Posted: 12 December 2005 at 8:48pm | IP Logged
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Peter,
I ordered it and will put in on my "to read" stack. I've always been interested in their relationship. Back when I only read Hemingway's literature, I decided to learn more about the man himself. The first biography I read was Hotchner's memoir "Papa Hemingway". Good read and got me hooked (the rest is history, as they say).
Early on, I had a somewhat negative impression of Hotchner, even though I loved his book. I saw him as kind of a "hanger on" with EH, and wasn't really sure if he was as big a part of things as the book implied. And of course, Mary Hemingway later dismissed him as pretty much insignificant (ticked about him calling the suicide what it was, apparently).
From what I've read since, I've formed a positive image of "Hotch", and think maybe he gets a bad rap from some. He is a talanted writer in his own right, and did help EH with editing and wrote scripts for his works (Nick Adams Stories for TV, I think). And the biographies confirm that he really "was there" in some important times with Hemingway. So there must have been a sincere friendship, EH wasn't one to suffer fools.
One of the Amazon reviews rips Hotchner, so I will be interested to read the correspondence to see why. The opinion I have formed of him, is one of a sincere likable guy. I know he is a friend and neighbor of Paul Newman's (who I have always admired as an actor, without all the Hollywood baggage). They created the line of"Newman's Own" products, which has donated millions to good causes. I think Hotchner is real, and I'm hoping this book won't change my mind. Anyway, it may cause some spirited discussion on this board (which is always a good thing).
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