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Palin's Travels
Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure
A winning combination of No.1 travel writer Michael Palin and one of the great literary figures of the century.When Michael Palin was researching for his novel HEMINGWAY'S CHAIR his interest was stimulated by Hemingway's appetite for travel and 'Papa's' evocations of the places he knew. Hemingway remains a compelling figure, and Palin's goal was to revisit Hemingway's world. This book includes the American West ('wide lawns and narrow minds'), Idaho, Michigan ('fly fishing, hunting'), Europe in the First World (where Hemingway was wounded serving in the Ambulance Brigade), Cuba (where Hemingway wrote FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS), Paris in the Roaring Twenties and Spain during the Spanish Civil War, Sun Valley and Key West - where the Hemingway lookalike competition is an annual event.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 1999
53 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Michael Palin
136 books1,190 followersSir Michael Edward Palin, KCMG, CBE, FRGS is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 11, 2024
This book was first published in 1999 after one of Palin’s BBC journeys. Instead of his usual around the equator, pole to pole or Sahara-type journeys, this book follows one of Palin’s literary heroes, Ernest Hemingway. With a camera crew, Palin traces the spots where Hemingway lived and traveled from youth to final resting place in Ketchum, Idaho.
As usual, Palin is very entertaining. The book is one for the coffee table with its wonderful photos and text to explain places associated with the great man. Palin begins with Hemingway’s birthplace in Oak Park, Illinois. He’s often associated with World War I, Paris of The Lost Generation, Key West, Florida, hunting in Africa, Havana pre-Castro and then the Western U.S. Palin fills the reader in with lots of story telling and tries humorously to recreate Hemingway’s steps. As time went on Hemingway found fame and the frustration of trying to keep writing good books, as well as poor health to have terrible effects on his well being. He ended his own life in Ketchum, Idaho in 1961.
Surprisingly, Paris was the least interesting part of the book for me. The most humorous part of the book was Key West, Florida and I thought Havana was colorful and somewhat frozen in time. Perfect for a look into Hemingway’s 1950s.
As usual, Palin is very entertaining. The book is one for the coffee table with its wonderful photos and text to explain places associated with the great man. Palin begins with Hemingway’s birthplace in Oak Park, Illinois. He’s often associated with World War I, Paris of The Lost Generation, Key West, Florida, hunting in Africa, Havana pre-Castro and then the Western U.S. Palin fills the reader in with lots of story telling and tries humorously to recreate Hemingway’s steps. As time went on Hemingway found fame and the frustration of trying to keep writing good books, as well as poor health to have terrible effects on his well being. He ended his own life in Ketchum, Idaho in 1961.
Surprisingly, Paris was the least interesting part of the book for me. The most humorous part of the book was Key West, Florida and I thought Havana was colorful and somewhat frozen in time. Perfect for a look into Hemingway’s 1950s.
October 11, 2020
Michael Palin is one of my favorite travel writers and for some reason has a Hemingway obsession.(Hemingway is not a favourite of mine).Two of his books are named after Hemingway,including a novel.
In this book,Palin goes to the places where Hemingway lived and travelled.While several portions of the book are rather forgettable,I liked reading about his descriptions of bull fighting,running in front of bulls and his first sight of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The chapter on Africa where he encounters big game and talks about Hemingway, the hunter is interesting.He follows Hemingway all the way to the house in Idaho,where the author killed himself.
2.5 star,rounded up to three.
In this book,Palin goes to the places where Hemingway lived and travelled.While several portions of the book are rather forgettable,I liked reading about his descriptions of bull fighting,running in front of bulls and his first sight of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The chapter on Africa where he encounters big game and talks about Hemingway, the hunter is interesting.He follows Hemingway all the way to the house in Idaho,where the author killed himself.
2.5 star,rounded up to three.
April 11, 2012
During a signing session at Stanfords bookstore in London Covent Garden I told Michael Palin about my small town Cuneo, in North West Italy, and the fact that he did not mention it nor visit it. Hemingway actually came here in 1954, to buy some famous rum chocolates which are still produced nowadays. He underlined what an interesting story that was and asked me why, instead of being there and telling him the tale, it did not occur to me to bring some ... Such a funny encounter..
November 6, 2014
This book takes us to many places where the famous author lived drank, fought and shot various animals... It’s a National Geographic view of Michigan (where Hemingway was born), Paris, Spain (Pamplona), Italy, Africa (Kenya), and Idaho where Hemingway died (actually killed himself).
Hemingway lived in Toronto, Canada for a time, but alas old T.O. gets no mention (or photos) in this book – it can’t compare to the above mentioned exotic locations!
It’s a very cursory look at this very spirited writer who was always searching for ways to ingest energy into his life. The book is probably meant for either the diehard Hemingway aficionado, or the opposite, who wants one eye catching coffee table book on the writer.
Loved very much this thoughtful quote from a Hemingway letter:
(at the end of Michael Palin’s book)
We can’t ever go back to old things or try and get the “old kick” out of something or find things the way we remembered them. We have them as we remember them and they are fine and wonderful and we have to go on and have other things because the old things are nowhere except in our minds now.
Hemingway lived in Toronto, Canada for a time, but alas old T.O. gets no mention (or photos) in this book – it can’t compare to the above mentioned exotic locations!
It’s a very cursory look at this very spirited writer who was always searching for ways to ingest energy into his life. The book is probably meant for either the diehard Hemingway aficionado, or the opposite, who wants one eye catching coffee table book on the writer.
Loved very much this thoughtful quote from a Hemingway letter:
(at the end of Michael Palin’s book)
We can’t ever go back to old things or try and get the “old kick” out of something or find things the way we remembered them. We have them as we remember them and they are fine and wonderful and we have to go on and have other things because the old things are nowhere except in our minds now.
