Great Circle

“Great Circle” by Maggie Shipstead is a sweeping and ambitious novel that spans continents and decades, telling the enthralling story of Marian Graves, a pioneering aviator in the early 20th century. Shipstead skillfully weaves together two narratives: one set in the past, following Marian’s journey from a tumultuous childhood in Montana to her pursuit of becoming a record-breaking aviator, and the other in the present, where a Hollywood actress named Hadley Baxter is cast to play Marian in a film adaptation of her life. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the indomitable spirit required to defy societal expectations. Shipstead’s prose is richly descriptive, capturing the thrill of flight, the beauty of the natural world, and the complex dynamics of human relationships. “Great Circle” not only immerses readers in a gripping historical adventure but also invites contemplation on the choices we make, the paths we take, and the enduring legacy of those who dare to forge their own great circles.