The Paris Wife

I just finished a book that gutted me. In somewhat of a good way I suppose, if that's possible. It was so sad and depressing but also very true and real. I could relate to both characters a great deal.

Like so many things do, it's turned me in on myself and brought the past to mind. Not that the past is ever really out of mind. It seeps into our bones and becomes part of us the way everything else does. I've just learned to look at it differently. And thankfully so. Now I am so grateful for it. All of it.

Although this book is part fiction, so much of it actually happened. I like stories like that. The letters in the book are actual letters that they sent to each other and even though this book wore me out and I was sort of ready for it to be over, it had me in tears.

Dearest Tatie,

I love you now more than I ever have in some ways and though different people view their marriage vows differently, I meant mine to the death. I'm ready to be yours forever if you must know it, but since you've fallen in love and want to marry someone else, I feel I have no choice but to move aside and let you do that. The one hundred days are officially off. It was a terrible idea and it embarrasses me now. Tell Pauline whatever you choose. You can see Bumby as much as ever you like. He's very much yours and loves and misses you. But please let's only write about the divorce and not talk about it. I can't quarrel with you anymore and I can't see you much either, because it hurts too much. We'll always be friends - delicate friends, and I'll love you til I die, you know.

Ever yours,

The Cat

And his reply...

My Dearest Hadley,

I don't know how to thank you for your very brave letter. I've been worried for you and for all of us because of this horrible deadlock. We've drawn things out so painfully, neither of us knowing how to move ahead without causing more damage.  But if divorce is the next necessary step, then I trust that once we start, we'll begin to feel stronger and better and more like ourselves again. I think you're a wonderful mother, and that Bumby couldn't be better off than in your very lovely and capable hands. You are everything good and straight and fine and true -  and I see that so clearly now, in the way you've carried yourself and listened to your own heart. You've changed me more than you know, and will always be a part of everything I am. That's one thing I've learned from this. No one you love is ever truly lost.

Earnest

I could picture these characters and these places so vividly. Paris in the 1920s. I did love this story, actually more than I thought I would. Historical facts and literature often times overwhelm me and I don't take much from it, but this book was so well written, I stayed with it til the end.

I think I understand Earnest Hemingway surprisingly well.