Age of Empathy

We publish high-quality personal essays, humor essays, and writer interviews. Our goal is to provide a place for experienced writers to share authentic stories and connect with others, collectively celebrating a common passion, striving toward an age of empathy.

Member-only story

A Hemingway Hater Visits His House in Key West

Mary DeVries
Age of Empathy
Published in
7 min readFeb 21, 2025

--

photo by author of Hemingway’s writing table in Key West

Never go on trips with anyone you do not love. — Ernest Hemingway

On a scale of Hemingway haters to hearters my eldest daughter and I trend hate. On the other hand, historic houses are my jam. I can’t resist peeking into lives from the past.

“There isn’t much to do in Key West,” my daughter says. “Eat, drink, watch the sunset. That’s about it.”

“Exactly,” said her husband. “What’s not to like?” My girl married well.

“We could go to the Hemingway house?” Her voice tilts up as if surprised she’s even suggesting it.

We sit in the shade, enjoying our Cuban coffees and breakfast sandwiches discussing plans for the day. We’d ticked sunset, key lime pie, and cocktails off the list the day before, so any adventures before heading back to the mainland are bonus.

“There’s also Truman’s Little White House,” she adds.

Wait, there was another US president whose name starts with “trum” who worked from home frequently enough they called his Florida digs a white house? This is the kind of mind blowing trivia travel exposes me to.

My husband is all in on visiting this trum- president’s house, not least, I imagine…

--

--

Age of Empathy
Age of Empathy

Published in Age of Empathy

We publish high-quality personal essays, humor essays, and writer interviews. Our goal is to provide a place for experienced writers to share authentic stories and connect with others, collectively celebrating a common passion, striving toward an age of empathy.

Mary DeVries
Mary DeVries

Written by Mary DeVries

I delight, despair and write about a life lived around the world. Fueled by Yorkshire Gold tea.

Responses (4)