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Papa; A Personal Memoir (With a Preface by Norman Mailer)

Papa; A Personal Memoir (With a Preface by Norman Mailer)

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Papa; A Personal Memoir (With a Preface by Norman Mailer)

by Gregory H. Hemingway

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  • as new
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
As New/Near Very Good
ISBN 10
0395243483
ISBN 13
9780395243480
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About This Item

Contents appear as unopened, unread & unblemished with burnt orange and black, cloth covered boards. DJ displays minor surface/edge/wear, as shown.

Gregory Hemingway, known as Mr. Gig or Gigi to his family, was Ernest Hemingway's youngest of three sons; his mother was Pauline, Papa's second wife. This is his memoir of his father, and it begins and ends with Papa's suicide, and the ways in which that trauma shaped Gigi's life. It is a short but monumentally touching and surprisingly well-written book; I think it is the most moving biography of Papa (who, presumably, you know I adore) that I have read. While Gigi does relate several of his father's uglier moments, including crimes against his son, he emphasizes Papa's humanity and good qualities. The story told here seems to be of a fundamentally good man who got sicker and sicker at the end – though I think he always struggled with mental illness, from being cross-dressed as a toddler through pursuit of success, fame, and the fading of his talent – and fell apart. There are other perspectives out there; many biographers and commentators see Hemingway as a monster, and I accept that that is one perspective, and has evidence to back it up. But I'm always drawn to the outlook that he deserves our pity for the illness he struggled with that finally killed him; and that is more what we get here.

Gigi tells heartwarming stories, and some bad ones (like Papa blaming Gigi for Pauline's death). He shows what good advice Papa gave; he was a good teacher. He addresses some of the myths surrounding his larger-than-life father, even though he is often unable to refute or confirm them because he was so small (or living with his mother). And it's all so beautifully done! Who knew Gigi was a bit of a writer, himself? (Make note of the tale of his plagiarized short story, back when he still hoped to follow in his father's footsteps.)

This book was like a gift to me from yet another tragic Hemingway man. It gave me lovely, appealing moments with Papa, as well as those ugly moments in which he could be so vicious. It was beautifully written. I loved getting to know Gigi better; he struck me as a very likeable, sympathetic man. But it was also sad, as reading about the Hemingways always is.

Insurance & handling is included free. Extra Charges/Fees apply on Shipments Outside The U.S. and Expedited Shipments. Oversize and/or heavy books may require additional fees. Will advise Updated 6.22. 2022 #3598-50119


Reviews

On Apr 23 2014, a reader said:
A look at Hemingway by his young brother who was also a writer. Interesting info about his time in Spain and in Europe during WWII. A little thin on the "controversial'" Papa, especially his last few years.

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Details

Bookseller
Eve's Reads US (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #
#3598-50119
Title
Papa; A Personal Memoir (With a Preface by Norman Mailer)
Author
Gregory H. Hemingway
Book Condition
New As New
Jacket Condition
Near Very Good
Quantity Available
1
Edition
1st Ed 5th Prtg,
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0395243483
ISBN 13
9780395243480
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Co
Place of Publication
Boston, Ma.
Date Published
1976
Pages
119
Keywords
Memoirs biography

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Eve's Reads

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About the Seller

Eve's Reads

Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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Mulvane, Kansas

About Eve's Reads

I no longer am in a store. Retired and now I am selling a huge inventory of rare and very old books. Huge selection of Jewish books, due to liquidation of a Jewish Temple.

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