18 Jul 2026
26m

Why Ernest Hemingway had a problem with Toronto

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The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

Ernest Hemingway’s complex legacy and the evolving landscape of romance audiobooks define this discussion. Hemingway’s two stints in 1920s Toronto reveal a formative period marked by his work at the *Toronto Star*, his tumultuous relationship with editor Harry Hindmarsh, and his influential friendship with Canadian writer Morley Callaghan. Beyond his literary contributions, Hemingway’s life—characterized by hyper-masculinity, boxing, and a paradoxical sensitivity—remains a subject of intense scrutiny. Shifting to contemporary literary trends, the conversation highlights the "swoon boom" in romance audiobooks. Authors like Lily Chu are pioneering "audio-first" publishing, utilizing auditory editing to enhance narrative flow. This shift toward immersive, duet-narrated, and full-cast recordings transforms the romance genre into an intimate, "cinema for your ears" experience, deepening the connection between listener and storyteller.

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