Ernest Hemingway: A Writer's Life

An introduction to the life and work of one of the most significant and notorious American writers of the 20th century.

Ernest Hemingway's literary status alone makes him worthy of a biography. In addition, his life reads like a suspense story—it's full of action, romance, heartbreak, machismo, mishaps, celebrity, and tragedy. He had first-hand experience of several historic events of the last century, and he rubbed elbows with many other notable writers and intellectual greats of our time. Though his reputation has weathered ups and downs, his status as an American icon remains untouchable. Here, in the only biography available to young people, Catherine Reef introduces readers to Hemingway's work, with a focus on his themes and writing styles and his place in the history of American fiction, and examines writers who influenced him and those he later influenced.

Catherine Reef has crafted a compelling biography that is an accessible introduction to the work of one of our most revered—and sometimes reviled—American icons.

Children's Literature

The fascinating life and complex personality of Ernest Hemingway (1899 to 1961) unfold through the lucid and intelligent prose and carefully selected photographs and pictures of this book. Reef recounts his life with specific events and shows how those events had an influence on what and how Hemingway chose to write. The reader feels the excitement of battles and bullfights. Reef avoids being judgmental as she places Hemingway within the context of the time period, and presents his interpersonal relationships and his battles with alcoholism and depression. Reef includes an eye-popping quote from the main character in To Have and Have Not and goes on to say that with the publication of that book "Hemingway would achieve the freedom of language he had long sought." Aspiring young writers and students who are reading and studying Hemingway will gain valuable insight from this thoughtfully written biography. The considerable backmatter attests to the veracity of this biography. There are extensive notes that include the citations for the quotes in each chapter; there is a five-page selected bibliography; a listing of Hemingway's major works; picture credits; and an index. It is highly recommended. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo

Catherine Reef is the author of more than 35 nonfiction books for young people. Her books for Clarion include the highly acclaimed JOHN STEINBECK and SIGMUND FREUD, which was the recipient of the 2002 Sydney Taylor Award, presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries. She lives in College Park, Maryland.