May 3, 2017
I have not read any Ernest Hemingway so maybe this meant that I did not get as much out of this Palin travelogue as I should have done. In my opinion this is not one of Palin's best. Lacking in the detail he brings to future journals, it feels a bit thin.
He certainly does visit some interesting places as he follows Hemingway's travels around the world from Chicago to Italy, Paris, Spain, Key West, Africa, Cuba and finally the American West.
As with these types of books the best format to read them is hardcover as the Basil Pao photos are always great.
He certainly does visit some interesting places as he follows Hemingway's travels around the world from Chicago to Italy, Paris, Spain, Key West, Africa, Cuba and finally the American West.
As with these types of books the best format to read them is hardcover as the Basil Pao photos are always great.
December 29, 2008
A slightly unstuffy, upper middle class, English twit, roaming the Earth in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway sounds like the makings of a fun adventure, and if Michael Palin had given more to his journey (or perhaps simply had been better at recording what he did give) it could have been a fun adventure, but most of Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure ends up being pretty difficult to enjoy.
Palin spends much of his time going to the places Hemingway went, recording how they've changed over the years and occasionally even flirting with some of the things Hemingway did. He tries the easy things, like fishing and drinking in Papa's favourite bars, and avoids the slightly distasteful, like shooting ducks, or the marginally dangerous, like picking up some boxing gloves and sparring. It is all very sterile and safe. And he does it all with a mild derision aimed of his subject.
He claims to have an "obsession" with Hemingway, but then mocks others who share his obsession, especially those who commit to it, just as he tends to mock Papa's own obsessions. Because of this, Palin never seems to really connect with those he interviews about Hemingway or with the man who inspired his round the world "adventure." And therein lies another problem: little that Palin does can be considered an "adventure."
Going to Africa to hunt in the early years of post-colonialism and crashing one's plane in the jungle is an adventure. Fighting in the Spanish Civil War is an adventure. Fishing for Marlin in the Gulf Stream on a little boat named the Pilar is an adventure. But redoing all of these things with a film crew, BBC funding, and all of modernity's important mod cons is not an adventure. It is a job vacationing.
A real sense of adventure would have sparked Michael Palin's journey into some kind of life. Instead we get a fairly flat, documentary style recounting of his Hemingway-lite travels, spattered with condescension and periodic judgments concerning Hemingway's infidelities or reliance on benefactors or failures to live up to his own hype or what-have-you.
Palin's book really only has two strengths.
When he ignores his rather forced Hemingway connection and simply gets to know the people he comes in contact with (which is really what made Hemingway's own travels so great), Palin loosens up and really seems to soak in the cultures he's visiting. Whether Palin is chatting with a taxi driver in Cuba or a Matador in Spain, his story takes on a positive energy that makes one long for travel, and that catalyzing of wanderlust is one of the great appeals of travel literature.
Furthermore, when Palin visits Ketchum, Idaho and wanders the house where Hemingway took his life, the Hemingway Adventure takes on a genuine melancholy. The sadness Palin conveys finally makes the reader believe that maybe, just maybe, Palin really does care about Papa, and that his trip came from a genuine love of America's literary giant.
These two strengths don't do enough to mitigate the weaknesses in the rest of the book, but they do do enough to mitigate one's total disappointment.
At the very least, I will give the TV series a try. Perhaps more of the strong Palin will shine through.
Palin spends much of his time going to the places Hemingway went, recording how they've changed over the years and occasionally even flirting with some of the things Hemingway did. He tries the easy things, like fishing and drinking in Papa's favourite bars, and avoids the slightly distasteful, like shooting ducks, or the marginally dangerous, like picking up some boxing gloves and sparring. It is all very sterile and safe. And he does it all with a mild derision aimed of his subject.
He claims to have an "obsession" with Hemingway, but then mocks others who share his obsession, especially those who commit to it, just as he tends to mock Papa's own obsessions. Because of this, Palin never seems to really connect with those he interviews about Hemingway or with the man who inspired his round the world "adventure." And therein lies another problem: little that Palin does can be considered an "adventure."
Going to Africa to hunt in the early years of post-colonialism and crashing one's plane in the jungle is an adventure. Fighting in the Spanish Civil War is an adventure. Fishing for Marlin in the Gulf Stream on a little boat named the Pilar is an adventure. But redoing all of these things with a film crew, BBC funding, and all of modernity's important mod cons is not an adventure. It is a job vacationing.
A real sense of adventure would have sparked Michael Palin's journey into some kind of life. Instead we get a fairly flat, documentary style recounting of his Hemingway-lite travels, spattered with condescension and periodic judgments concerning Hemingway's infidelities or reliance on benefactors or failures to live up to his own hype or what-have-you.
Palin's book really only has two strengths.
When he ignores his rather forced Hemingway connection and simply gets to know the people he comes in contact with (which is really what made Hemingway's own travels so great), Palin loosens up and really seems to soak in the cultures he's visiting. Whether Palin is chatting with a taxi driver in Cuba or a Matador in Spain, his story takes on a positive energy that makes one long for travel, and that catalyzing of wanderlust is one of the great appeals of travel literature.
Furthermore, when Palin visits Ketchum, Idaho and wanders the house where Hemingway took his life, the Hemingway Adventure takes on a genuine melancholy. The sadness Palin conveys finally makes the reader believe that maybe, just maybe, Palin really does care about Papa, and that his trip came from a genuine love of America's literary giant.
These two strengths don't do enough to mitigate the weaknesses in the rest of the book, but they do do enough to mitigate one's total disappointment.
At the very least, I will give the TV series a try. Perhaps more of the strong Palin will shine through.
August 10, 2021
Michael Palin presta homenagem ao grande Hemingway, percorrendo os locais por onde passou o escritor americano e que lhe serviram de base, muitas vezes, para as suas obras literárias – Estados Unidos, Itália, França, Espanha, Cuba ou África.
