Paula McLain is an American author known for her historical fiction and memoirs. She gained widespread recognition for her novel, The Paris Wife, which tells the story of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. McLain's writing often explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. In addition to her novels, McLain has written essays and poetry, contributing to various literary magazines. She has also published other notable works, including Circling the Sun, which focuses on the life of Beryl Markham, a pioneering aviator in early 20th-century Africa.