have just finished reading this book, ‘The Paris Wife’ – its an interesting insight into the early life of Ernest Hemmingway, through the words and viewpoint of his first wife, Hadley Richardson. Its an easy read, and although not a biography, rather a historical novel weaved through facts, it paints a picture of that time in the 1920’s around Paris and its rising creatives.
I have stopped buying weekend papers – the supplements used to pile up by bed, ready to read, and although I feel somewhat guilty not supporting the trade that initiated my husband’s career, I feel that its time to cut back on waste and clutter. Instead I now pick one of the many beautiful photo books that line my shelves – and take the time to read and look at the wonderful inspiring photos. this last week I have been reading ‘A woman’s war’ by Lee Miller – very interesting, lots of historical facts and an insight into how women contributed during the war – either by joining the forces, or helping with menial tasks such as packing parachutes; it shows the fashions of the time that prevailed although there was huge rationing; it was very disturbing to see the aftermath of the war, the ruin and devastation of cities, the poverty and yet there was a glimmer of hope. all this through the amazing photos of Lee Miller as she was the official war photographer for Vogue. I think that I saw this exhibition at the wonderful Imperial War Museum, one of my recent discoveries in this great cultural city. I am sure you can still find the book, makes a great xmas present.
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