Gosto muito da escrita de Palin – despretensiosa, concisa e humorística – e a sua maneira de estar em viagem, procurando pessoas e lugares insólitos, sem receio de se meter em situações um pouco embaraçosas. Neste livro, em particular, ele vai buscar excertos da biografia/ obras de Hemingway e tenta encontrar os vestígios que ainda possam existir do escritor nos lugares por onde passou. Alguns lugares, eu já conheço – Milão, Pamplona – e fiquei com imensa vontade de fazer os outros roteiros (especialmente, em Cuba!)
Vou continuar a explorar o mundo com o Michael Palin!
Gosto muito da escrita de Palin – despretensiosa, concisa e humorística – e a sua maneira de estar em viagem, procurando pessoas e lugares insólitos, sem receio de se meter em situações um pouco embaraçosas. Neste livro, em particular, ele vai buscar excertos da biografia/ obras de Hemingway e tenta encontrar os vestígios que ainda possam existir do escritor nos lugares por onde passou. Alguns lugares, eu já conheço – Milão, Pamplona – e fiquei com imensa vontade de fazer os outros roteiros (especialmente, em Cuba!)
Vou continuar a explorar o mundo com o Michael Palin!
July 14, 2017
Excellent journey through Hemingway's life. Palin's experience is honest and not seen through Hemingway-colored glasses.
I shed tears when Palin arrived at the final residence of Ernest, realizing "...I can no longer pretend that my traveling companion is imortal."
I shed tears when Palin arrived at the final residence of Ernest, realizing "...I can no longer pretend that my traveling companion is imortal."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2019
This was an excellent jaunt around the globe visiting the places that Ernest Hemingway stayed during his life time by the excellent comedian and travel writer Michael Palin. This gives the reader an excellent introduction to Hemingway and how the places he visited in the inter war years influenced his writing and the lasting impact he had on the people and the places that continue after he leaves.
I've read a number of Palin's books now and this doesn't disappoint and his light hearted, funny and strange take on the people he meets. I also enjoy the fact that he doesn't take the subject to seriously and get bogged down in too much detail for the casual fan of Ernest. I haven't seen the series that accompanies this book so that my next job and I'm also going to find my copy of 'The Old Man and the Sea'.
I've read a number of Palin's books now and this doesn't disappoint and his light hearted, funny and strange take on the people he meets. I also enjoy the fact that he doesn't take the subject to seriously and get bogged down in too much detail for the casual fan of Ernest. I haven't seen the series that accompanies this book so that my next job and I'm also going to find my copy of 'The Old Man and the Sea'.
March 18, 2018
Ernest Hemingway lived an adventures life, and Michael Palin captures some of that adventure in this book. As always, I enjoyed reading Michael Palin, but there was one thing that put me off- while the writing style was the same, and what I have grow to love from M.P., the layout of the book has changed. In previous book, each 'Chapter' is a separate day to day account of what happed, similar to a diary with "Day XX" acting as chapter title and with the photos on their own pages. This was done away with, with the events grouped together which results in a very run on feeling to the book and with the photos mingled with the text. It took me some time to get used to after five books written in diary style. Overall, a great book and well worth a read.
July 5, 2024
Wonderful book by my favorite Monty Python member, Sir Michael Palin (also known as the nicest man in England) who seems to share my passion for all things Hemingway.
In 1998-99, Palin embarked, along with a film crew, and others, on a journey retracing Ernest Hemingway’s life travels from his birth in Oak Park (on the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois), time spent in upper Michigan growing up, Milan, Italy, where as an eighteen year old, he drove a Red Cross ambulance in WWI and was seriously injured.
From there to Paris as a newlywed and fledgling author. Spain as a war correspondent and bullfighting enthusiast.
Back to the US to Key West, Florida, then to Africa where Hemingway went on safaris and was in two plane crashes.
Then on to Havana, Cuba, Hemingway’s home for twenty years.
To Wyoming and Montana where Ernest spent time writing some of his earlier works.
Then lastly to Ketchum, Idaho where Hemingway spent his final years.
This book was written from the journal Palin kept during these travels.
It’s filled with humor and many poignant moments.
Well done.
In 1998-99, Palin embarked, along with a film crew, and others, on a journey retracing Ernest Hemingway’s life travels from his birth in Oak Park (on the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois), time spent in upper Michigan growing up, Milan, Italy, where as an eighteen year old, he drove a Red Cross ambulance in WWI and was seriously injured.
From there to Paris as a newlywed and fledgling author. Spain as a war correspondent and bullfighting enthusiast.
Back to the US to Key West, Florida, then to Africa where Hemingway went on safaris and was in two plane crashes.
Then on to Havana, Cuba, Hemingway’s home for twenty years.
To Wyoming and Montana where Ernest spent time writing some of his earlier works.
Then lastly to Ketchum, Idaho where Hemingway spent his final years.
This book was written from the journal Palin kept during these travels.
It’s filled with humor and many poignant moments.
Well done.
December 3, 2019
Интересно четиво между биография на Хемингуей и пътепис на Палин, който използва намалението и докато прави през 1999 телевизионни серии по случай 100 годишнината от рождението на писателя, обикаля на разноски на ВВС всички държави и важни за Хемингуей места. Палин обикаля Италия, Испания, Франция, няколко държави в Африка, Куба и САЩ, посещава хотели и барове, любими на писателя, както и неговите къщи, като описва предимно своите впечатления и преживявания, но разбира се разказва и много детайли от живота на Хемингуей. Също така е включил и откъси от книгите на писателя, където са описани съответните места или събития. След тази книга планирам да прочета отново 2-3 от шедьоврите на Хемингуей, които съм чела преди 30 тина години и със сигурност ще ги възприема различно сега.
April 26, 2019
This was a good fun book, where Michael Palin took us on a trip to all the important places in Hemingway's life, following a documentary he did for BBC.
