Review: "Love and Ruin" by Paula McLain

Paula McLain is back with a vengeance! Her next book, Love and Ruin is about to be released and it is awesome. I love her work and this tale does not disappoint. This is the story of Martha “Marty” Gellhorn, a talented World War II war correspondent and author. She was also Ernest Hemingway’s third wife. The novel covers the tumultuous years of her life that she spent with Ernest as she struggled to be recognized for her own talent and to be the wife to a man who was very talented but also very troubled and demanding.

The story is told in the first person by Marty. This allows the reader to be in her head, to feel and see what she does. It is easy to be swept up in the emotions and romance of being with Ernest and the pain and sorrow as their relationship fades. The reader feels her warmth as she gets to know Hemingway’s children and feels as if they are her own. You also get a glimpse into her thoughts and despair as she witnesses the horror of war seen from many fronts. This style brings Marty alive to the reader!

As with all Ms. McLain’s books, you won’t be able to put this one down. It brings the main character to life and keeps you turning pages as you witness the path that her life takes. You become emotionally invested in Marty’s life and experience her difficulties. Because of the adult situations that may be difficult for a young reader to understand, I recommend this for young adult to adult readers. Make sure you pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed!!