Paula McLain

Paula McLain is an American author known for her historical fiction novels, including 'The Paris Wife,' which explores the life of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley Richardson. Her works often focus on strong female characters and historical settings.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Paris Wife

    Cover of 'The Paris Wife' by Paula McLain

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Paris, the story delves into the life of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway. The narrative explores their passionate yet tumultuous relationship, highlighting the challenges they face as Hemingway's literary career begins to flourish. Through Hadley's perspective, the novel captures the complexities of love, ambition, and betrayal, painting a vivid picture of the couple's struggles to maintain their bond amidst the intoxicating allure of the expatriate community and the artistic revolution of the era.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. When The Stars Go Dark

    Cover of 'When The Stars Go Dark' by Paula McLain

    The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Anna Hart, a seasoned missing persons detective who retreats to her hometown in Northern California after a personal tragedy. As she seeks solace, Anna becomes embroiled in the case of a local missing girl, which eerily echoes a traumatic event from her past. The story weaves together themes of loss, redemption, and the haunting nature of unresolved trauma, as Anna confronts her own demons while racing against time to uncover the truth. The narrative is rich with atmospheric detail, exploring the complexities of human connections and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Circling The Sun

    Cover of 'Circling The Sun' by Paula McLain

    Set against the breathtaking backdrop of early 20th-century Kenya, this historical novel delves into the life of Beryl Markham, a pioneering aviator and horse trainer. Raised in the wilds of Africa, Beryl defies societal norms and carves her own path in a male-dominated world, navigating the complexities of love, ambition, and independence. Her journey is intertwined with the vibrant and tumultuous lives of the Happy Valley set, including her passionate entanglements with Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen. Through Beryl's eyes, the narrative explores themes of resilience, freedom, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time