Even though some of the places evoke less than happy memories, it was an interesting journey through the great author's life and mind, visiting places that were important for him and actually seeing how they monetize Hemingway's presence there. Anything goes when it comes to making money out of a (dead) celebrity.
As this was written 20 years ago, it was interesting to see how those same places have evolved in the past few years, especially considering the bloom the tourism industry just had.
Recommended to Hemingway fans, Michael Palin fans and people that like travel literature in general.
Even though some of the places evoke less than happy memories, it was an interesting journey through the great author's life and mind, visiting places that were important for him and actually seeing how they monetize Hemingway's presence there. Anything goes when it comes to making money out of a (dead) celebrity.
As this was written 20 years ago, it was interesting to see how those same places have evolved in the past few years, especially considering the bloom the tourism industry just had.
Recommended to Hemingway fans, Michael Palin fans and people that like travel literature in general.
August 4, 2025
I came to this book because of my enjoyment of Michael Palin’s writing (Erebus, Great Uncle Harry in particular) rather than any particular interest in Ernest Hemingway.
The book takes us on a world tour and seeks to uncover the truth behind the legend of Hemingway as a womanising, hard-drinking, fishing, hunting, shooting writer. We take in France, Italy, Spain, USA, Cuba and Africa, following in Hemingway’s footsteps, seeking the places he lived, ate, bled, drank and had his adventures. I don’t suppose I realised Hemingway had left such an enduring legacy wherever he went and how many people still seek to follow in his footsteps especially at Pamplona for the running of the bulls.
Palin is, as ever, a thoughtful and interesting guide and I enjoyed this book. I’ve not read any Hemingway - do I feel compelled to do so - maybe.
The book takes us on a world tour and seeks to uncover the truth behind the legend of Hemingway as a womanising, hard-drinking, fishing, hunting, shooting writer. We take in France, Italy, Spain, USA, Cuba and Africa, following in Hemingway’s footsteps, seeking the places he lived, ate, bled, drank and had his adventures. I don’t suppose I realised Hemingway had left such an enduring legacy wherever he went and how many people still seek to follow in his footsteps especially at Pamplona for the running of the bulls.
Palin is, as ever, a thoughtful and interesting guide and I enjoyed this book. I’ve not read any Hemingway - do I feel compelled to do so - maybe.
November 25, 2022
Historic, cultural and travel references make this a fascinating book for a variety of readers. Mr Palin's writing style and empathetic approach to who and what he encounters along the way inspires a desire to travel and follow in the footsteps of others so as to understand the humans behind the stories and cultures of the world.
September 3, 2021
Another entertaining travel book, tracing where Ernest Hemingway lived and where he travelled and wrote. Written in Palin’s usual interesting style.
February 21, 2023
Palin is a much better writer than I expected him to be.
This book is much better (and more insightful) than the television series by the same name.
It is also a fairly good reference for those of us who are following in Palin's footsteps in visiting Hemingway sites.
This book is much better (and more insightful) than the television series by the same name.
It is also a fairly good reference for those of us who are following in Palin's footsteps in visiting Hemingway sites.
December 12, 2024
Michael Palin ist mit Ernest Hemingway durch Zufall bekannt geworden. Sein Buch A farewell to arms war für den jungen Michael noch das interessanteste Buch, das er von seinem Lehrer als Sommerlektüre vorgeschlagen bekommen hat. Aber dann haben ihn Hemingways Bücher nicht mehr losgelassen. Und was passiert, wenn sich Michael Palin für etwas besonders interessiert? Richtig- er macht eine Reise daraus. Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure ist das Buch, das parallel zur gleichnamigen BBC-Reihe entstanden ist.
Weil ich erst vor kurzem A farewell to arms selbst gelesen habe, gefällt mir natürlich besonders gut, dass sich Michael Palin immer wieder auf das Buch bezieht. Und dass vorne und hinten im Buch Auszüge aus dem Originalmanuskript abgedruckt sind, ist natürlich ein besonderes Leckerli. Blöd nur, dass heute morgen mein Tee in der Tasche ausgelaufen ist, in der auch das Buch war :heul: :heul: :heul:
Erstes Reiseziel: Chicago/Michigan
Auch wenn Michael Palin die Werke Hemingways liebt, ist er trotzdem erstaunt darüber, wie ein Besuch im Elternhaus des Autors die Menschen berührt. Etliche fangen sogar an zu weinen! Mir gefällt die Episode am besten, als sich eine Gruppe Schüler über ein Bild von einem Mädchen mit langen blonden Haaren und weissem Kleid lustig macht. Das "Mädchen" heisst Ernest und wird später ein berühmter Schriftsteller werden.
Natürlich will Palin auch dort fischen, wo Ernest gefischt hat. Im Gegensatz zu ihm fängt er aber- nichts. Als Trost geht er auf den Schießstand. Dort ist er erfolgreicher, zumindest solange er mit kleinen Waffen schiesst. Und irgendwann fällt ihm dann auch ein, das sein ältester Sohn 30 geworden ist. Palins Timing ist nicht immer das beste.
Zweites Reiseziel: Italien
Diese Etappe war für mich besonders interessant, weil A farewell... hier spielt. Michael Palin hat seine 50er Jahre Ausgabe dabei. Später wird er sie an einer Hemingway-trächtigen Stelle vergraben. Ich weiss nicht, ob ich mich von einem Buch trennen könnte, dass mich so lange begleitet hat. Ich kann endlich einen ersten Blick von den weissen Turnschuhen erhaschen als Palin den Weg von Hemingway an die Front nachradelt. Zum Glück kam er unbeschadet wieder. So genau muss er Hemingways Abenteuer dann doch nicht nachstellen
Drittes Reiseziel: Paris
Palin schreibt erstaunlich wenig über seine und Hemingways Eindrücke von dieser Stadt. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass Hemingway in Paris eine Schreibblokade hatte. Wie er sie losgeworden ist, finde ich schon interessant: er hat ein Oberlicht in seiner Wohnung auf den Kopf bekommen. Die Verletzung war so schwer, dass er im Krankenhaus genäht werden musste. Danach klappte es wieder mit dem Schreiben. Michael Palin stellt diese Szene nach- unblutig natürlich. Für alles andere ist er viel zu ängstlich :smile:
Viertes Reiseziel: Spanien
Spanien und Stiere gehörten für Ernest Hemingway zusammen. Also besucht Michael Palin den Stierlauf in Pamplona und später in Madrid eine Torreroschule und einen Stierkampf. Wie immer bei schwierigen Themen ist auch dieser Bericht sehr ausführlich, aber auch sehr neutral. Das mag ich an seinen Reisebeschreibungen: er läßt nichts aus, aber er bewertet nichts.
