Love and Ruin: A Novel
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Love and Ruin: A Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Paula McLain (Author), January LaVoy (Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 5,250 ratings
Editors' pick Best Literature & Fiction
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New York Times best seller.

The best-selling author of The Paris Wife returns to the subject of Ernest Hemingway in a novel about his passionate, stormy marriage to Martha Gellhorn - a fiercely independent, ambitious woman ahead of her time who would become one of the greatest war correspondents of the 20th century.

Named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post, New York Public Library, Bloomberg, and Real Simple.

In 1937, 28-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.

Praise for Love and Ruin:

“In this heart-tugging follow-up [to The Paris Wife], we meet Martha Gellhorn, a correspondent during the Spanish Civil War, who was the third - and perhaps most intriguing - of [Hemingway's] wives. The title says it all.” (People)

“Propulsive...highly engaging.... McLain does an excellent job portraying a woman with dreams who isn’t afraid to make them real.... Her work around the world...is presented in meticulous, hair-raising passages.... The book is fueled by her questing spirit, which asks, Why must a woman decide between being a war correspondent and a wife in her husband’s bed?” (The New York Times Book Review)

“[The] scenes of professional rivalry and seesawing imbalance are some of McLain’s best.... McLain’s legions of fans will relish the inspiration of a gutsy woman who discovers she doesn’t need a man at her side, after all.” (The Boston Globe)

Previous page
  1. Listening Length
    11 hours and 21 minutes
  2. Author
    Paula McLain
  3. Narrator
    January LaVoy
  4. Audible release date
    May 1, 2018
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Random House Audio
  7. ASIN
    B07B1PTTMH
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 11 hours and 21 minutes
Author Paula McLain
Narrator January LaVoy
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date May 01, 2018
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07B1PTTMH
Best Sellers Rank #6,088 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#26 in Biographical Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#48 in Biographical Historical Fiction
#83 in Biographical Fiction (Books)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
5,250 global ratings
A raw and heartbreaking historical fiction, exposing war, death, and the things that give life worth
4 Stars
A raw and heartbreaking historical fiction, exposing war, death, and the things that give life worth
Many people have romanticized the life of Ernest Hemingway, admiring his great works but missing his many human flaws. One of these people, initially, was the woman who would become his third wife, Martha Gellhorn, or Marty. Through her eyes, we are exposed to the savage side of Hemingway as well as his tenderness. He is a justice fighter reporting alongside his young wife, a kind father, a generous animal lover, but, at times, he can become a depressed, angry man who struggles to find purpose and inspiration for his next novel. Marty too is a writer who wants to pour her life experiences and emotions into her characters, but her novels aren’t met with the same success as her husband’s. So she becomes a female war correspondent, sometimes to her detriment, and reveals the complexity of a woman’s desires for a successful career and a happy home, and the struggle of trying to balance both. Part narrative of the Pre-WWII Spanish war, part love story and tragedy, Love and Ruin is a raw and heartbreaking historical fiction, exposing war, death, and the things that give life worth. For discussion questions, similar reads, and an easy themed recipe of orange poppyseed muffins, visit HubPages.
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Top reviews from the United States

Louise D. Somes
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Paula McClain novel
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023
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McClain really outdid herself with this wonderful novel about Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn, his third wife.
The historical record is very accurate and though I neither liked Hemingway or Gellhorn, their personalities and conflicts are so well drawn.
I didn’t know the extensive history behind Martha Gellhorn’s extraordinary groundbreaking journalism. At a time when women were few in the field, Martha went right into the action of Spain’s civil war as well as WWII.
After finishing this well written account, I did a bit of research on both Hemingway and Gellhorn and found McClain to be spot on.
I also recommend the film “Hemingway and Gellhorn” on Prime Video.
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Grace N
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2019
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The narrative of "Love and Ruin" is the current inside a woman's mind and thoughts; a memoir of her relationship with a powerful, talented man who is a legend in literary history. Her ambition, disquiet, fear, love, joy, and trepidation are not told with a shallow, trivial voice as might be heard in a glossy women's magazine. Martha Gellhorn was a strong, talented, driven woman who fell in love with Ernest Hemingway. As her career developed, she fought to be acknowledged on her own terms and to disengage from the label of "Mrs. Hemingway." It was not easy.

