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kristy_k 's review for:
The Aviator's Wife
by Melanie Benjamin
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.