The Wild Air by Rebecca Mascull Published by Hodder & Stoughton on May 4th 2017
Genres: Fiction, Historical
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley
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In Edwardian England, aeroplanes are a new, magical invention, while female pilots are rare indeed.
When shy Della Dobbs meets her mother's aunt, her life changes forever. Great Auntie Betty has come home from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, across whose windswept dunes the Wright Brothers tested their historic flying machines. Della develops a burning ambition to fly and Betty is determined to help her.
But the Great War is coming and it threatens to destroy everything - and everyone - Della loves.
Uplifting and page-turning, THE WILD AIR is a story about love, loss and following your dreams against all odds.
If you love historical fiction then The Wild Air is the book for you. This is a book about women ahead on their time and what adventure means to different people in the world of aviation. Follow your dreams people else you will always regret it.
I loved the details and the background to this book. I loved the fact that there were so many historical figures mentioned. It made this book all the more special. And when you finish the book there is a little section where Rebecca goes into more detail about all the historical figures and events mentioned here.
I loved the determination and passion Della has for aviation. She refuses to bow down to convention and the opinion of the time – that women and aviation does not mix. She proves them all wrong by her attitude, her ability and her daring. I really liked her romance with Dud, I felt that it was true and because we got to see Della grow, I felt that the romance between Dud and Della was natural and obvious. I also love Auntie Betty – another woman born before her time – she is a fiery creature and it is her determination that rubs off on Della.
When the story moved the war years, it was a haunting and emotional read. Especially when you read the letters. Each provides a harrowing account and makes no illusions about the war. At times it made it difficult to read and a hard book to keep pushing forward. But throughout I felt that Della offered her strength not only to the reader but also to the letter writer.
This historical tale of romance and daring follows Della from a teenager to a grown woman. And along the way we witness her first loves, her accomplishments and her experiences. This leads to an inspiring read.
The Wild Air is a thrilling read, that effortlessly blends fact with story telling. The thrill begins right from Della’s first flight until the very end of the book. This is a brilliant book that manages to entertain and inform. So much so that it becomes unputdownable and a enthralling read.
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