Coffee with Hemingway

Coffee with...

by Kirk Curnutt, John Updike (Foreword)

“Go take a flying leap if you came here to flatter me.” It’s easy to imagine Hemingway at his desk, reacting with his fabled aggression when interrupted for advice—as he does here. Known for his globetrotting; passion for bullfighting, fishing, and hunting; fascination with war; and feuds with rivals like Gertrude Stein, he set the 20th-century template for the artist as an adventurer and man of action. Kirk Curnutt, a professor and member of the board of directors of the Ernest Hemingway Society, and multi-award-winning author John Updike arrange a mesmerizing meeting with this prickly American genius.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Literature, American

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Kirk Curnutt is the author of twelve volumes of fiction and literary criticism. His first novel, Breathing Out the Ghost, won the 2008 Best Books of Indiana competition in the fiction category. It also won a bronze IPPY and was a Foreword Magazine Book of the Year finalist. His second novel, Dixie Noir, was published in November 2009. Other recent works include Key West Hemingway, co-edited with Gail D. Sinclair (UP of Florida), The Cambridge Introduction to F. Scott Fitzgerald, the fictional dialogue with Ernest Hemingway Coffee with Hemingway (with a preface by John Updike), and the short-story collection Baby, Let’s Make a Baby, Plus Ten More Stories. The recipient of a 2007-08 Alabama State Arts Council literary fellowship, he is currently at work on a nonfiction account of the 1956 attack on Nat King Cole in Birmingham.

Reviews

[Zahra Dashti · Rating 1 out of 5]

جذبم نکرد اصلا. شاید باید وقت بهتری می خوندمش نه الان
ترجمه هم ناروان بود. خوندنش رو ناخوشایندتر می کرد

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Here's a secret for you-All the symbolism that people talk about is shit. I used to get letters from students, Dear Mr. Hemingstein, My English teacher says the sea in your book about it and that old man is really amniotic fluid.Could you confirm or deny?"

Now doesn't that sound like a quote from Old Papa himself??? Well..... maybe..... but........ drum roll please......... it's fictional, but sure sounds like the man, doesn't it? There's more juicy fun to be had. All you gotta do it read this book. This book is a series of interviews from an unknown interviewer,and how Papa might have answered such questions. I swear I had to look at the cover numerous times to remind myself that this was Kirk writing these things,and not the master himself. Kirk was "a master" in how he made me feel like I was in a studio audience listening to Hemingway being interviewed,and how he would answer, with his caustic sarcastic remarks,and him saying all of this stuff people say about him is shit. I was totally blown away at how Kirk did such a convincing dialogue of being Hemingway himself!! One of my dreams would be to meet the man himself, Papa, and after reading this book I feel like I have truly,and finally met my idol!! All I can say is.... Wow, Kirk!

Anyone who is a fan of any of Hemingway's books or short stories would be in for a real treat in reading this book. Anyone who says they would never read Hemingway, should have an open mind & experience this little coffee table book,! They might actually run out afterwards to get copies of things to read by Hemingway. I have read much by Hemingway,and after getting a copy of Kirk's book, and reading it for myself, I ran to the nearest bookstore to pick up THE GARDEN OF EDEN & ISLANDS IN THE STREAM. I've also reread some of his short stories recently. Kirk is so believable as Hemingway, that you'll yearn to experience Hemingway's writings for yourself. Damn!! what a most favorable, roaring good time compliment to give to the genius of this book and to the writer who created it !

Bravo, Kirk, Bravo. I highly recommend this book!

[Suad Shamma · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, unlike my experience with Michelangelo, my coffee date with Hemingway didn't go so well.

Can't blame the man specifically, although I suppose a lot of truth lays in the way the conversation was crafted, but more so the writer Kirk Curnutt, who really took Hemingway's attitude and impertinence to a whole other level. I understand that Hemingway was known for being a bad-tempered, blunt, sharp kind of individual. I'm also aware that a lot of research and knowledge needs to go into writing one of these installments, so I realize that Curnutt must be fully capable of writing this book to reflect Hemingway's personality as closely as possible to the real thing.

However, who knows? Right? That is the real question here. Who can ever know what Hemingway was like unless you've really sat with him at one point in your life.

I have always been a fan of Hemingway's work, but I never thought how turned off I'd be by him. This book did that. Turned me off completely, so much so that I could feel myself slowly losing respect for the man as the conversation went on. Again, I have to say, I blame Curnutt for that reaction. There are many ways you could create dialogue, especially when it's a fictional conversation, in which to reflect true character but not allow a reader to lose respect for someone who is so talented and well-known in the literary world.