Paula McLain, a writer of genius, has produced a narrative of authenticity and strength written in Martha Gellhorn's voice. She deftly inhabits Martha's thoughts to expose the reality of her struggle with the management of a complicated life with complicated goals. The man, Ernest Hemingway, had identified her potential, brought her along, showed her the ropes, seduced her, and then could not live without her. In the bitter end, he torpedoed her ambition. She climbed out successfully with courage but not without pain, loss and loneliness. Today, she is remembered as one of the great war correspondents of the 20th century.

McLain has a talent for writing from a women's point of view with penetrating clarity, and honesty. Each character that enters the story in a pivotal way is real, believable and painted with exquisite sympathy and objectivity. Ernest's sons and Martha's mother are vivid characters that have significant co-starring roles. There are a few instances when we hear from Ernest; his voice already set in the smoke of his downward spiral of loneliness, loss, and demoralization. In all the characters that McLain paints, we are left to make our own judgements.

The story is well crafted and very compelling. I say that with a deep admiration for Paula McLain's comprehensive and creative skills. We know that McLain's Martha and Ernest are not the real people but I can believe that they are pretty true. McLain's research is intrepid, and intelligent; a solid base for the characters and their story. Her first book "The Paris Wife" revealed her insights into Hemingway as a man, a writer, a husband, lover, and father; iy left an indelible impression.

Here, Martha shines through it all, beautiful, strong, confused, talented, wounded, driven, loving, and determined to balance a relationship and a career. The devastating, consumed and complicated man that she chooses for her partner, is her mentor at first, but then becomes the cyclone that sweeps her off course and away from her beacon. Gradually, with heart-wrenching agony, their love and work tear the hull of their boat and free Martha Gellhorn. She finally arrives to leave her legacy and we are cheering her every step of the way.
7 people found this helpful
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Crystal
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Written Historical Fiction!
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2018
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Paula McLain is one of my all-time favorite authors, and somehow this newest novel has snuck its way into my heart as my new favorite. Though I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE both The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun, this new novel was even more brilliant than these well-loved favorites!

The reason is certainly Marty Gellhorn herself-- a character who is just enough "me" for me to relate to while simultaneously being far more daring than I could ever hope to be. Yet, throughout all of the horrific things she witnesses in the novel, she never loses her humanity or her ability to be vulnerable. Ms. McLain has written a masterpiece of a character here.

And not just one! Her portrayal of Ernest Hemingway is a wonderful, paradoxical blend of tenderness, charisma, passion, pettiness, selfishness, and moroseness. Such a complex character! And so brilliantly executed.

I cannot think of a single criticism to name. This is absolutely my favorite book of the year, so far. Above any other genre, it takes a finely honed-- and I suspect hard-won-- skillset to write quality Historical Fiction. Ms. McLain has done it time and time again and this novel is no exception.

I highly recommend this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
55 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Portrait of Gellhorn
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2023
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Another excellent Hemingway related book by this very gifted author.
One person found this helpful
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NLBHorton
3.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps Time to Let Hemingway Go
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2019
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My disengagement from Love and Ruin probably lies at the feet of having read so much about Hemingway and his wives. McLain's work is as professional and thorough as always, and her writing is clear. She's done her research, and I learned more about Franco's war in Spain by reading this book. So I don't think it's her fault that this book didn't engage me.

Hemingway is so well known—or his image is, anyway. He's the type of man that doesn't fit well in our contemporary view of manhood, which makes him off-putting. Nonetheless, he's a helluva writer, but how many stories can be told about that? Because of their immorality (and I use that term specifically, since both parties admit to knowing that the affair and behavoir is wrong and hurtful), I found it hard to root for Heminway or Gellhorn. I didn't root for ANYBODY in this book. And I felt sorry for Gellhorn's mother, who seems discarded. (Do NOT mess with a mother.) All of these issues distanced me from the story as a whole.

