Today's Read Contributor Paula McLain’s Circling the Sun is a captivating and richly evocative historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the life of Beryl Markham, a groundbreaking aviator, horse trainer, and memoirist in colonial Kenya. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1930s East Africa, McLain crafts a vivid narrative that highlights both the breathtaking beauty of the land and the complex, daring woman at its center. Beryl’s life, filled with extraordinary feats and personal struggles, is portrayed with depth, shedding light on her determination, independence, and the deeply human experiences that shaped her journey.
The novel follows Beryl Markham as she rises to fame not only as one of the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic, but also as a renowned horse trainer in Kenya’s elite social circles. Raised in the wilds of East Africa, Beryl’s story is one of defiance against the limitations imposed on women in her time. McLain paints a picture of a woman who refuses to be bound by the societal norms of her era, choosing instead to chart her own course through a life marked by independence, adventure, and heartbreak.
Beryl’s narrative is at the heart of Circling the Sun, but McLain also carefully weaves in the diverse and complex characters that populate Beryl’s world. From her passionate relationships to the intriguing individuals who shape her journey, the people around Beryl are as colorful and multifaceted as the landscapes of Kenya itself. McLain’s portrayal of Beryl’s emotional and personal life, particularly her turbulent relationships with men, adds layers of depth to the story, revealing the vulnerability behind her bravado. These relationships, at once passionate and destructive, reflect the tension between Beryl’s ambitions and the expectations placed upon her as a woman in a male-dominated world.
The novel’s setting—1920s and 1930s Kenya—becomes a character in its own right, with McLain’s lush, evocative descriptions bringing the wild beauty of the African landscape to life. From the vast savannas to the majestic Mount Kenya, McLain creates an atmosphere that is both enchanting and dangerous, mirroring Beryl’s own journey as she navigates the highs and lows of her adventurous life. The challenges she faces, both in her personal relationships and in her career, are mirrored by the untamed, unpredictable nature of the land she calls home.
At its core, Circling the Sun is a novel about independence, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Beryl Markham’s life story, marked by both triumph and tragedy, is one of a woman determined to carve her own path, regardless of the obstacles in her way. McLain’s portrayal of Beryl’s courage and ambition is inspiring, making this an uplifting story of a woman who defied the conventions of her time to achieve greatness in a male-dominated world. However, the novel is also poignant, as it explores the sacrifices Beryl made along the way, particularly in her personal relationships, and the toll that such an ambitious life can take.
McLain’s writing is both fluid and descriptive, capturing the complexity of Beryl’s character while providing a rich sense of time and place. The novel’s pacing allows readers to become fully immersed in Beryl’s world, and McLain’s careful attention to historical detail ensures that the story feels authentic and grounded in the realities of early 20th-century colonial Africa. The balance between personal drama and historical context makes Circling the Sun an engaging and thought-provoking read.
In conclusion, Circling the Sun is a mesmerizing and beautifully written novel that brings to life the extraordinary life of Beryl Markham. Paula McLain’s vivid prose and deep understanding of her subject make this an unforgettable tale of a woman who defied expectations and followed her own path in the face of adversity. For readers who appreciate historical fiction that celebrates the complexities of human experience and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to dream, Circling the Sun is a must-read.
