Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Martha Gellhorn, legend of war reporting, dies

PRIVILEGE TO BE A FRIEND

Rosie Boycott
Tuesday 17 February 1998 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

One of the greatest privileges of my life was to have been Martha Gellhorn's friend.

Her accomplishments as a journalist have been well documented and rightly celebrated - Martha hungered after the truth and loathed social injustice. But as a friend she was without parallel, a pillar of support and a model of courage.

If you felt your life was falling apart, Martha could always be counted upon for inspiration. When my marriage was failing, she sent me a typically stern, two-line note. A woman alone has nothing to be ashamed of, she said, and to be a woman alone is far, far better than to be a woman trapped in a loveless marriage.

Martha herself had experienced two failed marriages, the first, of course, to Ernest Hemingway. She adored the company of clever young men and despised those she considered simpering fools. (Martha suffered fools very, very badly.) To be in her company was to be elevated into a special, rarefied world, one where love and loyalty were all.

I loved her like a mother and respected her like no other. I will miss her more than any words can say.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in