Flight of Dreams A Novel

Ariel Lawhon — 2016

"At every page a guilty secret bobs up; at every page Lawhon keeps us guessing. Who will bring down the Hindenburg? And how?” -- New York Times Book Review On the evening of May 3rd, 1937, ninety-seven people board the Hindenburg for its final, doomed flight to Lakehurst, New Jersey. Among them are a frightened stewardess who is not what she seems; the steadfast navigator determined to win her heart; a naive cabin boy eager to earn a permanent spot on the world’s largest airship; an impetuous journalist who has been blacklisted in her native Germany; and an enigmatic American businessman with a score to settle. Over the course of three hazy, champagne-soaked days their lies, fears, agendas, and hopes for the future are revealed. Flight of Dreams is a fiercely intimate portrait of the real people on board the last flight of the Hindenburg. Behind them is the gathering storm in Europe and before them is looming disaster. But for the moment they float over the Atlantic, unaware of the inexorable, tragic fate that awaits them. Brilliantly exploring one of the most enduring mysteries of the twentieth century, Flight of Dreams is that rare novel with spellbinding plotting that keeps you guessing till the last page and breathtaking emotional intensity that stays with you long after.

Reviews

Patricia Nelson@tnelson577

Aug 23, 2023

I truly enjoyed this book! The author did so much research and used real world events and people in a way that brought them to life, sprinkled with ideas about what might have happened aboard the final voyage of the Hindenburg. I didn't know really anything about the Hindenburg before reading this book, and I didn't need to. At it's heart, this is a story about three days in the lives of a set of people, including love, intrigue, mystery, kindness, work troubles, politics, and more, all woven together with wonderful writing. The book reads as a story where you want to turn the page to find out what happens next. It is told through many viewpoints, but done in such a skilled way that it feels natural, like a shift in perspective and voice in a movie. There is much to discuss about the book, from theories over what really happened on board and how the Hindenburg blew up (which is officially unknown), the world in 1937, the role of women at that time, even the animals that were on board.

Sarah Vaughan@sarahlee1164

Feb 17, 2022

Cover design / graphic elements: 3/5 Character development: 5/5 Overall story: 5/5 Writing: 4.5/5 Overall rating: 5/5 What a thrilling ride Ariel Lawhon just took me on. I am still feeling anxious and tense from awaiting the final chapters to find out the fate of these characters and this story - a story that is original yet plays on my love of historical fiction and humanity's obsession with tragedy. Every character in this story has something to hide, a mystery the reader is left dying to uncover in order to figure out how each is connected. Lawhon has done an amazing job of developing these characters - based on real people who traveled on the fated flight of the Hindenburg - and giving us insight into their motivations and their pasts. It's not often I find myself unsure of whether or not to root for characters while still thoroughly enjoying a story. And the ending was perfect; I was not left wanting or feeling any loose ends were left untied. I'm surprised this one has not gotten more attention on Goodreads. In my opinion, it's one of the best of the year. I have had Lawhon's The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress on my to-read list for quite some time, but now I'm tempted to get my hands on it as soon as possible.