A.E. Hotchner is a writer and journalist who was Ernest Hemingway's friend for his last 13 years. This is Hotchner's final memoir of his friendship with Papa. This short book is so poignant and sad. It is so because of the sad ending of Hemingway's life. It is also sad because he brought on himself most of the sadness in his life.
Meeting Hemingway for the first time in the spring of 1948 on a magazine assignment.
P. XI
The author wrote an earlier memoir of his years with Hemingway which I read in 1974. Now he embellishes and finished his story.
P. XVII
The story of Hemingway's ECT treatments is horrendous as they were administered with no anesthetic.
P. 4
"Ernest's zest for life was infectious."
P. 6
The details of the author's visits to Hemingway's room in Rochester where he was receiving "treatment" are painful
P. 11
In 1954 Ernest Hemingway was involved in two straight airplane crashes in Africa. If that had happened to me I think I would never have flown again.
P. 21
How did Pauline get into this life? Because Hemingway let her into his life.
P. 34
Fitzgerald warned him about Pauline Pfeiffer, but he didn't listen.
P. 64
Hemingway was not a good father or husband. He brought most of his woes upon himself.
P. 100
I'm 61 years old and I'm empty.
P. 162
With any luck maybe I'll dream of Paris.
P. 163
Dreams of Hadley.
P. 165
According to the author, Hemingway WAS under surveillance by the FBI.
P. 167
The final theme of this memoir is that at the end of his life Hemingway may have realized that he blew it when he let Hadley, his first wife, get away. She was his first love and his greatest love. He ends life completely broken down and with regrets.
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