Paula McLain is the author of the highly acclaimed bestseller The Paris Wife. This new book is another novel about an amazing woman who was a trailblazer in the 1920s and 30s in several different areas. Beryl Markham's life was anything but ordinary from the very beginning. Born in Britain, she moved to Kenya with her parents when still a very young child. Her mother abandoned her when she was quite young, and Beryl was pretty much fending for herself with very little supervision from her father. She grew up on a horse farm and probably spent more time with the native Kipsigis tribe than with her father. She went on to become the first female racehorse trainer in Africa and later on a record-setting aviator and the first woman to cross the Atlantic from East to West.
When I first started reading the book, I thought it would focus more on Beryl, the pilot, or a British version of Amelia Earhart . However, a very small portion of the book is actually focused on her flying. I would say this book is more about how Beryl came to be a pilot, what led her to taking up flying and what traits of character made her a success in this highly male-dominated field. One theme that stood out to me is Beryl's incessant search for freedom. She wanted to be free to make choices about her life, and never looked for a man to define her purpose. Even in our modern day, as a woman, I am often afraid to take risks. In Beryl's time, the safest thing would be to marry well, have children and lead the life of a country housewife. This was never enough for her. When asked whether she ever felt afraid, she answered: certainly, but I never let the fear stop me.
Paula McLain's writing is amazing. You will be transported to the exotic land of colonial Kenya and follow Beryl in her fierce pursuit of happiness, independence and love. She loved passionately, worked hard and never gave up. A great story, an amazing heroine at the center of it and flawless writing. 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.
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