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A review by beriboo
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
3.0
Ambitious Yet Somewhat Uneven
Maggie Shipstead's Great Circle is an ambitious epic that spans decades and continents, exploring themes of adventure, identity, and the pursuit of freedom. While the novel showcases moments of brilliance and offers glimpses into the captivating world of aviation, it falls slightly short of its potential due to pacing issues and uneven character development.
The novel revolves around Marian Graves, a fiercely determined female pilot who embarks on a daring quest to circumnavigate the globe. Shipstead's vivid descriptions of the aviation world, from the excitement of takeoff to the thrill of soaring through the skies, are undeniably captivating. The author's meticulous research into the history of aviation shines through, lending an air of authenticity to Marian's journey.
However, the novel's pacing is a significant drawback. The narrative jumps back and forth between Marian's story in the past and Hadley Baxter's story in the present. While this structure allows for deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations, it also slows down the overall momentum of the novel. At times, it feels as though the story is meandering rather than propelling forward, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters and their journeys.
Additionally, the character development in Great Circle is somewhat uneven. Marian, as the central protagonist, is given ample attention and is a compelling figure. Shipstead portrays her as a complex and flawed individual with a fierce determination to defy societal expectations. However, the supporting characters, particularly those in Hadley's present-day storyline, lack the same depth and nuance. They often feel like mere tools to further the plot rather than fully realized individuals.
Despite these flaws, Shipstead's prose remains a strength throughout the novel. Her descriptions are lush and evocative, making it easy to visualize the landscapes and settings that Marian and Hadley encounter. The author's ability to capture the essence of different eras and locations adds a layer of richness to the story.
In conclusion, Great Circle is a commendable effort by Maggie Shipstead, showcasing her talent for crafting vivid prose and exploring larger themes of freedom and adventure. While the novel falls short in terms of pacing and character development, it still offers glimpses of brilliance and moments of captivating storytelling. Fans of historical fiction and aviation enthusiasts may find enjoyment in this ambitious tale.
Maggie Shipstead's Great Circle is an ambitious epic that spans decades and continents, exploring themes of adventure, identity, and the pursuit of freedom. While the novel showcases moments of brilliance and offers glimpses into the captivating world of aviation, it falls slightly short of its potential due to pacing issues and uneven character development.
The novel revolves around Marian Graves, a fiercely determined female pilot who embarks on a daring quest to circumnavigate the globe. Shipstead's vivid descriptions of the aviation world, from the excitement of takeoff to the thrill of soaring through the skies, are undeniably captivating. The author's meticulous research into the history of aviation shines through, lending an air of authenticity to Marian's journey.
However, the novel's pacing is a significant drawback. The narrative jumps back and forth between Marian's story in the past and Hadley Baxter's story in the present. While this structure allows for deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations, it also slows down the overall momentum of the novel. At times, it feels as though the story is meandering rather than propelling forward, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters and their journeys.
Additionally, the character development in Great Circle is somewhat uneven. Marian, as the central protagonist, is given ample attention and is a compelling figure. Shipstead portrays her as a complex and flawed individual with a fierce determination to defy societal expectations. However, the supporting characters, particularly those in Hadley's present-day storyline, lack the same depth and nuance. They often feel like mere tools to further the plot rather than fully realized individuals.
Despite these flaws, Shipstead's prose remains a strength throughout the novel. Her descriptions are lush and evocative, making it easy to visualize the landscapes and settings that Marian and Hadley encounter. The author's ability to capture the essence of different eras and locations adds a layer of richness to the story.
In conclusion, Great Circle is a commendable effort by Maggie Shipstead, showcasing her talent for crafting vivid prose and exploring larger themes of freedom and adventure. While the novel falls short in terms of pacing and character development, it still offers glimpses of brilliance and moments of captivating storytelling. Fans of historical fiction and aviation enthusiasts may find enjoyment in this ambitious tale.