The Paris Wife by Paula McLain is a historical fiction about the marriage of Ernest and Hadley Hemingway. Â The story starts at their first encounter and ends their journey at their last parting. Â Told from Hadley’s perspective, the reader gets to experience a classic, sweeping romance. Â The story is only that much more intriguing if you know how it ends from the beginning.
I can’t remember the last time I couldn’t put a book down like this.  I was sneaking reads on my breaks and taking the book every where with me.  Knowing that Hadley was Hemingway’s first wife made the book all that more intriguing because I was constantly waiting for her breaking point.  McLain did extensive research on the Hemingway’s and it truly showed in her writing, which was colorful and engaging.
As a woman of my generation, I didn’t necessarily find Hadley to be relatable but, simply, interesting. Â I found her thought process to be frustrating, though incredibly historically accurate. Â Being of an empowered generation, it is sometimes difficult to look back and relate to the behaviors and thoughts of women before me. Â However, I have a deep appreciation for that, despite her time, Hadley still stood up for herself and her happiness in the end. Â By the end of the novel, I found I had a great affection for her. Â Team Hadley!
I highly recommend this book. Â It’s a great beach read AND a cozy by the fire book. Â Check it out.