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jilly_bean0706's review against another edition
4.0
This is the story of Mariel Hemingway, the granddaughter of celebrated novelist, Ernest Hemingway. Growing up a ‘Hemingway’ was both a blessing and a curse, riddled with 7 suicides, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and addiction all in one beautiful, brilliant family.
The book describes her journey into her acting career led by her strong sense of ambition, while struggling internally herself. Determined to fight, she explains how she overcame generational curses and set forth on a path of success, creating a beautiful life for herself.
This book offers hope for anyone ever discouraged by their own family curses and genetic dispositions. It details how one can stand up, armored with wisdom and self-awareness to rise and seek the life they wish for themselves.
I’m a huge Hemingway fan, so this book spoke to me. Mariel’s story is special, and I feel one many, if not all of us, can relate to and find inspiration throughout. ✨
The book describes her journey into her acting career led by her strong sense of ambition, while struggling internally herself. Determined to fight, she explains how she overcame generational curses and set forth on a path of success, creating a beautiful life for herself.
This book offers hope for anyone ever discouraged by their own family curses and genetic dispositions. It details how one can stand up, armored with wisdom and self-awareness to rise and seek the life they wish for themselves.
I’m a huge Hemingway fan, so this book spoke to me. Mariel’s story is special, and I feel one many, if not all of us, can relate to and find inspiration throughout. ✨
librarylapin's review against another edition
3.0
I did not know a thing about Mariel Hemingway, other than the fact that she was an actress and Ernest's granddaughter, before reading this book. I found it really well thought out and an interesting read that dealt with many difficult issues and traumas that took place in her life. I appreciated her perspective, although she comes off as a bit judgmental and removed at times but she also does a lot of analysis as to why she looks at things the way she does. Her writing was enjoyable and elegant.
starness's review against another edition
3.0
A nice memoir read by the author herself Mariel Hemingway.
Written quite simply and an easy one to hold my attention. Her family struggles are not unique however her families mental health and the often referred to "Hemingway curse" is often a major cross to bear for her, the family is riddled with mental health problems, and the black cloud of suicides that have plagued the family throughout the generations. It is hard to comprehend how anyone coming out of this family could ever be "normal" I love the references she often makes regarding her Grandfather, although only a baby when he passed away (he shot himself) her memories of him are very prominent and he becomes a great figure in her mind, the fact she grew up knowing he was such an important literary figure was often a blessing as much as a curse. She delves into the early days of her rise to stardom at a young age overshadowing the earlier rise of her glamorous rebellious sister Margaux, barely equipped to understand some of the adult themes that was required to undertake her roles. This story takes us from the simple but oppressive world of country Idaho to the exciting and unknown world of grown ups in New York and movie land L.A, although she is involved in the seedy world of acting and is often surrounded by opportunistic older male figures she often has a childlike quality to her and is often perplexed how others perceive her as a sexual being. I enjoyed some of her anecdotes concerning some of the directors she worked with, some are downright funny and bizarre. It was fun reading (hearing) the earlier days of Hollywood predominately the early 80's brought back a lot of memories of that time. I enjoyed the final passages where she finds some sense of peace and looks back embracing the fragility of life around her past concerning her troubled family legacy but also accepting her own voice and sharing it with her audience in a sincere way
Written quite simply and an easy one to hold my attention. Her family struggles are not unique however her families mental health and the often referred to "Hemingway curse" is often a major cross to bear for her, the family is riddled with mental health problems, and the black cloud of suicides that have plagued the family throughout the generations. It is hard to comprehend how anyone coming out of this family could ever be "normal" I love the references she often makes regarding her Grandfather, although only a baby when he passed away (he shot himself) her memories of him are very prominent and he becomes a great figure in her mind, the fact she grew up knowing he was such an important literary figure was often a blessing as much as a curse. She delves into the early days of her rise to stardom at a young age overshadowing the earlier rise of her glamorous rebellious sister Margaux, barely equipped to understand some of the adult themes that was required to undertake her roles. This story takes us from the simple but oppressive world of country Idaho to the exciting and unknown world of grown ups in New York and movie land L.A, although she is involved in the seedy world of acting and is often surrounded by opportunistic older male figures she often has a childlike quality to her and is often perplexed how others perceive her as a sexual being. I enjoyed some of her anecdotes concerning some of the directors she worked with, some are downright funny and bizarre. It was fun reading (hearing) the earlier days of Hollywood predominately the early 80's brought back a lot of memories of that time. I enjoyed the final passages where she finds some sense of peace and looks back embracing the fragility of life around her past concerning her troubled family legacy but also accepting her own voice and sharing it with her audience in a sincere way
bkish's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to read this book because there is mental illness in my family. Also I follow her on twitter and I admire her.
