It starts in England but is mostly set in Kenya where Beryl's mother abandons her with her father. Beryl embraces the local African culture and in the long run becomes a record-setting aviator. That is, after a a life spent conquering the male-dominated equestrian world and loving a man she could never have.
Do I Recommend Circling the Sun?
I do. I highly recommend Circling the Sun if you enjoy historical fiction and are intrigued with the idea of visiting Africa. This book sheds light on the life of a woman and a country that we have not heard much about.
I thought it was an enjoyable read but New York Times' writer Alexandra Fuller found it a bit fluffy. However, in her review she agrees that "the settlers who used Kenya as their hapless playground did so at catastrophic expense to those who called Kenya home long before the whites arrived." It is an interesting peek into the history of Africa.
The Boston Globe said, "McLain will keep you from eating, sleeping, or checking your e-mail — though you might put these pages down just long enough to order airplane tickets to Nairobi." Exactly.
Circling the Sun follows Paula McLain's hugely successful novel The Paris Wife, which I can also highly recommend. That book is set in jazz age Paris and follows the life of Ernest Hemingway and his second wife.
Are you intrigued by the idea of visiting Africa? Will you visit via McLain's book? You can find Circling the Sun on Amazon by following this link.
See you
at the book store!
Brenda
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I am somewhat familiar with Beryl Markham and how she lived by her own rules. I would imagine her nonconformist ways make the perfect subject for a historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy historical fictions, so this is one that is going on my must read list. Boy that list is getting longer and longer. Thank you for this review, it does sound interesting!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be fascinating to visit Africa. Since it may never become a possibility, I shall enjoy some armchair traveling via Paula McClain's book. Thanks so much for this interesting book review.
ReplyDeleteIn the deep dark recesses of my mind I seem to remember reading this book years ago. Everything you wrote about it seems familiar, though the details have dimmed. What stands out in my memory is that as I read it, the description of Africa made me want to see the Kenya Beryl knew and loved. I remember enjoying the book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an excellent book. I would very much be interested in reading this. I haven't ever toured any part of Africa, but I know two people who in the last ten years who have and they loved it.
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