Circling the Sun by Paula McLain is a captivating historical fiction novel about the life of one of the most beloved aviators of all time: Beryl Markham. The story follows a young Beryl as she grows up in Kenya, finds a career in aviation by becoming the first female solo pilot in the country, and ultimately attempts an historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean. McLain takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and resilience as they explore Beryl’s life, loves, and brave accomplishments.
Circling the Sun starts with the story of Beryl’s early life, as she grows up in a farm in colonial Kenya. Raised by her father and the African caretakers, Beryl quickly learns to be independent and resourceful, traits that will serve her well in years to come. After an incident in which Beryl’s father neglects to pay a debt, she is forced to find work to help her family out of their financial troubles. This leads Beryl to the local airfield, where she discovers her true calling - aviation. As she trains as a pilot, Beryl finds herself in competition with her mentor, and a dangerous forbidden love blossoms between them.
Through a series of adventures, both in the air and on the ground, Beryl makes a name for herself as an exceptional aviator. During this time, she also begins to explore her sexuality and her own identity, something that isn’t often seen in historical fiction or in stories about women during this time period.
As WWII approaches, Beryl’s relationship with her mentor ends and she embarks on a daring and historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean. As she engages in this dangerous endeavor, Beryl reflects upon all the moments that got her to this point and how, despite all the adversity she has faced in her life, she has always been able to take control of her destiny.
Ultimately, Circling the Sun is an inspiring story of courage and resilience. Through Beryl’s journey, McLain masterfully depicts a woman who was determined to defy the odds and prove that she was capable of accomplishing anything she set her mind to. Despite the events of her life, Beryl is never completely broken, and instead always manages to rise above and find hope within her despair.
Circling the Sun is an engaging and captivating read that pays homage to one of the most inspiring early aviators of all time. McLain’s narrative is often poetic and full of rich historical details, while also managing to explore themes of identity, love, finding courage within despair, and of ultimate triumph over adversity. With its complex characters, thrilling set pieces, and evocative language, Circling the Sun is a an unforgettable and inspiring tale of one woman’s life and legacy.
