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Book Review of The Aviator's Wife

The Aviator's Wife
reviewed on + 72 more book reviews


Anne Morrow, middle daughter, smart, literate, reserved but not shy, always overshadowed by her first-born sister and not pampered like the youngest. These are the traits that made her attractive to America's number one hero of the early 20th century; Charles Lindbergh.

While Anne believed he was out of her league, he was concerned that she might be out of his league too. But to everyone's surprise he asked her to be his wife and share his lonely hours in the air. He was to overwhelm her with his manner and expectations at the beginning. But this would allow her to have huge accomplishments of her own, including setting many world records with him, and being the first woman to solo in a glider. Later she would be a best-selling author, as well as mother of 6.

This is a terrific book, a work of historical fiction, written as though by Anne herself. While Melanie Benjamin has taken such license and portrayed emotions and reactions no one can truly verify, she has done much research and has based the facts of the book on diaries, biographies, and other published works. But be careful not to get lost in thinking this is truly Anne's voice. This well written story will do just that.

Even if the only things you know about the Lindbergh's are that first solo transAtlantic flight and that their first child was sensationally kidnapped and murdered, this book will draw you in and make you wish you had known these people. I highly recommend this book.