Fünftes Reiseziel: Key West
In Key West blüht das Andenken an den großen Schriftsteller. Es gibt einen Hemingway-Doppelgänger-Wettbewerb. Palin zeigt die Teilnehmer in seinem Buch ohne zu sagen, wer gewonnen hat. Die Auswahl ist nicht einfach. Außerdem trifft er einen Mann, mit Hemingways Sparringspartner war. Ich finde es faszinierend, wie viele Zeitzeugen es immer noch gibt.
Sechstes Reiseziel: Afrika
Michael Palin hat manchmal schon komische Gedanken. Im Gegensatz zu Ernest Hemingway, der über drei Wochen brauchte, erreicht er den Kilimanjaro in weniger als zwölf Stunden und fühlt sich deswegen ein bisschen schuldig. Zu diesem Gedanken passt das Monatsmotto perfekt :smile: Außerdem betreibt er ein bisschen Fanshopping und kauft ein Hemingway Jacket. Damit fühlt er sich wie ein wandelndes Munitionslager (a walking munition dump). Damit fühlt er sich schon nicht wirklich wohl und dieses Unwohlsein erreicht seinen Höhepunkt, als er einen Gepard streicheln soll. Angeblich ist der zahm, aber Michael fühlt trotzdem die Krallen an seinem Hosenbein. Später schämt er sich dann aber doch ein bisschen, weil er die "schlimme Verletzung" nicht mehr sehen kann. Aber so ist er eben: seine Gesundheit nimmt er sehr ernst (was mir beim Lesen immer wieder Spaß macht.
Siebtes Reiseziel: Kuba
Die Erkenntnis dieser Etappe ist, dass Palin weit weniger trinken kann als Ernest Hemingway. Während der zwölf Mojitos trinkt und am nächsten Morgen wieder frisch und munter ist, versagt bei Palin schon nach dem dritten die Orthografie. Wie er sich morgens fühlt, verschweigt er übrigens. Dafür schwärmt er von Hemingways Look-Out Farm mit 70+ Katzen und über 9000 Büchern. Die Farm wird wie alle Plätze, an denen Hemingway sich auf Kuba aufgehalten hat, liebevoll instand gehalten.
Letztes Reiseziel: Der amerikanische Westen
Michael Palin hat sich verliebt- in Montana. Das merkt man bei jedem einzelnen Satz. Hier wäre er wahrscheinlich gerne länger geblieben. Dann geht es zu seiner allerletzten Etappe: nach Ketchum, Idaho. Hier hat Hemingway zuletzt gewohnt und hier hat er sich auch erschossen. Sein Haus sieht immer noch so aus, als ob das Ehepaar nur kurz weg wäre. Das Buch endet leise, als ob Michael Palin nicht die letzte Ruhe Hemingways stören wollte.
Fazit
Dass ich gerne mit Michael Palin auf Reisen gehe, ist bekannt. Bei diesem Buch war ich mir aber nicht sicher, ob es mir genauso viel Spaß machen würde wie sonst. Es ist immer schwierig, jemand auf den Spuren seines Idols zu begleiten. Aber ich hätte mir keine Sorgen machen brauchen. Ob es wegen unserer ähnlichen Begeisterung für A farewell to arms war oder aus einem anderen Grund: auch diese Reise hat mir großen Spaß gemacht.
Weil ich erst vor kurzem A farewell to arms selbst gelesen habe, gefällt mir natürlich besonders gut, dass sich Michael Palin immer wieder auf das Buch bezieht. Und dass vorne und hinten im Buch Auszüge aus dem Originalmanuskript abgedruckt sind, ist natürlich ein besonderes Leckerli. Blöd nur, dass heute morgen mein Tee in der Tasche ausgelaufen ist, in der auch das Buch war :heul: :heul: :heul:
Erstes Reiseziel: Chicago/Michigan
Auch wenn Michael Palin die Werke Hemingways liebt, ist er trotzdem erstaunt darüber, wie ein Besuch im Elternhaus des Autors die Menschen berührt. Etliche fangen sogar an zu weinen! Mir gefällt die Episode am besten, als sich eine Gruppe Schüler über ein Bild von einem Mädchen mit langen blonden Haaren und weissem Kleid lustig macht. Das "Mädchen" heisst Ernest und wird später ein berühmter Schriftsteller werden.
Natürlich will Palin auch dort fischen, wo Ernest gefischt hat. Im Gegensatz zu ihm fängt er aber- nichts. Als Trost geht er auf den Schießstand. Dort ist er erfolgreicher, zumindest solange er mit kleinen Waffen schiesst. Und irgendwann fällt ihm dann auch ein, das sein ältester Sohn 30 geworden ist. Palins Timing ist nicht immer das beste.
