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SELECTED LETTERS OF MARTHA GELLHORN: A Journey Through History, War, and Love

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Selected Letters of Martha Gellhorn

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1553 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	548 pages

Portrait Of Martha Gellhorn, A Woman With Short, Curly Hair, Wearing A White Dress And A Serious Expression Selected Letters Of Martha Gellhorn

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Martha Gellhorn, the intrepid war correspondent and prolific author, left an indelible mark on the world through her fearless reporting and poignant writing. Now, with the publication of her 'Selected Letters,' we are granted an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life and mind of this remarkable woman.

Glimpses of War and History:

Gellhorn's letters offer a firsthand account of some of the most pivotal events of the 20th century. As a war correspondent, she witnessed the horrors and triumphs of the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Her letters capture the raw emotions and human stories behind these conflicts, providing a unique perspective on the people and events that shaped our world.

Excerpted from a letter sent in 1943 during World War II:

"I have seen too much of hunger and fear and death. I have watched children starve and men go mad. I have seen whole cities reduced to rubble and millions of people driven from their homes. I have come to hate war with a passion that burns in my soul."

Literary Icon and Trailblazing Writer:

Beyond her war reporting, Gellhorn was also a gifted novelist, short story writer, and travel writer. Her letters reveal her literary process, her struggles, and her enduring passion for writing. As an outspoken advocate for social justice, she used her platform to challenge injustices and promote human rights.

In a letter to a friend in 1945:

"I don't write to change the world, but to understand it. I write to make sense of the senseless, to give voice to the voiceless, and to hold those in power accountable."

Relationships and Love:

Gellhorn's letters also shed light on her relationships with some of the most iconic figures of her time. Her passionate love affair with Ernest Hemingway is well-documented, but the letters reveal the complexities and challenges of their stormy relationship. She also maintained close friendships with other writers, journalists, and activists, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Langston Hughes.

From a letter written to Hemingway in 1937:

"My darling Ernest, I love you more than words can say. But I cannot live in your shadow. I must have my own voice and my own path."

Legacy and Impact:

Martha Gellhorn's legacy continues to inspire and empower generations of writers, journalists, and activists. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism and the National Book Award. Her letters stand as a testament to her indomitable spirit, her unwavering commitment to truth, and her enduring passion for justice.

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The 'Selected Letters of Martha Gellhorn' is an invaluable resource for understanding the life and work of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Through her insightful, passionate, and often heartbreaking letters, we gain a deeper appreciation for her courage, her artistry, and her enduring legacy as a literary icon and social justice advocate. Martha Gellhorn's words continue to resonate today, reminding us of the power of storytelling, the importance of human connection, and the unwavering pursuit of a just world.

Selected Letters of Martha Gellhorn

4.4 out of 5