As was the case with Michelangelo, who also had a reputation for being quite overbearing and arrogant, but despite that factor playing a part in the dialogue, James Hall had me leave that conversation with so much respect for the artist.

Curnutt failed to do so with Hemingway. The annoying nicknames thing that kept going on and on - as opposed to mentioning just once or a couple of times -, the irritating way in which he would talk down to you and constantly ask you to leave yet continue the conversation, the way he bad mouthed every other writer with just as much skill as him, the way he dismissed you as if you were of absolutely no importance whatsoever became really frustrating halfway through. It starts out as amusing, and you find yourself smiling ironically and nodding your head as if to say, "Yep. That's Hemingway all right." But at one point, you stop being amused and almost want to punch his face in thinking to yourself, this isn't worth it. I don't need to put myself through this degrading conversation to ask this guy a few questions about his career or life.

Is Hemingway a good writer with some of the greatest novels out there? Yes. Absolutely. Is he an interesting character with an interesting life? No. Not really. I don't think so anyway. However, I think there was a lot more Curnutt could have done to make this more bearable for a reader to sit through without leaving the conversation with a bad taste in your mouth while thinking to yourself, thank God that's over.

[Julie Failla Earhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rummaging around my favorite used bookstore, I stumbled on a copy of Coffee With Hemingway, from Duncan Baird Publishers’ Coffee With…Series. Papa was one of those people I would write about when high school teachers assigned an essay on the theme of “Who would I most like to have dinner with?”
Kirk Curnutt, author of Ernest Hemingway and the Expatriate Modernist Movement, was assigned to imagine he was conducting an interview over coffee with Papa. The little book became a “fictional dialogue based on biographical fact.” In this episode, Kirk and Papa are at Paris’ Closerie des Lilas café.
The fictional conversation covers ten themes: Ernie Agnostics; On War; On Expatriation; The Hemingway Style; Fiction vs. Nonfiction; On Food, Sport, and Ritual; On Feuds and Rivalries; On Wives; On Female Characters; and The Price of Fame.
Curnutt does a wonderful job in creating an atmosphere where I really believed that I was eavesdropping on their “Coffee.” However, Papa’s answers did nothing but disillusion my romantic notions about sitting down with the greatest writer of the twentieth century. Hemingway came across as I’m sure he must have been in real life: rather vulgar, crass, annoying, and plain ol’ rude.
Review originally appeared on www.armchairinterviews.com

[Thomas Reede · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun light read

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely brilliant piece of work! I couldn't put this book down! It's a real page turner. I learned a lot about Hemingway, and also his insight towards being a writer. I loved the one-on-one question and answer theme that was incorporated into the book. Obviously, Mr. Curnett is an expert on Hemingway. I was very impressed with his knowledge. I had read a couple of Hemingway's novels a long time ago, such as, Death in the Afternoon, For Whom the Bell Tolls. However, this book has sparked a flame that possesses me to re-read and read other Hemingway novels and stories. This book is a real gem. Pure genius is all I can say! Two thumbs up! I highly recommend this book!
Bravo!

[Jakub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been meaning to read this one for a while now, and I wasn't disappointed.

It's a fun little book, full of caustic wit and quotes from the fictional Papa; brilliantly orchestrated by Curnutt. The author's expertise, when it comes to Hemingway, clearly shows in each paragraph, which will make this book thoroughly enjoyable for fans of both writers.
Parts of the "interview" are dedicated to Hem's life and relationships with certain individuals, while others concentrate more on his style of writing and inspirations.
The book is a deserved homage to one of the greatest writers that's ever lived, and can surely be recommended to anyone interested in his work.

4/5

[Alexander Stamelos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Μικρό βιβλιαράκι 14 Χ 11 εκ. με σκληρό εξώφυλλο και γυαλιστερές σελίδες, περιέχει μία φανταστική συνέντευξη με τον Χεμινγουευ. Δεν τρελάθηκα αλλά δεν το πετάω και στα τάρταρα.

