This novel cuts a wide swath of history, telling the fictional story of Marian and Jamie Graves, twins whose father skippered a passenger liner accidently sunk in the early days of World War I, a sinking they survived as babies. Raised by their uncle in Montana, Jaime goes on to develop his artistic skills and become a combat artist in World War II, depicting the war for those at home. Marian follows her newfound love of aviation, willing to risk her life for the opportunity to fly. We primarily follow her journey as an aviator, serving as a woman pilot in the British Air Transport Auxiliary during the war, then on to her greatest challenge, circumnavigating the globe over the North and South Poles.

Paralleling this story is that of Hadley Baxter, an actress cast to play the role of Marian Graves in a movie based on both the journal found in Antarctica, left behind by Marian before her attempt at the last leg of the journey, and a book based on her life, written by the grand daughter of the shipping magnate who owned the lost liner Marian and Jaime survived. Hadley’s early life has a connection to Marian’s, as Hadley’s parents were lost in an airplane accident, their Cessna crashing into Lake Superior. Hadley was raised by an uncle, in similar fashion to Marian. Hadley reflects on their similarities as she is drawn into this role, at first reluctantly, then with increasing interest, following long hidden aspects to this intriguing woman. As Marian’s choices shaped her life’s trajectory, so Hadley learns how her personal choices will lead to a life she is shaping.

Shipstead has done considerable research into all elements of this historical novel. You will learn about the lives of women aviators and their contributions to both the development of aviation, and to World War II. The role of artist soldiers is fascinating, as their work depicted war for families at home in a way that photos don’t capture. Mountain, Arctic and Antarctic flight are uniquely demanding, posing challenges and singular expertise for both pilot and navigator. If you enjoy learning through historical fiction, this is a great book. Also interesting is the life of a woman who like many of her time, chose to do something bigger with her life, facing down the restrictions imposed on women during that time, and the prices she was willing to pay to have those experiences. Highly recommend.