The Skies Belong to Us: Love and Terror in the Golden Age of Hijacking by Brendan I. Koerner

The Skies Belong to Us: Love and Terror in the Golden Age of Hijacking by Brendan I. Koerner is an exhilarating and suspenseful work that chronicles the exciting and often dangerous world of airplane hijacking in the 1960s and 1970s. Spanning the dramatic five-year period of 1969 to 1974, The Skies Belong to Us gives readers an unvarnished look into the lawlessness of the era and a portrait of those who dared to challenge the status quo. Koerner weaves an intriguing and at times shocking narrative of the politics, motivations, and media frenzy that surrounded the hijackers and their victims.

Through intense research, Koerner is able to bring the hijacking era to vivid life, peering into a time where an almost childish fantasy became a terrifying reality. This includes vivid studies of the hijackers themselves, complete with detailed accounts of their backgrounds, influences, and often grandiose attempts to become “public figures” rather than criminals. Koerner also takes the time to explore the consequences of the hijackers’ actions, from the significant economic losses incurred by the airlines to the psychological trauma of the passengers and crew.

At the heart of The Skies Belong to Us is the theme of ambivalence – that feeling of being suspended between two possibilities – love and terror. This is brought to life by stunning accounts of the hijacking era’s biggest figures, from the ever-charming “D.B. Cooper” to the ambitious Love Generation mystic George Wright. Even when Koerner is recounting mayhem and tragedy, the author’s understanding of the hijackers’ charms, difficulties, and controversial ethics keeps the reader engaged, and often complicates simplistic moral judgements.

The Skies Belong to Us is a must-read for anyone interested in the turbulent politics of the 1960s and 1970s, and the way in which they shaped the sky hijackings that upended the international airline industry and captivated a public hungry for thrilling stories. Koerner’s gripping account of the era is told with insight, sympathy, and a nuanced attitude towards the hijackers that is rarely seen in popular narratives. Ultimately, Koerner reminds readers that ‘the skies belong to us’ – for better, for worse.