I just want to say before I review LOVE AND RUIN by Paula McLain that I read CIRCLING THE SUN by the author a couple of years ago and it's one of those books that I fell in love with and I still remember how great the reading experience was. I have yet to read THE PARIS WIFE (it stands and looks accusingly at me on a shelf at home), but I hope to get to it one day.

If you have read THE PARIS WIFE, did you know that it's a book about Ernest Hemingway's first wife Hadley? The theme in this book is kind of similar since the Hemingways play a big part, however, this time the spotlight is on Martha Gellhorn, the woman that became his third wife. I found the book to be very interesting to read, not only did I get to know more about Hemingway, I also learned a lot about Martha Gellhorn. She was a remarkable woman who became one of the greatest war correspondents in history and who got one of the most famous writers ever to fall in love with her. Personally, I'd love to get to know this fiercely independent woman that didn't let a man decide her fate, even if it would break her heart.

Paula McLain has written an engrossing book about two people, both very complex and passionate, who for some years were madly in love, but in the end not even love could save this relationship. I loved reading about their time in Spain, Cuba, China, Key West, etc. I especially loved seeing Martha step out of the shadow of Hemingway. She was such a fabulous woman, daring and unconventional. The writing is just as fabulous and I'm mighty curious to know what McLain will take on next. There are more women in Hemingway's life you know...