The only regret I have after reading my first five-star read for 2025 is that the book sat for so long on my bookshelf. I found it to be an epic read that blended history, adventure, and the complexities of human ambition. The novel focuses on two women in separate timelines. The first, who is the primary focus of this book, is Marian Graves, a pioneering aviator in the early 20th century. The second woman is a emotionally-troubled, contemporary actress who is given a second career chance when she is cast to portray Marian in film.
The novel begins with the aviator, who, in 1950, embarks on a daring attempt to fly an historic journey around the world from pole to pole, which is known as the Great Circle. Like Amelia Earhart, Marian's aircraft disappears before completing her journey. However, Marian disappears into the ice-filled sea after crossing Antarctica rather than the Pacific Ocean. This tragedy inspires the film and Hadley's story. Although Hadley's porition of the book is minor in comparison, it is crucial to the book's climax. I also enjoyed the smaller, but integral, stories of Marian's twin brother, Jamie, and her chldhood friend, Caleb.
This novel entails the life of Marian from birth to death. Although Marian is a fictional character, her life is peppered by historical events. However, this novel is not just an historical exploration, it is also an emotional journey. Shipstead excels in portraying the inner lives of her characters, showing how the choices we make shape our futures in ways we can't always control. Overall, the novel was a great story with complex character, which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys recent historical fiction, especially about aviation.
The novel begins with the aviator, who, in 1950, embarks on a daring attempt to fly an historic journey around the world from pole to pole, which is known as the Great Circle. Like Amelia Earhart, Marian's aircraft disappears before completing her journey. However, Marian disappears into the ice-filled sea after crossing Antarctica rather than the Pacific Ocean. This tragedy inspires the film and Hadley's story. Although Hadley's porition of the book is minor in comparison, it is crucial to the book's climax. I also enjoyed the smaller, but integral, stories of Marian's twin brother, Jamie, and her chldhood friend, Caleb.
This novel entails the life of Marian from birth to death. Although Marian is a fictional character, her life is peppered by historical events. However, this novel is not just an historical exploration, it is also an emotional journey. Shipstead excels in portraying the inner lives of her characters, showing how the choices we make shape our futures in ways we can't always control. Overall, the novel was a great story with complex character, which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys recent historical fiction, especially about aviation.