This is one of the most informative historical fiction books I have ever read. It is well-researched and written in a way that makes Eva’s story come to life. I think I had a personal affinity because my father loved airplanes, and I grew up learning the different types and how to identify them. I never had a desire to be a pilot, but the focus on and discussion of airplanes did bring back fond memories of times with my dad.
I liked how the author began with a quick flashback to a pivotal event in the past. It set up Eva’s situation both in the present (well, the 1977 present) and laid the groundwork for the rest of the story to build upon.
Except for a few chapters in the beginning and end, the action is completely set in 1943 and traces Eva’s training as a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). Quick history lesson: WASPs were women who trained as pilots, test-flew airplanes that had been repaired, or otherwise assisted training of male pilots (i.e. target practice and searchlight training). It was thankless and dangerous and the women were brave beyond belief.
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I should clarify: the “action” action is set in 1943. Each chapter starts with an exchange during a congressional hearing, with Eva testifying as to why WASPs deserved military recognition. I know that sounds a little convoluted, but it isn’t within the novel itself. Each exchange sets up the flashback chapter that follows. It actually keeps everything moving smoothly while also giving a hint about what might occur during the chapter.
I did find the “testimony” openings to be a bit repetitive. I know Congress has a tendency to repeat itself, but I wished that the exchanges were a little bit more specific to the action and not just hints.
But the action in 1943 is where everything really happens, and that story is an attention-grabber. From the thought of childhood friends training together to the hardships faced by women in a man’s world, the author captures every piece of this accurately and (at times) poignantly.
Because the novel starts with a major event, the reader knows what is building. It makes it easy to root for Eva and her fellow WASPs as they reach (literal) new heights. What was less successful to me, however, was the treatment of some of the secondary characters.
One, in particular, is mentioned toward the beginning and then barely given any mention for the rest of the book. Given what happens, I think keeping that character more involved could have been impactful.
I also was not entirely sold on the ending. I thought that there was great build, but then the big revelations were given in rapid succession and were hurried. I think they deserved much more time, especially given the events that led to the end. There was also a part of it that just rang untrue to me. A mother’s love and desire for her daughter to be “normal” was twisted in an odd way that didn’t sit right.
That’s all I’m going to say because I don’t want to give anything away. I did still enjoy the story and I learned about a group that I knew next to nothing about. I also appreciate that the author listed books that she read for the background because they are going on my “to read” list. I look forward to learning more about this courageous group of women.
Author Bio: Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of The Things We Don’t Say, Secret Shores, From a Paris Balcony, The House by the Lake, and Paris Time Capsule. Her books have been published in over fourteen languages, in twelve countries, and have been shortlisted for ARRA awards. A Francophile who has long been fascinated by secret histories set in Europe’s entrancing past, Ella has degrees in music, nineteenth-century women’s fiction, and modern European history. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets.
