Customer Reviews

Hemingway In Cuba

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This delightful book came in the form of a very well received "Fathers' Day" gift and has become a treasured volume on the nightstand. Hilary Hemingway with Carlene Brennan have created something unique here. In relating stories about "Papa" Hemingway (Hilary's uncle)in Cuba and Bimini and the Caribbean waters around these "islands in the stream" the authors give us fascinating details that surround the tales, but also how some of these events became parts of Papa's written stories. Brief passages from the notable Hemingway works are interwoven into the text to illustrate where certain inspirations came from. Each chapter stands as an annotated short story. The writing style is vibrant and at times exciting as one would expect from Hemingway...in this case both Hilary and Papa. This is both a tribute to the literary past, and the man who created it, and a literary achievement that stands on its own.

This is an excellent book not only for the stories that are told, but the quality of the paper, the ink, the photographs are all first class and clever. I plan on putting the book on my boat for others to enjoy while on board.

Although the production values of this book are high, the actual facts are suspect Why? Based on the one incident I know where the author has either made up the dialogue or bought lock stock and barrel into The Papa Version of the story as it has been retold in the family. Even that is not Ernest's original version. The story I'm referring to is the now famous in Story & Song "Big Fat Slob" fight Hemingway got into with Joseph F. Knapp aka Dodi Knapp
I have thoroughly researched what really happened drawing from initial interviews with eye witness' and Ernest's own letter to his editor. Through the years I've studied this one story. I've seen several errors refuse to die because no one bothered to set them straight.
The main one being that Joseph F. Knapp was a publisher...HE WAS NOT...his father Joseph P Knapp was.... Dodi Knapp was a millionaires son who retired from the family biz in 1929. The fight was in May of 1935...want to know more? Google " The
Knapps Lived Here" and click on the links to the real story... its no less interesting
As for the book If Hemingway could tell a tall tale .....Why not his niece Hilary?

Well, at least Hemingway's Cuba. Lots of great shots. I've been wanting this book forever and finally grabbed it. Still reading it but enjoying it so far. It's a nice reading getaway, especially in the winter.

Before I even opened it, I was captivated by the cigar wrapper on the book's spine and the photo of Papa at his beloved Finca. Reading about Hemingway's life and loves in Cuba was quite a trip. Hilary Hemingway's descriptive narratives made me feel as if I were boating billfish right beside Hemingway and his cronies. And Carlene Brennen's photographs--both original and archived--were outstanding. This is one book that will be read, re-read, and proudly displayed in my home for years to come.

What a fantastic book! Author Hilary Hemingway's retelling of anecdotes about her uncle's time in Cuba is done so with amazing and solid writing. It is obvious that Hilary, too, has a unique, talented literary voice. If you don't already have a copy of this book, buy one now! It is sure to top the NY Times bestseller list this summer. Thanks for sharing your gift with us, Hilary.

Great book. Bought a first edition for hubby as a gift -he's going to love it!

Before I even opened it, I was captivated by the cigar wrapper on the book's spine and the photo of Papa at his beloved Finca. Reading about Hemingway's life and loves in Cuba was quite a trip. Hilary Hemingway's descriptive narratives made me feel as if I were boating billfish right beside Hemingway and his cronies. And Carlene Brennen's photographs--both original and archived--were outstanding. This is one book that will be read, re-read, and proudly displayed in my home for years to come.

Great read! Big fan of Hemingway and his ways. Definitely not disappointed with the flow of the book. Very interesting stories and anecdotes.

What a fantastic book! Hilary tells the story of her uncle and his life in Cuba with solid writing and superb prose. "Hemingway in Cuba," by Hilary Hemingway, is sure to rank right up there with best of Earnest's literary works. Look for this book to top the NY Times best-seller list for a long time.

I urge you to purchase this book right away! Great reading! Thanks, Hilary!