Finally finding the time to sit and write the review from last months book, CIRCLING THE SUN by Paula McClain. I chose this book, specifically, because it was written by McClain. For those of you who did not read this book you may remember reading THE PARIS WIFE. We rated that book so high, I was excited to read another one of hers.
McClain's writing did not disappoint. Beautifully descriptive and "lyrical in style" which is how Sue, our newest member, described it.
The main character, Beryl Markham, was a force to reckoned with. She grew up in Kenya Africa and was raised by her father after her mother left when she was just five years old. She learned the art of horse training from her father, which would become her main source of income as an adult. As a matter of fact, she was the very first female trainer for hire in Africa and, did so, at the age of only 19. She would also, eventually, learn to fly and was the first woman to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic. Overall, most of us loved the book and were in awe of Beryl and all that she did over the course of her lifetime. Keep in mind she lived in the roaring 20's when most everything she accomplished should have been completely out of reach to a woman. Beryl was strong, resilient, independent and resourceful. However, for one of us, Beryls sexual exploits, deeply tarnished her character. Over the course of the book, she had two husbands, lovers, liaisons and sadly, an abortion, as well. However, the only man she truly loved was Denys Finch Hatton. To most of us he was in many ways, the male counterpart to Beryl and, for me they were truly soul mates. However, he was also the lover of Beryl's friend Karen Blixen, which was for our one reader who questioned her sexual behavior in the first place, unforgivable. This was a much discussed topic during the course of our meeting, as I'm sure you can imagine.
Beryl went on to write her own account of her life, WEST WITH THE NIGHT, which is very highly recommended and Karen Blixen's story is, of course, OUT OF AFRICA. One of my favorite movies of all time!
Our overall rating for the book was a 3.9, ratings ranged between a 3 - 4.5.
