Flying Circus by Susan Crandall

Since we are celebrating the 4th of July, it seemed appropriate to write about The Flying Circus by Susan Crandall which features barnstormers, daredevils and early aviation history in America.  This novel, beginning in 1923, tells the story of three misfits: Henry, Gil, and Cora.

As readers, we know the secrets, frustrations and pain which each faces. One is an orphan running from the law and injustice; another is a former WWI pilot who needs to heal from the wounds of war and star-crossed love; and the third chafes at society’s expectations and struggles to answer a deep desire for risk and fame.  Together, they eventually make a family of sorts and travel to small towns offering rides and performing exciting stunts.

I most enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of this novel: the wonder (and danger) of early, unregulated flight, the ability to change one’s name and re-invent oneself and the relatively rural settings.  Since childhood, I knew that cows often sit down when it is going to rain but I only learned from this story that they also serve as a sort of windsock – facing away from the wind.

Romance, suspense and glamour (there are trips to Hollywood and Miami) each play a part in this story filled with secrets.  However, author Susan Crandall tends towards repetition when trying to fully develop all of the characters, especially Henry who struggles with fate and his conscience throughout the novel. Crandall also wrote the award-winning Whistling Past the Graveyard, another work of historical fiction focusing on the Civil Rights Movement.

In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

This new novel, In the Unlikely Event, was based on actual happenings that gifted writer Judy experienced as a teenager. She has crafted a fictional story around many characters living in Elizabeth, New Jersey during 1951-1952 when three planes crashed there within 58 days of each other.

Told from multiple perspectives – there are three generations of families, plus friends and strangers boarding the planes – the reader does have to decipher each of the characters in this coming of age story. One of the most constant is Miri Ammerman who as a teenager witnesses the first crash with her single mom, Rusty. Also involved are her best friend, Natalie (who is traumatized by events), her boyfriend Mason (who is an orphan) and her Uncle Henry (a rising reporter) and her supportive grandmother, Irene.

To me, even more fascinating than the inter-relationships and reactions of the many characters is the way in which Judy Blume weaves in the feel of the time and facts relevant to the actual events which prompted this novel. There are frequent references to 1950s era music, fashion, and, of course, political events and reporting.  To add to the experience, I found several links online, in particular this radio broadcast from WNYC archives:

And an article from The Chicago Tribune archives where the story of one of the crashes was front page headline news.  

I remember meeting Judy Blume with my own children many years ago – we are big fans of Fudge-a-mania! She is extremely gracious and a committed spokesperson for authors and readers everywhere.  Plan to enjoy In the Unlikely Event – it is a great summer read for both adults and students, telling an inter-generational story of dealing with loss, while looking at the impact of technological and social change.  

Starred review from Booklist.