Location: California, Montana, Washington Type: Physical book
Timeline: Non-linear/dual timelines Genre: Historical Fiction
Feminist/strong female lead
Narration: 1st person for Hanley in 2014/ 3rd person for Marian in the past
Review:
Stars: 3.5
This book was so long and had so much content it was unbelievable that it was one book. I really enjoyed Marian and watching her develope. I wasn't quite attached to Hanley and I am not sure what she truly contributed to the story. Taking her out may have made the novel shorter at least.
The writing was well done. I do feel I learned about early aviation while reading this book. It seems the author spent ample time researching her subject.
Sex:
This book was heavy on the subject of sex. It was presented sometimes unnecessarily (in my opinion) and without romance. Here are some of the sexual subjects mentioned (but not limited to):
masturbation
molestation
same gender sexual encounters
Language:
Fuck: 30
Ass: 7
Bitch: 12
Shit: 18
GD: 1
Cunt/Pussy: 4
Cock/Dick: 12
Bastard: 2
L in V: 3
Triggers:
Molestation
childhood death
transgender
abortion
same sex relations
Questions:
Do you think Addison made the right decision to get on a lifeboat with his twins?
Or should he have passed the twins to a stranger and gone down with the ship?
What do you think happened to Addison's wife, Annabel?
Do you think Mathilda was responsible for Josephina's fate by giving the boat bad luck when she failed to break the bottle?
If so, is she also the one to blame for the rest of the unfortunate events in the twin's lives?
"They don't realize they wouldn't like the books if the story gave them exactly what they wanted. People like stories that leave them a little frustrated, that have an itch."
Do you agree?
Do you like predictable stories or twisty stories?
It is asked many times:
"What is it you want most."
Answer the question for yourself.
What do you think each character wanted most?
Marian
Jamie
Caleb
Hanley
Throughout the novel there are examples of people having a goal that they reach; however, they do not reach their goal the way they intended (time, record, expense)
Share a goal that you have reached.
Did you reach the goal exactly like you intended?
Why or why not?
Marian lied to Barclay when he asked if she had been with someone else sexually before.
Why did she not tell him the truth?
How do you think Barclay would have reacted if she had told him the truth?
Marian and Barclay have opposite opinions of having kids. He wants them. She doesn't.
Is there a compromise to be had in this?
Have you found yourself in a similar situation?
If so, how di you and your partner resolve it?
In August of 1931, Barclay admits to putting something into motion when he was angry.
What did you think he did? (before it was revealed)
Not one character in the novel seems to have a healthy romantic relationship.
Why do you think that is?
Was the Lindbergh information relevant to the story?
Could the story be told without it?
Jamie was tasked with capturing the essence or spirit of war.
If you were tasked with the same job as Jamie, what would your paintings be of?
What is the essence or spirit of war to you?
Did you suspect Jamie was Adelaide Scott's father?
When did you first realize it?
What gave it away?
There were two main stories melded into one: Marian's and Hanley's.
Did you prefer one side more than the other?
Why or why not?
Could the story have been told differently?
If so, how?
Comments