Love and Ruin

A Novel

By: Paula McLain

Narrated by: January LaVoy

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A powerful novel of the stormy marriage between Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn, a fiercely independent woman who became one of the greatest war correspondents of the twentieth century—from the author of The Paris Wife and When the Stars Go Dark

“Romance, infidelity, war—Paula McLain’s powerhouse novel has it all.”—Glamour

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • New York Public Library • Bloomberg • Real Simple

In 1937, twenty-eight-year-old Martha Gellhorn travels alone to Madrid to report on the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and becomes drawn to the stories of ordinary people caught in the devastating conflict. It’s her chance to prove herself a worthy journalist in a field dominated by men. There she also finds herself unexpectedly—and unwillingly—falling in love with Ernest Hemingway, a man on his way to becoming a legend.

On the eve of World War II, and set against the turbulent backdrops of Madrid and Cuba, Martha and Ernest’s relationship and careers ignite. But when Ernest publishes the biggest literary success of his career, For Whom the Bell Tolls, they are no longer equals, and Martha must forge a path as her own woman and writer.

Heralded by Ann Patchett as “the new star of historical fiction,” Paula McLain brings Gellhorn’s story richly to life and captures her as a heroine for the ages: a woman who will risk absolutely everything to find her own voice.

Outstanding

This title was exceptional in every way. Martha Gelhorn was certainly an interesting and admirable character. How she got stuck w/ Hemingway is anybody's guess.

A Love Story

Listening to this novel I was carried away to a different time and place. It was pure pleasure

It was ok.

I can't quite tell why I didn't love this book. I like fiction and strong characters and definitely like the real Martha. I think I was hoping for more about her rather than Hemingway and war. I would say a middle of the road book for me- not bad but likely not memorable.

Loved this book!

I loved this book. Great writing and story.
It is interesting to follow history as well.

Wonderful read

I loved this book - well written, insightful and absorbing. The reader was terrific too b