Hemingway's Boat - Paul Hendrickson

     Those who follow this blog know that I'm a Hemingway fan.  Countless biographies of "Papa" have been written over the years but the most recent one looks at Hemingway's life from a new angle.  Paul Hendrickson's Hemingway's Boat:  Everything He Loved In Life And Lost, 1934-1961 covers the final 27 years of the writer's life and focuses on his beloved boat, Pilar, the one constant during this period.
     Pilar, purchased after the publication of The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms, became the writer's sanctuary.  It was a place to escape from literary criticism, the pain of failed marriages, and the stings of failed friendships.  Aboard the Pilar he entertained celebrities, relaxed with his children, caught prize fish, and, of course, drank heavily.  In following Hemingway through the years spent on Pilar, Hendrickson's biography also includes the other lives that weave in and out as well which serves to make "Papa" more human.  The portrait that emerges is much more sympathetic that many of the past biographies.

"In my opinion, too many previous Hemingway biographers and scholars have gleefully wished to point out so many of the toxic things that Hemingway did," Hendrickson said. "But one of the points I try to make is that, yes, without question he could be appalling to other people but ... there was this other side of him, this decent side that could come out instantly."

I found it thoroughly engaging and hard to put down.  If you're a Hemingway fan, you must read it; if you're not, this read might change your mind.


     On a related topic, a Hemingway Look-Alike Contest is held every year at Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West.  This year, the request of a three-time competitor has captured the attention of The Guardian.  Read about it here.