[Philip Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sharp, funny, insightful. This book, compact in size and in writing style (apropos for its subject) is really two books in one, both presented in engaging fashion by Kirk Curnutt, a university prof well known for his work in Hemingway studies (and as a mainstay of the Hemingway Society).
Part one, following a foreword by literary giant John Updike, is an insightful essay offering an overview of Hem's work and life, handily covering his major achievements and the familiar signposts of a celebrity-fired lifestyle. It'd make a terrific primer for anyone approaching the author for the first time, and it's a nice, well-rounded refresher for longtime Hem readers.
The second part, the main course, is an imaginary extended conversation with the brilliant, notoriously combative writer, who amusingly holds forth on the meaning of war (or the lack thereof), his much-imitated writing style, his passions, his wives, ongoing controversies about his female characters, and other topics.
At times, the "interview" really does feel like a lively chat between the famous literary modernist and an inquisitive, perhaps too pesky journalist. And Curnutt uses Hem's imagined words to encapsulate what biographers and authors have told us regarding the latter's feelings on those topics.
I particularly appreciate the Hemingway character's closing remarks, in part, I guess, because it's what I want to hear from Hem regarding the "why" of it all: "... work's the word I want you to walk away with -- not personality, not fame, not reputation, not Paris nor Papa nor Papa dobles at the Floridita nor a shotgun barrel on a summer Ketchum morning when there was finally peace after so much pain. The only thing that matters is the work. The pleasure of doing it well was the only reason I ever wanted to write ..."
Well said, indeed. True story?

[Mike Futcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting breeze that unfortunately never rises above its status as a novelty book, Coffee with Hemingway imagines a candid conversation between a modern interviewer and the author Ernest Hemingway. It's a conceit, really, designed to deliver biography in a more digestible way, and to be fair to author Kirk Curnutt he does manage to touch on many crucial points of a life that sprawled in many different directions. As a long-time Hemingway aficionado, there wasn't anything here that was new to me, but as a crib-sheet introduction it would be satisfactory.

The problem, however, is that the Hemingway of Curnutt's book doesn't sound like Hemingway. Curnutt knows his subject and is earnest in wanting to strengthen the author's oft-assailed reputation, but he doesn't have the knack of providing the man's voice. He leans heavily into the writer's infamous thin skin and cantankerousness, but the book's Frankenstein Hemingway comes across as more childish than abrasive. Hemingway's reputation as a boor is probably overstated, and apparently in person he was very charming and charismatic.

The failure of mimicry means that no magic develops to draw the reader in, and the limitations of the clunky question-and-answer format become all the starker. Coffee with Hemingway is a worthy effort, but if you met the real Hemingway in a Parisian café, you can be damn sure the encounter wouldn't be as cold and stilted as it often is here.

[Bookery'S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Γρήγορο ανάγνωσμα (είναι μικρού σχήματος τσέπης με σκληρό εξώφυλλο και γυαλιστερές σελίδες με μεγάλο διάστιχο). Κάποτε γίνεται χιουμοριστικό, κάποτε καυστικό. Κάποιες φορές θα βρεις αναφορά σε αποσπάσματα του πρωτότυπου έργου. Πάντως, στο τέλος θα έχεις μια συνολική, γενική μα κι ασαφή εικόνα για τον συγγραφέα. Το ότι θα ξεχωρίσεις την αλήθεια από τον μύθο, όπως διατείνεται το οπισθόφυλλο του βιβλίου, δεν είμαι βέβαιος ότι ισχύει απόλυτα. Σε κάθε περίπτωση, είναι ένας εναλλακτικός τρόπος να διαβάσεις μια μίνι βιογραφία.


ολόκληρος ο σχολιασμός στο https://bookerys.blogspot.com/2021/07...

[Nora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Si no sabes nada de Hemingway y nunca lo has leído, la visión panorámica puede ser útil para acercarse a su obra, pero si no es el caso resulta medio soso y chocante, sobre todo porque el autor quiere justificar cosas muy criticables de Hemingway, y el tono de bravucón que le atribuye se le pasa mucho de tueste. El riesgo, si no lo has leído, es que te ahuyente de su obra por estas mismas razones.

[Seth Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really quick read, in a faux interview style with Papa himself. The conversational style is spot on...you can literally imagine sitting back for a few hours to get the real dirt on who this enigmatic figure was, what he thought of those around him, and maybe understand some of his outlandish behavior.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read any Hemingway, and I wasn't sure I was interested in reading any. But after reading this imagined conversation with the famous author, I'm thinking I might want to read some, starting with _In Our Time_....

[Melissa Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book manages to give an overview of Hemingway's life and work, and - through the author's imagined dialogue with his subject - mine a much-examined life for the little- and mis- understood pieces of the truths that defined it. A worthwhile read for any would-be professional creative.

[Steven Delbove · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bio part was nice

[Jen Schwenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. Really makes me want to go back and read all of his works!

