2Many books have been written about Ernest Hemingway, but no book has focused on the women he knew and loved and sometimes hated -- his mother, who was the lifelong recipient of his invective; his wives; and others who captivated him. Hemingway married four times, each time to a fascinating person: Hadley Richardson, who shared the Paris years and one son; Pauline Pfeiffer, the mother of two more sons, who created a haven in Key West; Martha Gellhorn, a writer and acclaimed journalist; and Mary Welsh, a Time correspondent. Drawing on letters and interviews with the living women, Bernice Kert sheds new light on the Hemingway heroines and their real-life prototypes. The best book about Hemingway that has been written for a long time.--Malcolm Cowley A very valuable book, admirably organized, handsomely written, and continuously interesting.--Carlos Baker The very different women in Hemingway's life come through clearly and strongly . . . a fine balanced work. . . . I couldn't stop reading it.--Elizabeth Janeway