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salgalruns's review against another edition
4.0
I actually really enjoyed this via audiobook! I am young enough to not know too much about the Lindburghs and about aviation, so it was a great account of their lives as told through the eyes of Anne. She is a strong woman, and definitely one to be admired! I loved her!
veraann's review against another edition
5.0
I think this book was great. The writing was excellent. Though there were times when I disliked the characters, I remind myself of the time period. I believe Melanie Benjamin captured the time period perfectly. Living in this time period I may not like or agree with some of the attitudes, but they were of that time period of the Lindbergh's life. Anne being "An eager young wife who had been shaped, just like every other eager young wife of my generation, by her husband" says it all right there.
We are also taken on the journey of Anne and her changing throughout her marriage and the times. She was a writer, an aviator, a mother, an obedient wife. Though she was a smart, educated, complex woman with or without her husband and his shadow.
The book had made me laugh, and cry. I felt enjoyment and heartache while reading. The writer captured emotions well. After reading the author's note at the end of the book I believe she did what she set out to do. Captured emotion brilliantly, had the reader feeling for Anne and trying to understand why the people in the book did what they did. I had moments of wonder what was fact and what was fiction. I had moments of wanting to know more about the people's lives that she wrote about.
Melanie Benjamin does an excellent job of taking a well known historical figure/event and showing a different perspective on the story. The slightly untold part and stays true to the time period that is written about.
We are also taken on the journey of Anne and her changing throughout her marriage and the times. She was a writer, an aviator, a mother, an obedient wife. Though she was a smart, educated, complex woman with or without her husband and his shadow.
The book had made me laugh, and cry. I felt enjoyment and heartache while reading. The writer captured emotions well. After reading the author's note at the end of the book I believe she did what she set out to do. Captured emotion brilliantly, had the reader feeling for Anne and trying to understand why the people in the book did what they did. I had moments of wonder what was fact and what was fiction. I had moments of wanting to know more about the people's lives that she wrote about.
Melanie Benjamin does an excellent job of taking a well known historical figure/event and showing a different perspective on the story. The slightly untold part and stays true to the time period that is written about.
arsrose's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
apricitymoments's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
elemmire's review against another edition
4.0
First thoughts.
I loved the story. You don't often get the story of the nearly invisible wife. I had no idea she could fly. The author's note at the end made me think of all the other people in history that we only learn so very little about.
I enjoyed the style of writing as well. It just seemed to flow in a nice order. She builds things up well.
I love how Ann is always wondering who she is supposed to be. I feel like many people, especially shy people, struggle with this far too often. I'm almost 30 and still ask myself "Is this something I really like? Or do I like it because the person I love likes it?"
Second thought.
In this book, Charles was the definition of emotional abuse. He was so controlling, degrading, humiliating, and only happy when Ann did as she was told. It made me think of my own poor relationships and wonder if I could have lived with it as long as she did. Probably not without a lot of alcohol.
I loved the story. You don't often get the story of the nearly invisible wife. I had no idea she could fly. The author's note at the end made me think of all the other people in history that we only learn so very little about.
I enjoyed the style of writing as well. It just seemed to flow in a nice order. She builds things up well.
I love how Ann is always wondering who she is supposed to be. I feel like many people, especially shy people, struggle with this far too often. I'm almost 30 and still ask myself "Is this something I really like? Or do I like it because the person I love likes it?"
Second thought.
In this book, Charles was the definition of emotional abuse. He was so controlling, degrading, humiliating, and only happy when Ann did as she was told. It made me think of my own poor relationships and wonder if I could have lived with it as long as she did. Probably not without a lot of alcohol.
drusmilford's review against another edition
4.0
Powerful woman who accomplished amazing things. Yet at the same time, in a marriage that was powerless for much of it. Her life, the highs and lows .... Interesting take on someone famous.
utahmomreads's review against another edition
5.0
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin captured my attention from the first page. Written in that comfortable style where the writing becomes invisible and the story and characters take center stage, The Aviator's Wife was a quick yet fascinating read this week.
Though Anne Morrow saw herself as the plain, shy girl, she became the unlikely wife to the most eligible bachelor of the 1920's--aviator and hero Charles Lindbergh. As part of his "crew", Charles taught Anne all the ins and outs of aviation and she wasn't only his partner in marriage but became his copilot and navigator in the skies. Constantly followed by the press, the Lindberghs explore the world together as a team.
Of course, life for the Lindberghs wasn't easy--tragic, if you will. We all know the history--their 18 month old son is kidnapped and murdered. Charles is described as a cold man, often insensitive to the feelings of others, especially his wife and children. He was also branded a Nazi during World War II. Anne and Charles drift apart as Anne devotes her life to raising their children and Charles flies around the world.
Throughout the novel, Benjamin brings Anne to life, sharing her inner tenderness and strength to get through life's hard times. Anne has a quiet resolve that is admirable. Her life and achievements echo that struggle that many women still face--success in their careers and in their homes--without many accolades for either. I never knew that Anne Lindbergh was a pilot, like her famous and celebrated husband. I'm grateful to know it now and pleased that Anne's life is celebrated in this new novel from Melanie Benjamin.
Though Anne Morrow saw herself as the plain, shy girl, she became the unlikely wife to the most eligible bachelor of the 1920's--aviator and hero Charles Lindbergh. As part of his "crew", Charles taught Anne all the ins and outs of aviation and she wasn't only his partner in marriage but became his copilot and navigator in the skies. Constantly followed by the press, the Lindberghs explore the world together as a team.
Of course, life for the Lindberghs wasn't easy--tragic, if you will. We all know the history--their 18 month old son is kidnapped and murdered. Charles is described as a cold man, often insensitive to the feelings of others, especially his wife and children. He was also branded a Nazi during World War II. Anne and Charles drift apart as Anne devotes her life to raising their children and Charles flies around the world.
Throughout the novel, Benjamin brings Anne to life, sharing her inner tenderness and strength to get through life's hard times. Anne has a quiet resolve that is admirable. Her life and achievements echo that struggle that many women still face--success in their careers and in their homes--without many accolades for either. I never knew that Anne Lindbergh was a pilot, like her famous and celebrated husband. I'm grateful to know it now and pleased that Anne's life is celebrated in this new novel from Melanie Benjamin.
jgraydee's review against another edition
4.0
I would read anything and everything written by Melanie Benjamin. This book taught me about Charles Lindbergh, and makes me want to read more about him, and especially, his wife Anne.
crazyylizard's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
pam2375's review against another edition
1.0
This book was just plain boring. I have picked it up and put t back down countless times since February. I officially give up.