Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead is a historically fictional novel that you wish were true. This is a rolling, rollicking and wonderful story about pioneering aviatrix, feminist and iconoclast Marian Graves. We follow Marian's life from her tumultuous beginnings culminating (almost) in her ambitious flight around the great circle of the globe (pole to pole) in 1951.
Marian is a character you wish were real in every sense. Wanting to become financially independent when 14, she cuts her hair, dresses as a boy, buys a car, teaches herself to drive and becomes a moonshine runner in 1920s USA. One day some some barnstormers visit her town, she scores a flight and from that moment she determines to be a pilot, even though "girls" are not supposed to do that sort of thing. She flies alcohol from over the Canadian border, landing on glaciers and out-flying every man that dare takes her on.
A disastrous and brief marriage in her later teens ensures Marian will never again answer to anyone, but she still finds passion in her life. During WWII Marian joins a squad of women pilots who transport Spitfires and all manner of planes across airfields in Britain. Marian tests the full capabilities of every plane she flies fearlessly.
After the war a rich benefactor agrees to fund her great circle flight and Marian tackles her hardest challenge. Drama ensues.
This book was a complete joy to read, not inconsequential in length at nearly 600 pages, but the hours just rolled by without me noticing. My favourite reading experience is to be just lost in a book for hours on end Great Circle provided just that.
The book has been shortlisted for the 2021 Man Booker prize. I have no idea if it's a worthy winner, but for me, this book was a complete delight. Recommended for humans.
Until next time, peace and love.
