The Broken Places by Russell Franklin - a story of owning your identity no matter the cost.
- Melissa Best
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
Synopsis
The Broken Places by Russell Franklin is a deeply moving novel inspired by the life of Gregory Hemingway, the youngest son of literary icon Ernest Hemingway. Gregory was a man of many talents—an athlete, a physician, and a skilled marksman—but he also grappled with gender dysphoria, bipolar disorder, and alcoholism. Spanning seventy years and set against the backdrop of locations from Cuba to Montana, the novel explores his complex and often turbulent relationship with his father.
As Gregory transitions to Gloria Hemingway later in life, the story delves into the complexities of identity, self-acceptance, and the challenge of embracing one's true self despite societal and familial pressures.
The relationship of two brothers
In The Broken Places by Russell Franklin, Gregory Hemingway and his older brother Patrick grew up under the towering influence of their father, Ernest Hemingway. Their childhood at Finca Vigia, their father’s Cuban estate, was filled with both adventure and unspoken pressures. From a young age, they were exposed to adult vices like drinking and smoking, reflecting their father’s unconventional parenting style. While Ernest took pride in his sons' achievements, his disappointment in their struggles weighed heavily on them. Despite the challenges of living up to their father’s impossible expectations, Gregory and Patrick shared a deep bond, shaped by both love and the complexities of their family’s legacy.
The Hemingway Curse
The Hemingway family’s history is filled with both incredible talent and deep mental health struggles. Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, battled depression, alcoholism, and head injuries, which contributed to his suicide in 1961. Sadly, he wasn’t the only one in the family to face these challenges—his father, Clarence Hemingway, and later his granddaughter, Margaux Hemingway, also died by suicide, leading some to refer to it as the “Hemingway Curse.”
Engaging Writing Style
Russell Franklin’s writing style is engaging and thoughtful, with a focus on deep emotional exploration and complex characters. He writes in a way that’s easy to follow but still rich in detail, allowing readers to connect with the inner struggles of the characters. His stories often dive into sensitive topics like mental health, family issues, and personal identity, making them feel real and relatable.
Although the author makes it clear that this work is entirely fictional, it was inspired by the real-life story of Gregory Hemingway. Regardless, it remains an inspiring and compassionate tale, told with a deep sensitivity to the family's experiences.
I began the book with only a basic understanding of the Hemingway family—primarily that Ernest Hemingway was a towering literary figure. By the time I finished, I had developed a deep sense of empathy for the generations of trauma that shaped their lives.
Living under the weight of toxic masculinity while grappling with a profound identity crisis, the story is deeply moving and left me in tears at several points.
I became truly invested in this book and highly recommend it as a compelling and thought-provoking read.
"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places"
-Ernest Hemingway
You can purchase the book here.
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