[MimbleWimble___ Elli Maria Moutsopoulou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Μια μικρή βιογραφία του Χέμινγουεϋ αλλά και μια φανταστική συνέντευξη που διαφωτίζουν ίσως κάποια σημεία σχετικά το ύφος του αλλά και με τις πεποιθήσεις του

[rhonda cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't what I thought it was. It was well written, but just not my type of reading material.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a parting gift from my A-Level tutor, which she gives to every student when they leave sixth form, and not something I would have ever bought myself.

It was an intriguing read, and offered an insight into a man who I had of course heard of, but ultimately knew very little about. Of course, everything contained within is fiction, with a 'strong basis in biographical fact' (so says the note to reader) but again, I know very little about Hemingway.

I thought it was an interesting little book, and while I can say little more than that, I did enjoy looking through the 'interview' and there are many references to Hemingway's works - which I may be inspired to read after this.

Again, not mu area of expertise, but as it was a gift, I read it. I quite liked it, and (as I think was my teacher's intention) it has made me interested in finding out more about Hemingway the man and Hemingway the Writer.

Personally, though, I didn't enjoy the book so much that if I were to have bought it, I would be wholly satisfied, and I'm not particularly interested at this time in any of the other books in the series (because apparently, there are similar books interviewing figures such as the Buddah, Michaelangelo, Plato and Oscar Wilde) but I felt that as a gift, it wasn't disappointing.

[Bob Mustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever dream about a little face time with one of your favorite celebrities? Streisand, perhaps? Sinatra? Elvis? Streep? Fitzgerald? Would such a meet-up edify, or would it disappoint?
I’ve never thought that I’d enjoy such an encounter with my favorite writer, but in Curnutt’s imaginative hands, the story reveals much of what Hemingway was about. To be sure, he’s abrasive here, and he’s constantly toying with words and names, as he holds court. What’s revealed here? I’ll list just a few bon mots:

“The only writing that’s any good is what you make up, out of your imagination. That’s what makes things ring true. Good writing has truths that aren’t necessarily facts.”

“(Expatriation) teaches you dislocation, which sharpens the memory and makes you able to recall details you take for granted when you’re in the actual place you’re writing about.”

“...journalism is a racket. It puts a dollar value on your words that’s destructive.”

This small book, containing a brief read, distills Papa’s attitude toward life and writing quite well, and and reader or writer would find it well worth the hour or so it would take to read.

My rating: 19 of 20 stars

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what you get if you ask an English professor who knows a lot about Hemingway to invent a conversation with the old man about writing, women, sport, fame and more personal stuff like his four wives, his writng style, and his love-hate relationships with Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound and other Gen Losters.

Because Curnutt is witty, judicious in his explorations, and very knowledgeable, this turns out to be great fun.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of an ostentatious attitude pervades the book, and the author takes liberty by using
profanity to make as though Hemingway would've been totally engaged with the questions in the book.
But after reading several of Heminway's books, it was entertaining to read through from a view that
the author - the Author- would've been willing to respond about personal issues in a more
transparent way.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think what set me off was that the author sometimes seemed like a high schooler interviewing Hemingway. And sometimes there was too much assumed about what the author meant when he wrote. Otherwise, at times, there was amusing dialogue from Hemingway and great quotes that he actually said. And I did learn more perspective about his books and life.

[Karoliina Lorenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kuna raamat on ülesehitatud intervjuu vormis, mis on veel ära jagatud kategooriatesse, saab väga palju erinevaid külgi Hemingwayst teada. Sobib igaühele, kes ei tea Hemingwayst palju, kuid soovib teada, mis elusündmused on teda mõjutanud. Samuti saab kõik Hemingwayga käivad vääritimõistimised maha matta ning lugedes tunda, kui Ernest Hemingway räägib otse südamest oma elust, tööst ja armastusest.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

These little books are GREAT! I want them all! I bought this book in London's Gatwick airport while on a layover and was nearly finished by time our plane was called. They are wonderful pocket-sized books, perfect for traveling.

[Wanda Hilaire]

Papa Hemingway has always fascinated me. This intimate little "chat" was a lot of fun to read.

[Ace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the foreword by John Updike and I enjoyed the "short" bio, but the fabricated Q & A between the author and Papa, though possibly clever in spots, didn't thrill me and got old fast.

[Rye · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Lay off the adjectives."

[Talbot Hook · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I don't like the concept of trying to write as someone else, I learned some stuff, so I can't begrudge the book in that way. But, regardless, I'm not a fan of these things.