Guest Review: THE BEST FRIEND I EVER HAD by David Nuffer
The Best Friend I Ever Had
by David Nuffer
Thousands of pages have been written about Ernest Hemingway. David Nuffer acknowledges this at the beginning of his new book, The Best Friend I Ever Had. What separates Nuffer’s work from other Hemingway biographies is its perspective. He tackles the subject of Hemingway’s life by interviewing his friends.
At first glance, Nuffer’s research method might seem a bit odd, but it is surprisingly charming. After becoming a fan of Ernest Hemingway’s writing, David Nuffer began researching his life by speaking with those who knew him well. He also began attending literary conferences and amassing a large collection of Hemingway-related items. Over time, Nuffer actually managed to meet a number of Hemingway’s intimates. The Best Friend I Ever Had is the result of Nuffer’s years of research.
Nuffer starts with an interesting story about “The Papastone”, a gift he received from Nita Houk. The tiny fossilized seashell is a treasured piece in his Hemingway collection. Nuffer uses the lucky piece as the starting point for his story about Nita and Walter Houk. Nita actually met Hemingway before she met Walter. She started working as Hemingway’s secretary and house sitter in 1949. After Nita met Walter Houk in 1950, the couple began spending a lot of time with the Hemingways. They became so close that Ernest Hemingway gave Nita away at their wedding ceremony and hosted the reception. Years later, David Nuffer forged a friendship with the couple that produced a number of insights into Hemingway’s life. Through the Houks, Nuffer learned about Hemingway’s trips to the Mayo Clinic and his shock treatments. One theory surrounding Hemingway’s suicide blames the memory loss that resulted from these treatments.
Ernest Hemingway was a fascinating man who surrounded himself with equally fascinating people. In Sun Valley, Idaho, one of those people was Tillie Arnold. Rumors have surfaced over the years about a possible affair with Hemingway. Tillie denies such a relationship. It is true that Hemingway loved and respected Tillie. Her memories of Hemingway show a smart, kind man who loved life but dealt with periods of melancholy, especially as he aged. Throughout her chapters in The Best Friend I Ever Had Tillie answers numerous criticisms about Hemingway’s treatment of women and frequently corrects the record on his behavior. She never knew the angry, drunken Hemingway that is portrayed in many biographies.
Nuffer also interviewed Hemingway’s second son, Patrick, for this book. His interview was not recorded, so Nuffer presents the information in a series of short answers. The result is a snapshot-like feel for the chapter. Normally, I probably wouldn’t like this style, but it really works here. It gives Patrick the opportunity to provide his memories without the usual fluff that fills most biographies. It definitely seems appropriate for a book about Ernest Hemingway.
The Best Friend I Ever Had is an interesting look at Ernest Hemingway. The author never met Hemingway, but he has done a masterful job of penetrating his inner circle. This book is clearly a labor of love. It feels like David Nuffer enjoyed every minute of researching and writing this book. The Best Friend I Ever Had offers a fresh perspective on Ernest Hemingway’s life. Hemingway fans will definitely want to read this one.
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