Take a photo of a barcode or cover
I have to say that I had never heard about Charles Lindbergh before reading this book, so all the events and their historical significance were new information to me. Rather educational…
At first I was under the impression that this book is a YN novel, although of course it hadn’t lasted for very long. Now I see that it works super well in the context of the story and can appreciate it even if it wasn’t intentional. The language is simple, although quite pretty, the emotional complexity not too high which makes the book very accessible. At the same time it has this curious quality of being at the same time so clear and straightforward evasive the narrator/character seems to be telling you everything and interpreting the story for you, but at the same time you’re left wondering about so many things by the end. Again, it’s not some crazy rare trick that few books do, it’s pretty normal for a 1st POV, but it’s still so nice. Not super rare but not that common either. I was of course angry whenever the man appeared on the pages but I definitely understand how it made all the sense in the world in the context of them olden times. Did not relate much to the MC but was very invested in almost everything that was happening. Felt so bad for Elizabeth, very achey in my heart, that whole side plot was. Eh. I’m finding it a little difficult to compose my thoughts and come up with a structured and balanced review, not even the very useful and thought-provoking questions and prompts on the last couple pages of the book that invite the reader to discuss what they read can help me now. But I’ll be thinking about some things for a while, thats for sure, so the book is impactful. Yeah… Don’t be spineless, girls. Idk
At first I was under the impression that this book is a YN novel, although of course it hadn’t lasted for very long. Now I see that it works super well in the context of the story and can appreciate it even if it wasn’t intentional. The language is simple, although quite pretty, the emotional complexity not too high which makes the book very accessible. At the same time it has this curious quality of being at the same time so clear and straightforward evasive the narrator/character seems to be telling you everything and interpreting the story for you, but at the same time you’re left wondering about so many things by the end. Again, it’s not some crazy rare trick that few books do, it’s pretty normal for a 1st POV, but it’s still so nice. Not super rare but not that common either. I was of course angry whenever the man appeared on the pages but I definitely understand how it made all the sense in the world in the context of them olden times. Did not relate much to the MC but was very invested in almost everything that was happening. Felt so bad for Elizabeth, very achey in my heart, that whole side plot was. Eh. I’m finding it a little difficult to compose my thoughts and come up with a structured and balanced review, not even the very useful and thought-provoking questions and prompts on the last couple pages of the book that invite the reader to discuss what they read can help me now. But I’ll be thinking about some things for a while, thats for sure, so the book is impactful. Yeah… Don’t be spineless, girls. Idk
A marriage. A kidnapping. An exile from America. Hard to make these events bland, right? Well, The Aviator's Wife surprisingly makes all of these hard to read not because of the content, but because they are perceived from the eyes of a whiny, boring character.
Anne Lindbergh is the wife of the famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh. The novel starts from before they met to his death - however, though I was falling asleep, I eagerly read to the end. Although Anne continuously complains about her husband (and does nothing, which infuriated me), I always wondered what would happen next. How could Anne's life get worse? Perhaps I liked to torture this character in my mind, as she had tortured me with her dull narration.
The Aviator's Wife depicts a dysfunctional couple that appeared perfect to the entire world, but the author attempts to display the true nature of the marriage. Painting Charles as a megalomaniac and Anne as a submitting wife, I just could not understand why Anne did not stand up for herself. The author struggled to fully portray Anne as someone that thought of herself too weak to even talk back to her husband. Perhaps even more confusing was how at the end, Anne finally stands up to her husband but continues to imply that she loves him. No evidence in the novel supports that she had ever loved her husband! The self-empowerment that the author claims Charles gave to her was virtually non-existent (believe me, I combed through every line three times trying to find even one sentence that depicted Anne as sure and confident, the polar opposite of her usual self).
If you're reading this for a fun time-waster, go ahead, by all means! It will certainly waste your time, though it is not fun and you will be left wondering why you read it. The only positive aspect of the novel is the overall concept itself: if you're wondering how such an important figure felt and thought during her entire life, then the author does illustrate her emotions, though not artfully. If you're reading this to find out what happened in Lindbergh's life, just read the Wikipedia page - it's more fun.
Anne Lindbergh is the wife of the famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh. The novel starts from before they met to his death - however, though I was falling asleep, I eagerly read to the end. Although Anne continuously complains about her husband (and does nothing, which infuriated me), I always wondered what would happen next. How could Anne's life get worse? Perhaps I liked to torture this character in my mind, as she had tortured me with her dull narration.
The Aviator's Wife depicts a dysfunctional couple that appeared perfect to the entire world, but the author attempts to display the true nature of the marriage. Painting Charles as a megalomaniac and Anne as a submitting wife, I just could not understand why Anne did not stand up for herself. The author struggled to fully portray Anne as someone that thought of herself too weak to even talk back to her husband. Perhaps even more confusing was how at the end, Anne finally stands up to her husband but continues to imply that she loves him. No evidence in the novel supports that she had ever loved her husband! The self-empowerment that the author claims Charles gave to her was virtually non-existent (believe me, I combed through every line three times trying to find even one sentence that depicted Anne as sure and confident, the polar opposite of her usual self).
If you're reading this for a fun time-waster, go ahead, by all means! It will certainly waste your time, though it is not fun and you will be left wondering why you read it. The only positive aspect of the novel is the overall concept itself: if you're wondering how such an important figure felt and thought during her entire life, then the author does illustrate her emotions, though not artfully. If you're reading this to find out what happened in Lindbergh's life, just read the Wikipedia page - it's more fun.
(Audiobook) I was hoping this would be better than it was but I did miss the voice when it ended.
There was so much that I didn't know about the lives of Anne Morrow Lindbergh and Charles Lindbergh before I read this book. It was one of those historical novels that had me searching for more information about events such as the flights that Anne and Charles took together, the details of their honeymoon, and the tragic kidnapping of their son. I always enjoy books that help me learn more in this way, and this well told story of Anne's life certainly did that. I'm not sure I would agree entirely with how every event was portrayed, or with the "voice" that the author gave to Anne but it was an enjoyable read none-the-less. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction that delves into the lives of well known figures while also telling a compelling story would find this a good read - along with Melanie Benjamin's other novels.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was captivating and interesting. Great mix of some history too!
Read for a book club. Enjoyable book from the perspective of Anne Lindbergh; though I did want to kick Charles Lindbergh a few times! A product of his times, but still an ass.
adventurous
emotional
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
February book for In Case You Missed It challenge. I really enjoyed it. I stopped a lot to google photos and details of the history - I knew less about the Lindberghs than I thought. But the writing really made the story fly (ha ha).
I really liked this book! I learn more about history by traveling and reading historical fiction, than I ever learned in school...
I didn't know much about this couple before reading this, but this book made me want to look into their lives further. I loved her writing style and the story was compelling, albeit a little frustrating how the characters handle life sometimes. But I connected with the characters and was thoroughly caught up in the story. I loved this journey of a woman through such a unique life, struggling to find herself amid so many distractions.