Book Review: Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
As a fan of historical fiction, I was drawn to Great Circle not only because of its allure as a New York Times bestseller but also because of the rich narrative surrounding a daring female aviator, Marian Graves. The promise of a sweeping saga that explores themes of self-determination amidst the backdrop of significant historical events like Prohibition and World War II was simply irresistible to me. The dual narrative structure, intertwining Marian’s adventurous life with that of contemporary actress Hadley Baxter, piqued my interest even further.
The story unfolds with Marian and her twin brother Jamie, who are rescued as infants from a sinking ocean liner in 1914. Growing up in Missoula, Montana, under the care of their negligent uncle, Marian’s fascination with flight is ignited when she witnesses barnstorming pilots. Her journey to fly around the globe—a dream fueled by an unexpected patron who turns out to be a dangerous bootlegger—takes her across continents and through decades.
One of the elements I loved most about this book was Shipstead’s masterful character development. Marian is a stunningly complex character, and I found myself invested in her struggles, especially as she navigates the limitations imposed by her gender in a male-dominated world. The side characters, especially Jamie, add depth to the narrative, balancing Marian’s fierce independence with his more sensitive, creative nature.
This dual timeline structure between Marian’s historical arc and Hadley’s present-day experiences served to emphasize the struggles of both women in their respective eras. Hadley, a film actress wrestling with her own identity amidst Hollywood’s chaos, pairs beautifully with Marian’s fierce quest for freedom and self-discovery. However, Hadley’s storyline, while intriguing, often felt less developed and at times seemed to detract from the momentum of Marian’s journey. As Sarah, one of the reviewers, mentioned, there were moments in Hadley’s narrative that felt extraneous, and I too wondered if those sections could have been trimmed without compromising the overall story.
On the positive side, the book is a linguistic treasure. Shipstead’s prose flows beautifully, creating immersively vivid imagery that transports you into the cockpit with Marian. LindaL’s review highlights this aspect perfectly—it’s impressive how she weaves complex metaphors and symbols, such as the concept of "great circles," to illustrate the nuances of her characters’ lives and emotional journeys.
However, the expansive nature of the book—over 600 pages—does present challenges. While I enjoyed the detailed historical accuracy and the beautiful prose, I found the pacing uneven. Some sections felt languid, and as other reviewers noted, it took a while for the plot to intensify. The most gripping parts, like Marian’s war efforts and her perilous flying attempts, only seem to surface in the latter third of the novel. I completely understand where some readers are coming from regarding the book’s length; a more concise narrative might have sharpened the impact.
Ultimately, Great Circle met my expectations of being an epic and emotional read. Shipstead’s dedication to creating character-driven narratives shines through, and Marian’s story is one that resonates profoundly. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates historical fiction infused with rich character explorations and thematic depth. Just be prepared for a commitment, as it’s a book that requires time and introspection.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking a literary experience that is both sweeping in scope and poignant in personal detail, Great Circle deserves a spot on your reading list. I’d rate it a solid 4.5 stars, recognizing its brilliance while acknowledging the pacing challenges. It’s a journey well worth taking.