Publisher's Synopsis
New York Birds Don't Climb explores the profound influence of three significant cities - Chicago, Paris, and New York - on the life and works of one of the greatest literary icons, Ernest Hemingway. While Hemingway's encounters with natural spaces have received substantial scholarly attention, the role of urban environments in shaping his writings and personal mythos remains largely unexplored. In this compelling book, delve into Hemingway's urban experiences, beginning with his transformative year and a half in Chicago, following his service as a Red Cross ambulance volunteer in World War I. Discover how this short yet influential period shaped Hemingway as a writer and introduced him to significant figures like his first wife, Hadley, and his mentor, Sherwood Anderson. Venture into the "city of light", Paris, through Hemingway's lens and examine how his portrayals deviated from his real-life experiences. A careful reevaluation of his accounts uncovers a distinct perspective that shaped both his literary creations and public persona. The journey concludes in the often-overlooked setting of Hemingway's narrative: New York City. This book presents a thought-provoking argument for the necessity of studying Hemingway's complex relationship with this vibrant metropolis. Drawing primarily from Hemingway correspondence, New York Birds Don't Climb offers a rare glimpse into Hemingway's personal life and his navigation of urban landscapes. Despite Hemingway's wish for these intimate letters to be destroyed upon his death, the preserved documents provide invaluable insights, challenge sweeping statements, and invite the reader to reevaluate the man behind the acclaimed works. New York Birds Don't Climb presents a nuanced exploration of the writer's urban influences, adding a new dimension to our understanding of this celebrated author.
