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A review by jesssica__berg
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
4.0
This novel is an expansive, ambitious work that doesn't just aim for the skies but seemingly soars through time and space as well. At its core, it's a narrative anchored by two compelling women: Marian Graves, an intrepid aviator in the early 20th century, and Hadley Baxter, a modern-day Hollywood actress set to portray Marian in a biopic.
First off, Shipstead's craft of character development is exceptional. She breathes life into Marian and Hadley, giving them dimensions and complexities that make them leap off the page. Marian, with her unquenchable thirst for freedom and unwillingness to be tethered by societal norms, is an electric presence. Hadley, facing the gilded cage of stardom, provides a fascinating counterpoint.
You feel as if you're not just reading about these women, but rather living their highs and lows. Lines like "I was born to be a wanderer" from Marian echo with a restless energy that defines her.
The settings in "Great Circle" are meticulously crafted, ranging from Prohibition-era Montana to wartime London, and even the icy expanses of Antarctica. Shipstead's prose is so vivid, you can almost feel the frostbite or the thud of boots on a wooden plane floor. Each locale isn't merely a backdrop but acts as a character itself, influencing the lives and decisions of the protagonists. This deeply rooted sense of place adds another layer of richness to the narrative.
Now, let's talk about the structure. The novel could easily have been a sprawling, disorganized epic given its scope. Yet, Shipstead masterfully weaves two timelines, allowing them to echo and interact with each other in meaningful ways. You're given just enough of one story to whet your appetite before diving into the other, creating a tantalizing pacing that makes this hefty tome surprisingly hard to put down.
However, it's not a book without its challenges. While the intertwining stories add layers of complexity and depth, they also demand a high level of engagement from the reader. The plot isn't just intricate. It’s wildly dense with detail, requiring you to pay close attention to catch the nuances. Additionally, because it covers so much ground—both literally and metaphorically—the novel occasionally runs the risk of spreading itself too thin, particularly when delving into secondary characters.
Yet, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding piece of literature. "Great Circle" is an experience. It's a work that asks big questions about freedom, destiny, and the inexorable pull of our dreams. And in the hands of Maggie Shipstead, you're more than willing to buckle up for the journey, no matter where it takes you.
First off, Shipstead's craft of character development is exceptional. She breathes life into Marian and Hadley, giving them dimensions and complexities that make them leap off the page. Marian, with her unquenchable thirst for freedom and unwillingness to be tethered by societal norms, is an electric presence. Hadley, facing the gilded cage of stardom, provides a fascinating counterpoint.
You feel as if you're not just reading about these women, but rather living their highs and lows. Lines like "I was born to be a wanderer" from Marian echo with a restless energy that defines her.
The settings in "Great Circle" are meticulously crafted, ranging from Prohibition-era Montana to wartime London, and even the icy expanses of Antarctica. Shipstead's prose is so vivid, you can almost feel the frostbite or the thud of boots on a wooden plane floor. Each locale isn't merely a backdrop but acts as a character itself, influencing the lives and decisions of the protagonists. This deeply rooted sense of place adds another layer of richness to the narrative.
Now, let's talk about the structure. The novel could easily have been a sprawling, disorganized epic given its scope. Yet, Shipstead masterfully weaves two timelines, allowing them to echo and interact with each other in meaningful ways. You're given just enough of one story to whet your appetite before diving into the other, creating a tantalizing pacing that makes this hefty tome surprisingly hard to put down.
However, it's not a book without its challenges. While the intertwining stories add layers of complexity and depth, they also demand a high level of engagement from the reader. The plot isn't just intricate. It’s wildly dense with detail, requiring you to pay close attention to catch the nuances. Additionally, because it covers so much ground—both literally and metaphorically—the novel occasionally runs the risk of spreading itself too thin, particularly when delving into secondary characters.
Yet, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding piece of literature. "Great Circle" is an experience. It's a work that asks big questions about freedom, destiny, and the inexorable pull of our dreams. And in the hands of Maggie Shipstead, you're more than willing to buckle up for the journey, no matter where it takes you.