Zweites Reiseziel: Italien
Diese Etappe war für mich besonders interessant, weil A farewell... hier spielt. Michael Palin hat seine 50er Jahre Ausgabe dabei. Später wird er sie an einer Hemingway-trächtigen Stelle vergraben. Ich weiss nicht, ob ich mich von einem Buch trennen könnte, dass mich so lange begleitet hat. Ich kann endlich einen ersten Blick von den weissen Turnschuhen erhaschen als Palin den Weg von Hemingway an die Front nachradelt. Zum Glück kam er unbeschadet wieder. So genau muss er Hemingways Abenteuer dann doch nicht nachstellen
Drittes Reiseziel: Paris
Palin schreibt erstaunlich wenig über seine und Hemingways Eindrücke von dieser Stadt. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass Hemingway in Paris eine Schreibblokade hatte. Wie er sie losgeworden ist, finde ich schon interessant: er hat ein Oberlicht in seiner Wohnung auf den Kopf bekommen. Die Verletzung war so schwer, dass er im Krankenhaus genäht werden musste. Danach klappte es wieder mit dem Schreiben. Michael Palin stellt diese Szene nach- unblutig natürlich. Für alles andere ist er viel zu ängstlich :smile:
Viertes Reiseziel: Spanien
Spanien und Stiere gehörten für Ernest Hemingway zusammen. Also besucht Michael Palin den Stierlauf in Pamplona und später in Madrid eine Torreroschule und einen Stierkampf. Wie immer bei schwierigen Themen ist auch dieser Bericht sehr ausführlich, aber auch sehr neutral. Das mag ich an seinen Reisebeschreibungen: er läßt nichts aus, aber er bewertet nichts.
Fünftes Reiseziel: Key West
In Key West blüht das Andenken an den großen Schriftsteller. Es gibt einen Hemingway-Doppelgänger-Wettbewerb. Palin zeigt die Teilnehmer in seinem Buch ohne zu sagen, wer gewonnen hat. Die Auswahl ist nicht einfach. Außerdem trifft er einen Mann, mit Hemingways Sparringspartner war. Ich finde es faszinierend, wie viele Zeitzeugen es immer noch gibt.
Sechstes Reiseziel: Afrika
Michael Palin hat manchmal schon komische Gedanken. Im Gegensatz zu Ernest Hemingway, der über drei Wochen brauchte, erreicht er den Kilimanjaro in weniger als zwölf Stunden und fühlt sich deswegen ein bisschen schuldig. Zu diesem Gedanken passt das Monatsmotto perfekt :smile: Außerdem betreibt er ein bisschen Fanshopping und kauft ein Hemingway Jacket. Damit fühlt er sich wie ein wandelndes Munitionslager (a walking munition dump). Damit fühlt er sich schon nicht wirklich wohl und dieses Unwohlsein erreicht seinen Höhepunkt, als er einen Gepard streicheln soll. Angeblich ist der zahm, aber Michael fühlt trotzdem die Krallen an seinem Hosenbein. Später schämt er sich dann aber doch ein bisschen, weil er die "schlimme Verletzung" nicht mehr sehen kann. Aber so ist er eben: seine Gesundheit nimmt er sehr ernst (was mir beim Lesen immer wieder Spaß macht.
Siebtes Reiseziel: Kuba
Die Erkenntnis dieser Etappe ist, dass Palin weit weniger trinken kann als Ernest Hemingway. Während der zwölf Mojitos trinkt und am nächsten Morgen wieder frisch und munter ist, versagt bei Palin schon nach dem dritten die Orthografie. Wie er sich morgens fühlt, verschweigt er übrigens. Dafür schwärmt er von Hemingways Look-Out Farm mit 70+ Katzen und über 9000 Büchern. Die Farm wird wie alle Plätze, an denen Hemingway sich auf Kuba aufgehalten hat, liebevoll instand gehalten.
Letztes Reiseziel: Der amerikanische Westen
Michael Palin hat sich verliebt- in Montana. Das merkt man bei jedem einzelnen Satz. Hier wäre er wahrscheinlich gerne länger geblieben. Dann geht es zu seiner allerletzten Etappe: nach Ketchum, Idaho. Hier hat Hemingway zuletzt gewohnt und hier hat er sich auch erschossen. Sein Haus sieht immer noch so aus, als ob das Ehepaar nur kurz weg wäre. Das Buch endet leise, als ob Michael Palin nicht die letzte Ruhe Hemingways stören wollte.
Fazit
Dass ich gerne mit Michael Palin auf Reisen gehe, ist bekannt. Bei diesem Buch war ich mir aber nicht sicher, ob es mir genauso viel Spaß machen würde wie sonst. Es ist immer schwierig, jemand auf den Spuren seines Idols zu begleiten. Aber ich hätte mir keine Sorgen machen brauchen. Ob es wegen unserer ähnlichen Begeisterung für A farewell to arms war oder aus einem anderen Grund: auch diese Reise hat mir großen Spaß gemacht.
January 10, 2013
Leuk en vermakelijk boek, de manier waarop Michael schrijft is altijd lichtelijk ludiek, maar toch serieus. Ik was benieuwd naar de persona van Hemingway, al moet ik zeggen dat ik gemengde gevoelens over de man heb. Daad- en wilskrachtig, zeker. Avontuurlijk ook. Maar zijn voorliefde voor stierenvechten en jagen vind ik - als vegetariër zijn - toch een tikje wreed en nodeloos.
Desondanks was het zeker leuk om meer over de man te weten te komen, na het lezen van 'The Old Man and the Sea.' Hoe hij volledig zijn eigen weg ging en zijn passie volgde, en dat je daar een aantal kleerscheuren voor over moet kunnen hebben, dat vind ik zeker inspirerend.
Desondanks was het zeker leuk om meer over de man te weten te komen, na het lezen van 'The Old Man and the Sea.' Hoe hij volledig zijn eigen weg ging en zijn passie volgde, en dat je daar een aantal kleerscheuren voor over moet kunnen hebben, dat vind ik zeker inspirerend.
