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. 

Black Dove White Raven by Elizabeth Wein

Black Dove, White Raven originally refers to Delia and Rhoda, a mixed-race pair of female barnstormers and aviation dare-devils who perform during the 1920’s in Europe and in the United States. Their children, Teo, whose father worked on Ethiopian government negotiations in Paris, and Emilia, whose father is an Italian aviator, grow up closer than many brothers and sisters.

Black Dove White Raven is the best historical fiction yet from a very talented author. In her distinctive style, Wein repeats several phrases (“we’re in the soup together”) and motifs (squeezing hands to signify courage).  She carefully lays the groundwork for this story, explaining some of the dangers of early flight, open cockpits and limited fuel range. The family moves to Africa after a fatal accident, hoping to avoid the discrimination they felt in America. Much of the story is told through flight logs and flashbacks to student essays written by Teo and Emilia for the governess of a wealthy family on a coffee cooperative in Ethiopia.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Ethiopia, even though some was troubling and sad, as I read this unique novel. Cameo appearances by actual historical figures such as Emperor Haile Selassie and aviator activist John Robinson are cleverly incorporated and help to move the plot forward. Actual events parallel many in The Adventures, a series of comic book like renderings imaginatively created by a younger Black Dove and White Raven, Teo and Emilia. Numerous twists, conflicting loyalties and the threat of war all add to a feeling of tension and suspense throughout the novel. If you have read the WWII era novels Code Name Verity or Rose Under Fire, by Wein, I am sure you are already eagerly anticipating the publication of Black Dove White Raven.  If not, you have hours and hours of excellent reading ahead -- a highly recommended journey you are sure to enjoy.  

Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.