If the reviews of this book are less than good it is their unwillingness to confront mental illness. and yes Mariel Hemingway did not inherit her grandfather's talents and there is another writer of this book name Ben Freeman so he probably edited her writing.
It is very honest and raw. At a young age not even a high school grad she knew somewhat to protect herself. She has a very strong sense of Self that shows throughout the book. It is what saves her. Also that she is a natural athlete.
The book was tho more about her work in acting and her life than it is about mental illness. There are her sisters and one is probably schizophrenic and the other Margaux suicided. So for sure Mariel is a survivor.
Not in the book and yet she said this in relation to her movie Running from Crazy that her father probably sexually abused her sisters. Then she forgives him.
It is interesting to read about her movements within the movie world and the parts she plays and it is off track from the purpose of this writing.
She is in a very fulfilling relationship now with a man who is as health conscious and athletic as her.
I am puzzled by her from reading this book as I believe she does not reveal herself authentically
As for the writing it is not well written.
If the reviews of this book are less than good it is their unwillingness to confront mental illness. and yes Mariel Hemingway did not inherit her grandfather's talents and there is another writer of this book name Ben Freeman so he probably edited her writing.
It is very honest and raw. At a young age not even a high school grad she knew somewhat to protect herself. She has a very strong sense of Self that shows throughout the book. It is what saves her. Also that she is a natural athlete.
The book was tho more about her work in acting and her life than it is about mental illness. There are her sisters and one is probably schizophrenic and the other Margaux suicided. So for sure Mariel is a survivor.
Not in the book and yet she said this in relation to her movie Running from Crazy that her father probably sexually abused her sisters. Then she forgives him.
It is interesting to read about her movements within the movie world and the parts she plays and it is off track from the purpose of this writing.
She is in a very fulfilling relationship now with a man who is as health conscious and athletic as her.
I am puzzled by her from reading this book as I believe she does not reveal herself authentically
As for the writing it is not well written.
allykhat328's review against another edition
4.0
I stumbled across this book on libby while trying to find an Ernest Hemingway book and decided it could be quite interesting to learn about the family.
Although I thought there would be more about Ernest Hemingway himself I did actually enjoy the book. I read it having no idea who these people actually were or knowing any of their movies but it was still a great read with the underlying messages and the dysfunctional family story.
Not coming from a family with addictions I didnt find it to be too triggering for me although I have alot of close people to me who are or have been around addiction I can see how it could upset them but I could also see how it could possibly help them and give them that feeling of not being alone.
All up I found the book to be very intriguing and insightful and I would definitely recommend it.
Although I thought there would be more about Ernest Hemingway himself I did actually enjoy the book. I read it having no idea who these people actually were or knowing any of their movies but it was still a great read with the underlying messages and the dysfunctional family story.
Not coming from a family with addictions I didnt find it to be too triggering for me although I have alot of close people to me who are or have been around addiction I can see how it could upset them but I could also see how it could possibly help them and give them that feeling of not being alone.
All up I found the book to be very intriguing and insightful and I would definitely recommend it.
a_pilgrim's review against another edition
4.0
Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide in My Family is all about how Mariel Hemingway, irrespective of all the chaos, up and downs, and everything else in between, kept herself sane and ensured that her life goes forward...
This book is about all the struggles - externally (everything happening around her) and also internally (all the mind fights).
Even though I have heard of Ernest Hemingway, I have never read any of his writings. I have only picked up this book because firstly it is a memoir and the next reason is the title, which speaks about overcoming the legacy of mental illness and addiction.
This is indeed an honest and "to-the-point" memoir. It does feel like by fighting to keep herself sane, Mariel may have ensured that this unfortunate legacy is not passed on to her children/future generations.
This book is about all the struggles - externally (everything happening around her) and also internally (all the mind fights).
Even though I have heard of Ernest Hemingway, I have never read any of his writings. I have only picked up this book because firstly it is a memoir and the next reason is the title, which speaks about overcoming the legacy of mental illness and addiction.
This is indeed an honest and "to-the-point" memoir. It does feel like by fighting to keep herself sane, Mariel may have ensured that this unfortunate legacy is not passed on to her children/future generations.