September 17, 2017
Picked up a copy at the Hemingway House in Key West on our most recent cruise, which proved to be rather Hemingway-themed. Reading it on the flight back and on a subsequent excursion to Hemingway sites in Northern Michigan, it was a witty and gentle travel companion. I couldn't help but hear Michael Palin's voice in my head as I read it, which slowed down the reading experience to a much more leisurely pace than is usual for me. I look forward to watching the TV series, as well as visiting new locales in the future.
May 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I am a fan of other projects in which Michael Palin was involved in, but this is my first experience of his writing. I enjoyed the travel journal format of the book, the author's humour and the interesting link to Ernest Hemingway who is an author I really learnt to enjoy. Quite an enjoyable read.
September 7, 2008
I have to read all my Palin books again so I can forget about the Palin that makes me want to throw up and move to Canada!
September 14, 2011
Great armchair travel book...makes you want to get off your couch and go.
March 7, 2015
Tells you quite a lot about this legendary author by visiting the places he flourished in - and Mr Palin is a delight to read always...
November 13, 2019
excited to read this book
July 6, 2018
I bought this book 16 years ago at a small bookstore in Key West. I don't know why I waited so long to read it, but I'm really glad I did. The book is study of all the places where Hemingway lived, starting with his birthplace in Oak Park, IL and ending in Ketchum, Idaho, where Hemingway took his own life. Michael Palin, of Monty Python fame, created a 4-part tv special for the BBC on this subject, but the book stands alone.
I have to admit that as a Monty Python fan, I found it hard to take Michael Palin seriously because he is so famously funny. But this book is a serious evaluation of all the places where Hemingway lived and worked: Chicago, Michigan, Italy, France, Spain, Africa, Key West, Cuba and the American West. Palin visited all these places to see what remained decades later. Some places, like Key West, have become quite commercial. But, other places, like Michigan and Africa, seemed unspoiled to this day. Palin spent close to a year walking in Hemingway's path, drinking his favorite drinks, fishing for marlin, flying over the wilds of Africa, riding horses at a dude ranch. He shared all of his joy, amusement, insight and sorrow with the readers. Breath-taking photos taken by Basil Pao accompanied the text of Palin's adventures and archives photos of Hemingway were scattered throughout the text as well. One of my favorite photos is of a statue of a cherub holding a shell to her ear, juxtaposed by a woman passing the fountain with a cell phone to her ear. Each chapter includes a aerial view of a map with all the places marked out where Palin visited.
I think anyone who has an interested in the history and legend of Ernest Hemingway will enjoy this book I know it is not likely that I will ever have a chance to visit all these places personally myself, so I am glad I got to read about them in this book. Well done.
I have to admit that as a Monty Python fan, I found it hard to take Michael Palin seriously because he is so famously funny. But this book is a serious evaluation of all the places where Hemingway lived and worked: Chicago, Michigan, Italy, France, Spain, Africa, Key West, Cuba and the American West. Palin visited all these places to see what remained decades later. Some places, like Key West, have become quite commercial. But, other places, like Michigan and Africa, seemed unspoiled to this day. Palin spent close to a year walking in Hemingway's path, drinking his favorite drinks, fishing for marlin, flying over the wilds of Africa, riding horses at a dude ranch. He shared all of his joy, amusement, insight and sorrow with the readers. Breath-taking photos taken by Basil Pao accompanied the text of Palin's adventures and archives photos of Hemingway were scattered throughout the text as well. One of my favorite photos is of a statue of a cherub holding a shell to her ear, juxtaposed by a woman passing the fountain with a cell phone to her ear. Each chapter includes a aerial view of a map with all the places marked out where Palin visited.
I think anyone who has an interested in the history and legend of Ernest Hemingway will enjoy this book I know it is not likely that I will ever have a chance to visit all these places personally myself, so I am glad I got to read about them in this book. Well done.
October 14, 2019
Another personal and adventurous treat from Michael Palin.
Not knowing a ton about Ernest Hemingway beyond legends and the two books of his I've read, I wasn't sure how much I was going to get out of this edition of Palin's themed travels aside from maybe an exploration of Spain and Cuba. But this volume is actually less of a travel diary and more of a living biography of Hemingway himself. The reader is treated to Hemingway's life story through the places in which he lived, almost in order, with the kindest travel guide at your side.
Do we learn everything there is to know about Ernest Hemingway? Absolutely not. But we do learn something that I think is far more fascinating and, ultimately, more telling about a figure as complicated as he was; his effect on all the environments he touched. Hemingway's impact outside the literary is still felt to this day in nearly every place he lived; whether it's advertisements for bars he frequented in Cuba, look-alike contents that still run in the Florida Keys, or the fact that the running of the bulls was a near non-issue in the US until he reported on it (propelling an endless stream of American frat boys into the fray every year since).
The impact Hemingway had on all these small pockets around the globe is staggering, but it is the trademark light touch and gentle reverence that Palin experiences his trip with that really puts this book over the edge. Even the more complex pieces of Hemingway's character are handled with a nimbleness that highlights the humanity hiding inside the legend. The final entry - in which Palin visits Hemingway's final, tragic homestead - is absolutely brilliant.
Not knowing a ton about Ernest Hemingway beyond legends and the two books of his I've read, I wasn't sure how much I was going to get out of this edition of Palin's themed travels aside from maybe an exploration of Spain and Cuba. But this volume is actually less of a travel diary and more of a living biography of Hemingway himself. The reader is treated to Hemingway's life story through the places in which he lived, almost in order, with the kindest travel guide at your side.
Do we learn everything there is to know about Ernest Hemingway? Absolutely not. But we do learn something that I think is far more fascinating and, ultimately, more telling about a figure as complicated as he was; his effect on all the environments he touched. Hemingway's impact outside the literary is still felt to this day in nearly every place he lived; whether it's advertisements for bars he frequented in Cuba, look-alike contents that still run in the Florida Keys, or the fact that the running of the bulls was a near non-issue in the US until he reported on it (propelling an endless stream of American frat boys into the fray every year since).
