Wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this semi-fictional tale of a real family, and unfortunately I just couldn’t engage with the two young boys and their stories.

This is such a beautiful but heart wrenching read, A true example of how parents can have a negative impact on children.

This also shows the strength and determination the author undertook to become who they truly were

It was the cover of this beautiful debut novel that caught my eye on Netgalley. The eye-catching cover and the intriguing blurb touching on the forgotten child of Ernest Hemingway drew me in.

I knew very little about the Hemingway family but this book sent me down a rabbit hole when I finished.

Gregory Hemingway was the third and favourite son of the esteemed writer but was apparently virtually written out of the Hemingway family’s history. A talented athlete and a towering intellect with a penchant for cross-dressing from a young age, Gregory lived a life that was at times tortured and defied expectations, alternating between Gregory and Gloria (among other identities) for much of their life.

This book, inspired by Gregory’s life, reimagines Gregory’s childhood and the pain of living with the weight of expectation of a father famed for his masculinity, at a time in history when to be transgender was pretty much completely out of the question. The story is told in a non-linear timeline, moving from Missouri to Cuba and from New York to Florida, from the late 1930s to the 21st Century. Cuba in particular is vividly brought to life.

It’s difficult at times to believe this is a debut novel - captivating prose, some beautiful turns of phrase, and a poignancy and a maturity to the writing that speaks to the assuredness of a more seasoned writer. Franklin is a talent and I expect this will feature on some prize lists over the next year or so. Impressive. Another good choice for your Pride month reading list. 4/5⭐️

*Many thanks to @orionbooks @hachetteuk @phoenixbooks for the advance copy of The Broken Places via @netgalley. The book was published on 8 June and is available now. As always, this is an honest review.*

The Broken Places was a tragic and deeply fascinating story based on the life of Greg/Gloria Hemingway. It's intimate and intricate detail made it compelling reading.

The timeline moves forward and back to recount childhood memories moving into adulthood. Greg was a young boy constantly seeking the approval of his father. But a deeply hidden part of Greg became exposed and this exposure was to affect Greg for the rest of his troubled life.

Struggling with his identity, with mental illness and addiction, Greg forever tried to be what his father wanted. But tragedy upon tragedy sees Greg fail at marriage and fatherhood as his demons overcome him. Alone and hopeless, Greg allows himself to become who he has always been. Part Greg, part Gloria.

The ending of Gloria's life was the most lonely and heart-wrenching of circumstances after a life of deep sadness and confusion.

Brilliantly written, all-consuming and deeply moving. The Broken Places is a triumph.

This was a poignant book and one that made me learned more about Hemingway's family and his youngest son, Gregory/Gloria
Ernest Hemingway was a very strong character and the impact on Gregory/Gloria is well described.
It's a moving, heart wrenching and well written story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I adored this book. A unique insight into the less glamorous side of Hemingway's life and family. The writing is emotionally charged and raw. I could not put it down.