Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon

Flight of Dreams is another impressive work of historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon.  About 2 years ago, I had been captivated by her The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress and have been looking forward to this new title. Flight of Dreams is also set in the 1930s; it deals with actual events tied to the Hindenburg disaster. Once again, Lawhon shares a mystery story from multiple perspectives and adeptly develops the lives and potential motivations of those involved.  The Navigator, The Cabin Boy, The American, The Journalist and The Stewardess all separately narrate interconnecting events from May 3 to May 6, 1937, dates of the Hindenburg’s last flight. 

Even though the reader realizes that this flight will end tragically (35 fatalities amongst the 97 passengers and crew), suspense mounts.  The story overflows with secrets, with references to Nazi soldiers and threats to Jewish passengers and crew, with details on airship technology and travel, with the need for revenge and with romance and love. 

I wanted to learn more about all of the people involved in this disaster and, like Lawhon, turned to the blog by Patrick B. Russell, Faces of the Hindenburg.  Save that, though, until you have finished the book – the blog is filled with actual photos and life stories and is fascinating in itself.  Flight of Dreams is called “suspenseful and fun” by Kirkus Reviews and I am highly recommending this title.