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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Although this is listed as historical fiction, the author has pulled a lot of details in that are true from the diaries and accounts of Charles & Anne Lindbergh. I am blown away at the emotion in this story. I picked it up because I was gifted Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh at the holidays and was told I should listen to this one first. Truly this story is one of the best I've listened to. On to Gift from the Sea.
The biggest problem I had with this book was that, by the end of it, I disliked every character. I wanted some redemption to the Lindbergh marriage, and I didn't find it. This book left me feeling depressed for a week.
I was slightly disappointed by this book. I felt like it should have been along the lines for something like the Paris Wife but it was not.
Finally finished! This was our book club book and I read the first half of it in a few hours because I waited until the day before the book club meeting to start it. Then it took me a few weeks to finish it, presumably because I didn't have the motivation to go back to it. Which basically means, I didn't like it that much. Parts of it were interesting, but I am not that into examining the same repeated failings of a person (Charles Lindbergh) in a marriage. And then she fails spectacularly near the end of the book as well, and basically, you don't end up liking anybody even if you feel sympathy for the terrible loss of their first child. Three stars only because the writing itself was pretty good and it inspired me to do some research on the Lindberghs.
Another fantastic book by Melanie Benjamin. Before reading this, I knew nothing about the Lindberghs...well, other than he was a pilot and that their baby was kidnapped. After reading this, just as it was with her other novels, I now want to know more about the main character. Melanie always does a great job of giving a voice to an obscure figure in history and she uses the perfect blend of fiction and true events to keep me hooked until the very last page.
fast-paced
A fine work of historical fiction! I enjoyed the subject matter and insight. The writing wasn't anything worth mentioning, but it was adequate to set the stage for a wonderful story. The author's delivery and character development were fine and this was an enjoyable read. I always give an extra star to any author that can tackle blending history and fiction while giving me something new to research.
Prior to reading The Aviator's Wife I knew little about the Lindbergh's. I knew of their aviation accomplishments, the tragic kidnapping, and the feud with FDR. But as Benjamin expertly shows, there were so many more facets of their lives, especially Anne's.
With Anne as our narrator, we get front row seats to all of the celebratory and grievous times in the Lindbergh's lives. And it is written in such a way that you can really feel everything she feels. I admit, I was a little shocked by the amount of emotions this book garnered from me.
When one thinks of Charles Lindbergh, we think of a hero, a man larger than life who could take on the impossible and win. Every time. It is easy to get swept away by his cool demeanor, stilted charm, and imposing presence. But, behind this public persona, is a man who loves the ideal of strength more than compassion, who prefers a puppet to an equal, and who struggles to deal with things not made of machinery. He is not devoid of emotion, but, rather, he has been groomed into the belief that such things are a weakness and that in order to achieve greatness one must be above said weaknesses.
Anne's character is, understandably, smitten and awed by Charles in the beginning. It is easy to see why. Yet, as time progresses and she sees the reality behind the facade, she must learn to lean not on Charles (as she was taught and expected to), but to find strength in herself.
Anne's journey from a meek, compliant young woman to an independent (and at times defiant) woman is truly what this book is about. Whenever she spoke of Charles, you could sense her admiration, her love, then later, her anger and resentment. Through it all though, she develops a sense of self, and while Charles is definitely a large shadow looming over The Aviator's Wife there is no doubt that Anne is the focal point.
With Anne as our narrator, we get front row seats to all of the celebratory and grievous times in the Lindbergh's lives. And it is written in such a way that you can really feel everything she feels. I admit, I was a little shocked by the amount of emotions this book garnered from me.
When one thinks of Charles Lindbergh, we think of a hero, a man larger than life who could take on the impossible and win. Every time. It is easy to get swept away by his cool demeanor, stilted charm, and imposing presence. But, behind this public persona, is a man who loves the ideal of strength more than compassion, who prefers a puppet to an equal, and who struggles to deal with things not made of machinery. He is not devoid of emotion, but, rather, he has been groomed into the belief that such things are a weakness and that in order to achieve greatness one must be above said weaknesses.
Anne's character is, understandably, smitten and awed by Charles in the beginning. It is easy to see why. Yet, as time progresses and she sees the reality behind the facade, she must learn to lean not on Charles (as she was taught and expected to), but to find strength in herself.
Anne's journey from a meek, compliant young woman to an independent (and at times defiant) woman is truly what this book is about. Whenever she spoke of Charles, you could sense her admiration, her love, then later, her anger and resentment. Through it all though, she develops a sense of self, and while Charles is definitely a large shadow looming over The Aviator's Wife there is no doubt that Anne is the focal point.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's take on the life of Anne Lindbergh. It made me want to read her diaries. I wish she had not destroyed what she did
Okay book. Same old story, the husband’s ego takes over the marriage