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There are currently 20 member reviews
for The Aviator's Wife
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Johanna M., Anderson's Bookshop, (Naperville, IL)
"A" for the Aviator's Wife
Years ago I enjoyed reading "Gifts of the Sea" and only as I began "Aviator's Wife" did I recall the little book that made me look at shells differently. I read eagerly the life of Charles and Anne all the while hoping they would find true peace in their lives together. I especially enjoyed how Ms. Benjamin described the historical details surrounding Hitler's Germany of the late 1930's. Historical fiction makes history come alive and Ms. Benjamin is one of the best. I look forward to handselling this title for bookgroups to discuss. I have seen Melanie Benjamin's books on the shelves at work and have thought "have to read that next" but, now they are on a pile next to my bed! Look forward to meeting her at her upcoming signing!
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Kathrin C. (Corona, CA)
A 20th Century Flight
I was first captivated by Melanie Benjamin's writing while reading her debut novel "Alice I Have Been". Her work seamlessly merges historical fiction and biopic - it takes you straight to other times, into other places and reintroduces you to someone maybe you thought you knew of. And there was so much more to know! The Aviator's Wife certainly brought out the very complicated world, relationships, challenges and limitations that Anne Morrow Lindbergh faced in the early and mid-1900s and has also drawn me to want to learn more about her life and her writings.
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Debra V. (Kenosha, WI)
The Aviator's Wife
Where to begin -- The book was a very interesting look at the life of a "hero's" wife. It was a very sympathetic portrayal of Anne, and initially her worship of Charles seemed justified. Their celebrity made it impossible to live a normal life but after their son was kidnapped Charles became a very unlikeable person for me. Perhaps the country's worship of him was the reason that he was so focused on his own needs but his treatment of his children was horrifying. I was really happy when Anne finally started to follow her own path and find someone to support and put her first. I enjoyed the book -- Thought it was worth reading just for the historical perspective.
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Dorothy T. (Victorville, CA)
Good book for historical fiction readers
I began reading this novel with only a little prior knowledge about Anne Morrow Lindbergh, but Melanie Benjamin has whetted my appetite, and I am looking forward to reading more about this remarkable woman and reading some of her own writing.
Even though I knew beforehand the tragic outcome of the kidnapping of the Lindbergh's first child, I found that Melanie Benjamin managed to relate this part of the story with suspense and emotion, with a particular slant on the reaction of Charles at the time and throughout the rest of his life. The effect of this event on the Lindbergh's marriage is a strong theme that holds the story together, as well as the effect of the media and fan adulation on their lives. And this novel points up that a hero in private is not always what he seems to be in public.
I feel this book would definitely make a good choice for a book club selection.
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Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)
Fascination with the Lindberghs
I, like many others, have always been fascinated with the Lindberghs and eagerly began this book. How little I knew about the famous aviator! I feel that he was Lucky Lindy mainly because he chose a wife so wisely. She was the "glue" that enabled their family to endure heartwrenching sadness and the horrid effects of celebrity.
Although this is not the best volume of historical fiction I've read, I'd recommend that you persist to discover how Anne Morrow Lindbergh steps away from her husband's shadow and finds courage to live fully as her own self.
The author accomplished one of her goals: this reader has been "inspired to research these remarkable lives" more fully.
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Brenda D. (Lincoln, CA)
The Aviator's Wife
It is difficult to put fictionalized words into such public and iconic figures as the Lindberghs. I realize a lot of research went into the writing, but I did have to remind myself quite often that this is "historical fiction."
There is an old saying about all our idols have feet of clay -- well, this certainly illustrates that. If you can look past the fact that "the aviator," Charles Lindbergh, is portrayed as a cold, unemotional, driven and not very likeable man, you will find a fascinating story of a marriage and a woman, Anne, his wife.
The author's style of writing in the first person allows you to become totally immersed in the character of Anne and all her inner conflicts and insecurities in her early years and the strength she exhibits as she is forced to deal with the realities of her life. She married a "hero," and he had to remain that hero at all costs, especially to himself. Failure was never an option and she always struggled with having to live up to that high ideal.
I think the book will definitely appeal to those who like historical fiction. Book groups will find many discussable issues. For more insight into this interesting couple, I would highly suggest reading the books recommended in the "Author's Notes" section at the end of the book.
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