most base and amoral characters, depression, negativity, and self-serving rationalization.
In writing his excruciatingly vivid message about the ethical decline of the United States, families, and the individual, the author has produced a story of dread and defeat. Indeed the demise of the planet due to human selfishness is a given and dwelt upon in great detail. Man's inhumanity to man seems to be perfectly fine while man's inhumanity regarding the planet is the ultimate sin.
"She was an imaginary friend who happened to be visible."
Oddly, the quality of the writing is the one bright spot in a dreadful book that makes the reader want to take a shower, then walk in the sunshine.
Though not a fan of romance novels, I have enjoyed this short holiday-themed book. Gabby, the out-spoken, forceful matriarch of her family gathers her...moreThough not a fan of romance novels, I have enjoyed this short holiday-themed book. Gabby, the out-spoken, forceful matriarch of her family gathers her adult children, relatives, friends, and almost everyone she knows for her Christmas wedding. She discusses her wedding plans in a series of video messages without identifying the groom. Emotional outbursts, unconventional wisdom, and smiley smiles ensue. This warm, amusing plot line is as far from reality as it can be. Will it become a Lifetime movie some day?
If you are in the mood for over-the-top characterization and story, this feel-good book may be the one for you.(less)
This is a book of deeply felt emotion, of good-byes, of sadness at the passing of parents and the reality of one's own mortality. Some of us have been...moreThis is a book of deeply felt emotion, of good-byes, of sadness at the passing of parents and the reality of one's own mortality. Some of us have been there. Some of us know this searing experience. For Diane Keaton, who adopted her first child at age 50, then another, there is the brightness of children to propel her into activity and light amidst her sorrow. Children provoke deep, almost painful emotions of deepest love that blends with the sadness of losing our own parents. It is a whirl pool of churning emotions.
While some celebrity memoirs reach to "set things straight" or present "my side of the story", this memoir minimizes Keaton's life and accomplishments and focuses on love and loss. On sorrow. It is interesting to see, so far as she is willing to reveal, her life as a working actress. Her artistic sensibilities are refreshing, even joyful. She writes about her powerful friendship with Woody Allen. She mentions Al Pacino.
I remember swooning over Warren Beatty in "Splendor in the Grass", as Diane did. Can you imagine actually having an adult relationship with your movie idol as she did? She had difficulty with that concept as any of us would. That is the tone of this book--that she is as surprised by her celebrity as anyone would be. That is her appeal. The self-depricating, talented, artistic, poetic woman, Diane Keaton, is authentic and human and grieving the passing of her sensitive, loving mother. A tearful ending. A beautiful book.(less)
This murderous story uses imagery of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ as clues to solving the mystery and would be more compelling in the hands o...moreThis murderous story uses imagery of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ as clues to solving the mystery and would be more compelling in the hands of a writer with greater literary skills. The writing telegraphs the action to come, which spoils the story line. I am undecided about reading this author again.(less)
It was slow going at the beginning, but once the set-up is in place, it is a completely gripping story. The writing drew me in and kept me. It is alto...moreIt was slow going at the beginning, but once the set-up is in place, it is a completely gripping story. The writing drew me in and kept me. It is altogether spell binding with many points of connection for those of us who lived in the '60s and remember the absolute horror of the events surrounding 11/22/63. The characters are richly drawn, absolutely believable, and will live in my memory for quite some time. I haven't read other works by Stephen King, however this amazing creation captured me and held me because of his precise and evocative writing.
The audio version is one reader doing very distracting voice changes, i.e.,he sounds like Owen Wilson. It might be his natural voice? He voiced a Florida woman's which sounded like Bill Clinton! Then, a Dallas police officer with the voice of John Wayne. There's the FBI agent at the end of the book with a voice reminiscent of W. C. Fields impersonators. Actually made me LOL even though the material was not funny. His impersonation of JFK was quite weak. All in all, I was very distracted by the reader.
I enjoyed hearing King discuss his book in the Afterword. The writing process is fascinating and hearing a powerfully skilled author is completely engrossing.
If you enjoy a bit of history, time travel, and a touch of dystopia or, even if you don't, I highly recommend this book. If you're a Boomer, all the better!!
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