This raises compelling questions about the nature of history and how we choose to interpret or distort facts to suit the narratives we want to form about the past. It's enjoyable how Hadley learns details about Marian's life and the script dramatises her life in certain ways we know aren't true from reading the narrative thread that follows her actual development. Hadley's life superficially resembles that of the actress Kristen Stewart who was launched to fame in a teen fantasy franchise. The question of Marian's identity is explored in a compelling way through a duel storyline which follows a promising Hollywood starlet named Hadley Baxter as she is playing the role of Marian in a film about the aviator's final flight where Marian disappeared without a trace. It's so moving how this is a space and state of mind she continuously comes back to showing the true solace that accompanies a blissful kind of solitude. Though this novel touches upon so many complex issues to do with gender, sexuality, abuse, different forms of marriage and alcoholism, Marian finds there's a rare liberation to be found in the air. Because through all the tumultuous events of history and the personal challenges she encounters in her life, Marian's true love is for flying and she endeavours to sail through the sky whenever she has the chance. We follow the rise and fall of her fortune, the many passionate and varied love affairs she has with men and women and her ambitious mission to fly around the world from pole to pole. Born to a troubled privileged couple, she survives a dramatic tragedy when she's only a baby to then grow up alongside her twin brother in a humble home. The novel also dynamically captures the complex, fascinating life of its fictional protagonist Marian Graves in a way that increasingly intrigues and reveals new layers. It spans prohibition, WWII and brings us up to present day Hollywood. Maggie Shipstead's “Great Circle” has a truly grand story which contains many adventures and mysteries over a long period of time.
The writing is phenomenal, too.I love getting lost in a great big epic. It was a tad bit long, but for the most part I was utterly absorbed. They made mistakes and had their flaws, but many of them also had so much passion and made their mark on the world in some way. The dual timeline worked really well here, switching from past to present, but with an over-arching focus throughout both. This was a fascinating and sprawling story, packed with rich history, larger-than-life characters, and adventure. That’s something I’ve always loved about fiction.
I felt like I had traveled the world multiple times over: from Montana to LA to London to Antarctica, and lots more in between. When you open this book, prepare to settle in for a saga of epic proportions. Order on Amazon | Support local bookstores Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead: My Thoughts
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