The Aviator's Wife

Going into this novel I had a vague knowledge of Charles Lindbergh. However, I did not know anything about Anne or their many family tragedies and secrets. Very informative and sad...telling their story from Anne's point of view.

Overall, I enjoyed the look into Anne Morrow Lindbergh's life as more than just Charles' wife. Benjamin hones in on the strength Anne possesses and I agree, but the toxicity in her relationship with Charles is draining and the constant need for his approval makes you feel incredibly sorry for her for most of the novel. However, Benjamin does always have you rooting for Anne and frequently shows off her intelligence and determination. I was simply hoping she would get more of these moments to show off her strength in particular. All of the aviation was really fascinating! As someone reading this who is a bit younger and only knew Lindbergh for his solo flight, I learned a lot about America during this time- especially just how prominent of a public figure Charles Lindbergh was.

I wanted to like it. I just didn’t. I didn’t feel for Ann Morrow, and felt less for the dish rag wife of Lindbergh. And as for the version of charles Lindbergh presented here, what a dullerd. And the endless whining of the character that she couldn’t help it, she had to do what her husband said because she didn’t know what else she could do.... if this was the real Ann, and of course, this is a novel so this is the author’s take on it, but oh my goodness, I don’t see how anyone could act as she did in these circumstances. The aviation things were very interesting, and I wish Ms. Lindbergh had continued flying and held on to that aspect of herself.

Riveting historical fiction, nuanced insightfully taking the reader inside the heart and mind of the multifaceted and talented Ann Morrow Lindbergh. The audiobook deftly narrated. A must read novel of early 20th century aviation, American culture and domestic struggles!