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Wendy W. (Ann Arbor, MI)
Circling Sun Flies High
I have yet to read Paula McLain's runaway hit "The Paris Wife", so her writing was new to me. She is exceptionally talented. Her vivid style draws you right in. You know a writer is good when you can see the colors and smell the air of a place as you read. I was unfamiliar with Beryl Markham. What a remarkable woman. If you enjoy fictional depictions of real people, this story will keep you engrossed to the end. Now I'm going to have to re-watch "Out of Africa". Book clubs would find plenty to talk about with this one. Highly recommended.
D.J.Knickrehm ~ Maquoketa, IA
In the Glow of the Sun
Stories of Africa seem to attract readers who perhaps have not been there! "Circling the Sun" is haunting as I kept waiting for Beryl to get on with her flying! The mix of Karen Blixen and Beryl Markham is emotionally thrilling as one never knows which way either is going.
I fancied Beryl as "the sun". Her life evolved, and thus rotated around herself, her friends and her loves. She went from Child whose mother walked away to Mother who left her son. The difference is in the contrast, as Beryl kept contact with her son a bit more so, than her mother ever did with her.
"Out of Africa" is a compelling movie and thus I'm inspired to read the book by the same name by Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen, as well as :West With the Night" by Beryl Markham. Thank you Paula McLain for opening the early times in Africa to me and to readers. Your descriptions are lovely!
Andrea S. (Lafayette, IN)
Fascinating!
I had requested this book because I had really enjoyed McLain's previous book, The Paris Wife. This one is the story of Beryl Markham, first woman aviator to cross the Atlantic. The book is not so much about the flight as what let up to her becoming a pilot and the woman she became. She was a strong independent woman in a time and society that did not appreciate those qualities in a woman. The book is also a wonderful portrait of early 20th century Africa and the fascinating people who lived there. Some of the characters you meet include Karen Blixen and Dennis Finch Hatten (of Out of Africa fame) and the British royal princes-including Edward, Prince of Wales. I hope my book club will read it because there is a lot for book clubs to discuss here. Very well written.
Barbara H. (Carolina Shores, NC)
Many surprises
I found many surprises in Paula McLain's newest book, Circling the Sun. Not only did I learn of an exceptional, pioneering, adventurous woman, but I was able to make many comparisons to the ex-pat lifestyle occurring with Brits in Africa, to the Americans living in Paris during the 1920's. The strength and beauty of Africa was aptly described, and again, all that I learned was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed all the time I spent reading this book and would strongly recommend it for book clubs looking for an excellent selection.
Susan_Bailey
A fearless lady to be admired
Beryl is a courageous women in Kenya in 1920. Abandoned by her mother, raised by a father and a nearby tribe, she shows her grit and develops a sense of self worth that takes her through life.
The society in British Kenya was that of wealth, parties, and gossip. After rebelling at several boarding schools she helps her father train horses for racing. When her father's farm fails she marries. The marriage is a disaster, and determined to make her own way, in a time where women did not do that, she becomes the first registered horse trainer in Africa.
Despite facing discrimination because she is a women, she succeeds. She falls in love with Safari hunter Denys Finch Hatton, the lover of Karen Blixen, the story told so well in "Out of Africa". I am tempted to say now you know the rest of the story.
The story starts and ends with her learning to fly and attempting a trans-Atlantic flight. She was indeed fearless, smart, and someone I would like to have known.
Hazel R. (North Eastham, MA)
Every Word is a Pearl
For the second time, Paula McLain has knocked it out of the ballpark in bringing historical characters and foreign settings to life. The writing is flawless -- reading this literature is like holding a strand of pearls in your hand -- silky smooth and warm. Although I am inexperienced with horses and not terribly fond of airplanes I was completely captivated by Beryl's passions. Although a very young woman, Beryls strength and maturity seemed formidable. I do hope that this book will be made into a movie, and that Ms. McLain will write the screenplay.
Nancy_Lay
Out of Africa
Paula McLain has done it again, crafting a dynamic fictional account of an historical woman. From the very beginning of Beryl Markham's story of her childhood years in Africa, I was hooked. I cared about her life and could easily envision the wonderful hills and grasslands surrounding her ranch home. McClain has done an outstanding job of describing in detail things like the tangible feel of the horses as they trotted and raced, the smells of the paddocks, the rain, and even the taste of the salt flats. I found the portrayal of life in the 1920's Kenya to be fascinating, especially the vast divide between the European settlers and the indigenous people. After reading "Circling the Sun", I want to read Markham's own biography, "West With the Night" and predict many others will as well. This was a home run for McLain..
Alyce_T
Circling the Sun
Having read and enjoyed "The Paris Wife", I was anxious to read Paula McLain's book on Beryl Markham. It did not disappoint! McLain captured Beryl the woman who interacted with her peers, family and royalty in foreign lands as we can hardly imagine. The trip was exciting. We were there through all the record setting exploits and achievements and day to day life of a remarkable woman.
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