So if you're looking for something to read about "Papa" and one of his many wives, you might enjoy Love and Ruin. For me, it might be time to wean off of fact disguised as fiction—and all its incarnations—and to stick with writers who are creating stories full of original characters to whose moral compasses I can relate.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Francine Trudeau
5.0 out of 5 stars simply love it
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2022
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découvrir Hemingway
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Katherine Sunderland
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant. Fascinating period in history and fascinating relationship. Five star read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2019
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I really enjoyed The Paris Wife and this novel was equally compelling, fascinating and full of wonderful characters. It is mesmerising and McLain's ability to capture place, historical setting and social settings means the reader always feel as if they are there, caught up within the story. Set in the Spanish Civil War, the novel begins at an exciting moment in history - made more so by the fact the main character is a woman and a woman who is longing for adventure and travel. Martha Gellhorn is an inspiring character - a strong and brave woman who then falls in love with the charismatic yet tempestuous Ernest Hemingway. I really enjoyed the conflict, dilemmas and emotional blackmail between the two of them as they fall in hopelessly in love, yet as both their writing careers flourish are faced with constant comparisons - particularly for Martha - which creates tension between them. Martha is a truly inspiring character. Her constant pull between her love for Ernest and the passion for her career and writing give the novel depth and further interest. McLain has clearly researched these characters in detail and I felt like I learned a lot from reading this. It was thoroughly enjoyable and probably my favourite read this summer. Highly recommend.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Rich with history, love and living.
Reviewed in Australia on May 9, 2020
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Adrenaline ride from go to woah. Binged through it like a Labrador at a banquet table. The interpretation of their characters have a clear picture of their talents, flaws and values. It has compelled me to find more to read both of their own writing and the historic wars that fuelled her drive and commitment.
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Elena
4.0 out of 5 stars Don't judge this book by its cover.
Reviewed in Canada on October 18, 2020
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For this book, do not judge it by its cover. The title and dust jacket suggest a drugstore romance, but that is not what is in between the covers at all. It is a fine historical novel of the twentieth century’s greatest war correspondent who happened to be a woman, Martha Gellhorn – a courageous and determined woman. Yes, she was the third wife of Ernest Hemingway, but unlike him she figured out what was most important in her life and went after it – to be a witness to war and record the events for the record, least the record be distorted by those who were not present or had their own motives for changing it.
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SusannahB
4.0 out of 5 stars The Life and Times of Martha Gellhorn
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2020
Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
Paula McLain’s ’Love and Ruin’ takes the reader back to 1936, where we meet Martha Gellhorn before she became one of the most intrepid and famous war correspondents of the 20th century, and this story follows her career and her turbulent relationship with the writer Ernest Hemingway. After a failed romance in Paris and having received bad notices for her first novel, Martha Gellhorn meets famous writer Ernest Hemingway in a bar in Key West. Despite Hemingway being married to his second wife, Pauline, the attraction is immediate and when Gellhorn follows Hemingway to Madrid, where the Spanish Civil War is raging, the pair become romantically involved. Affected by the terrible events she witnesses in Spain, most notably the death of a young boy, Gellhorn’s career as a journalist and war correspondent begins, but when Franco’s army takes control, Gellhorn and Hemingway are forced to leave Spain behind them. Settling in Cuba, the pair begin a seemingly idyllic life of love and writing but, after they marry and as time passes, Hemingway’s huge personality, his jealously and his egotistical need to put his own wants before his wife's - coupled with Gellhorn's ambitious desire to succeed as a writer - means that the marriage is soon under some considerable strain. Frightened of becoming suffocated beneath her husband's ego and reputation, Gellhorn takes off to cover some of the most significant conflicts in history including: the Soviet-Finnish Winter War; the Second Sino-Japanese War; the D-Day Landings in WWII - where she was the first journalist (male or female) to make it to Normandy and to report back; the aftermath of the war where she reported on the inhuman treatment inflicted on those who were incarcerated and murdered in the concentration camps, and more.

Paula McLain has researched her subject well and, drawing on already published resources, including Gellhorn's own memoirs and letters, she has written an absorbing and interesting account of an ambitious and courageous woman who wanted to make her mark in the world. It may be true that if you have already read Gellhorn's own memoirs or Caroline Moorhead's excellent biography, there is little here that you will not already know about Martha Gellhorn's life, but this is a very accessible account and one which (although has an epilogue which briefly covers the years following the break up Gellhorn's marriage until her death in 1998) focuses mostly on the years Gellhorn spent with Hemingway, and works a good introduction to the life and times of Martha Gellhorn. An enjoyable read.

4 Stars.
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