The impact Hemingway had on all these small pockets around the globe is staggering, but it is the trademark light touch and gentle reverence that Palin experiences his trip with that really puts this book over the edge. Even the more complex pieces of Hemingway's character are handled with a nimbleness that highlights the humanity hiding inside the legend. The final entry - in which Palin visits Hemingway's final, tragic homestead - is absolutely brilliant.
May 21, 2025
I am not a Hemmingway fan - the idea of a macho yet self-destructive soul holds no appeal for me. Likewise, I find his prose turgid and bland, unlike his contemporary, Steinbeck. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Michael Palin brings his charm, understated wit, and consummate travelogue-writing skill to the book, and Basil Pao brings fantastic photography and art direction.
Hemmingway's life and travels provide an overarching theme to the book that brings us from place to place. Since most travelogues use geographical locations to provide the arc, the eclectic globe-trotting in this book is refreshing, while at the same time logical. Likewise, within each chapter we see a variety of locales that won't necessarily make a standard travelogue, because Hemmingway lived in these places and discovered a number of out-of-the-way sites that give a better feel for the actual culture of the cities and countries we're visiting. (and, of course, Hemmingway knew these places many years ago!)
I've personally visited four of the locations - Montana, Chicago, Key West, and Paris. That I wish to return to those places and experience the parts I missed, as chronicled in the book, is a testament to Palin and Pao's skills. Presumably a fan of Hemmingway would get even more out of this book than I did, but you obviously don't have to be a Hemmingway afficionado to appreciate and enjoy this book.
Hemmingway's life and travels provide an overarching theme to the book that brings us from place to place. Since most travelogues use geographical locations to provide the arc, the eclectic globe-trotting in this book is refreshing, while at the same time logical. Likewise, within each chapter we see a variety of locales that won't necessarily make a standard travelogue, because Hemmingway lived in these places and discovered a number of out-of-the-way sites that give a better feel for the actual culture of the cities and countries we're visiting. (and, of course, Hemmingway knew these places many years ago!)
I've personally visited four of the locations - Montana, Chicago, Key West, and Paris. That I wish to return to those places and experience the parts I missed, as chronicled in the book, is a testament to Palin and Pao's skills. Presumably a fan of Hemmingway would get even more out of this book than I did, but you obviously don't have to be a Hemmingway afficionado to appreciate and enjoy this book.
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August 28, 2024Combining Michael Palin's love of travel and Hemingway, what's not to like :) Found in a huge antique shop in Ely.
One knows that Palin has a soft spot for Hemingway (evidence ‘Hemingway’s Chair’, his first novel), and is now enjoying a second stab at fame as everyman’s travel writer. So what better than combine the 2 interests? Well the idea of following Hemingway around the world, and through his life, is interesting and informative, but the spark doesn’t quite burn either with EH’s first hand passion or MP’s rather middle-Englander re-working. However much one loves his books (and I’m very much ‘undecided’), Hemingway’s life was a uniquely personal odyssey, in search of escapism, greater highs, new animals to kill, drinking experiences and drinking buddies. And poor Michael, Sheffield lad, holidayer on the ‘wild’ Suffolk coast, Oxford-educated erudite but slightly shambling and professorial middle-aged national treasure. The latter can’t ever hope to recapture the highs and lows of the former; I know, seeing a World War I trench does not put one into the rotting lice-ridden boots of a 19 year-old Tommy. That said, this is a gentle pleasure, helped by the companion photo journal, and I will seek out more of Palin’s work – maybe a ‘straight’ travelogue next time though?
One knows that Palin has a soft spot for Hemingway (evidence ‘Hemingway’s Chair’, his first novel), and is now enjoying a second stab at fame as everyman’s travel writer. So what better than combine the 2 interests? Well the idea of following Hemingway around the world, and through his life, is interesting and informative, but the spark doesn’t quite burn either with EH’s first hand passion or MP’s rather middle-Englander re-working. However much one loves his books (and I’m very much ‘undecided’), Hemingway’s life was a uniquely personal odyssey, in search of escapism, greater highs, new animals to kill, drinking experiences and drinking buddies. And poor Michael, Sheffield lad, holidayer on the ‘wild’ Suffolk coast, Oxford-educated erudite but slightly shambling and professorial middle-aged national treasure. The latter can’t ever hope to recapture the highs and lows of the former; I know, seeing a World War I trench does not put one into the rotting lice-ridden boots of a 19 year-old Tommy. That said, this is a gentle pleasure, helped by the companion photo journal, and I will seek out more of Palin’s work – maybe a ‘straight’ travelogue next time though?
April 18, 2025
A shorter travel book by Michael Palin, this one is diary entries about his BBC series HEMINGWAY ADVENTURE, where he follows the life of Ernest Hemingway by the places he went to and which inspired his books, and for better or worse his legend (his many automobile and plane crashes, his love of Cuba pre-Castro and how having to leave broke his heart, and his repeated suicide attempts). Often comical (Palin's attempts to emulate an author he admires often end in the kind of silly pratfalls you'd expect from a former member of Monty Python!); sometimes well-aware of a man who, for all his performative machismo, was extremely sensitive and clearly knew how much of his "act" was just that—an act; and in the end melancholy about how Hemingway saw suicide as preferable to slowly degenerating and losing his ability to write.
One of the big reasons I'm happy to read Palin's diaries and nonfiction is because of his gift for loving life, meeting people, and having adventures he never thought he'd experience as a youthful comedy writer with a wife and kids living in a middling London neighborhood. He makes being "Sort of a decent chap, really" feel like both a blessing and a bit of a curse, sometimes....
One of the big reasons I'm happy to read Palin's diaries and nonfiction is because of his gift for loving life, meeting people, and having adventures he never thought he'd experience as a youthful comedy writer with a wife and kids living in a middling London neighborhood. He makes being "Sort of a decent chap, really" feel like both a blessing and a bit of a curse, sometimes....
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