I loved how intimate this book felt. It was different from what I usually read but I couldn't put it down!

Prepare to take flight into the tumultuous life of Beryl Markham in Paula McLain’s "Circling the Sun." The historical fiction follows Markham as she navigates the untamed landscape of Africa long before she became the historic aviator we know her as today. Markham is a force of nature, and her fierce independence, vibrant spirit, and complicated relationships make for quite a story. And while her aviation accomplishments are legendary, McLain mostly captures her earlier life in the book.

McLain’s "Circling the Sun" sweeps readers into the heart of colonial Kenya. From the very first page, the description makes you feel like you’re under the African sun alongside the characters. As captivating as the scenery is, the story drags in the middle. The book may not rank among my favorites, but if you’re drawn to sweeping dramas set in exotic locales and can overlook occasional pacing issues, it's a journey worth taking!

I love books set in this colonial period, but I found the characters quite flawed and not very likable.

Another work of historical fiction by the author of The Paris Wife. If you enjoyed Out of Africa, you'll like this. Very informative about the colonial period of Africa.

Received as a free copy from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It tells the story of Beryl Markham who was raised by her father and the tribe after her mother abandoned her. Beryl is a strong-willed, free spirit who was a pioneer in horse racing and flying. She faced many challenges to overcome and often found herself the center of gossip and the tabloids. McLain captures the wondrous area of Africa, its culture, and a life lived without barriers.

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

363 Pages
Publisher: Random House Publishing – Ballantine, Ballantine Books
Release Date: July 28, 2015

Fiction (Adult), General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Africa, Horse Racing, Aviation

As a child, Beryl Markham moves from England to Africa with her family. Shortly after their arrival, her mother takes her brother back to England and does not return. She is raised by her father and the local tribes. Her father teaches her the ways of horse training while living on the farm. Marriage at a young age shows her that women have no worth in the 1920s Africa. Her husband is in control of her horses and her life. She realizes this is not the life she wants and flees. She becomes one of the first women horse trainers. She deals with the ups and downs life throws her both professional and personally.

The story has a steady pace, the characters are well developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. After reading so much about this amazing woman, I had to do more research into her life. She was also the first person to fly across the Atlantic from England to North America. If you like encouraging stories of strong women, you will enjoy reading this book.

I enjoyed reading this book because I like books based on real people. Beryl Markham is adventuresome and there is a lot of information about her life. in Africa. The character was a bit hard to take sometimes but generally a good read.

Out of Africa is one of my favorite movies so I was thrilled to return to that setting in this novel. Ms. McLain did a wonderful job of recreating the story of Beryl Markham. I loved this novel so much that I purchased a hard copy to give as a gift to my mother.

This was the first book that I've read by this author but she is now on my list for go-to authors for historical fiction.

Growing up in British East Africa made for some strong independent women, including Beryl Markham. Is it the isolation, the wildness of the country, or just coincidence, but every book I read about people growing up there are fascinating. So is this book.

I'm DNF'ing this book, for the second time. I don't remember why I DNF'd the first time, at 54%, but I'm stopping at 33% this time. Not because it is bad. It's not. It's just not something I can read right now. I will come back to it. I will finish it. One day.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it!

Fabulous book, especially for those who have read "Out of Africa". It opens up more of the story, and actually makes you feel disappointed that Beryl was given such short shrift in Dineson's book.
Would love to see this made into a movie.

Very nice historical fiction. I just found out that this author will be speaking at our Friends of the Library fundraiser and I'm planning to read all the rest of her books in preparation.

Listened to the audiobook version of this. Interesting story of true woman growing up in Africa before WWII.

This was a good story, but a slow moving book. I really struggled to get through it.

One element I value in good writing is the author's ability to help me learn and see the value in topics that I have not much thought about previously. Paula McClain does that in Circling the Sun in writing about Beryl Markham's love of horses and horse racing, of Kenya, and to a lesser extent, of flying an airplane. In Beryl Markham, McClain paints a portrait of a passionate woman who deeply loved the wildness around her and inside her. I hadn't been previously aware of the story of the real Beryl Markham, who may be remembered to history for her achievements in flight as well as her love for Denys Finch Hatton, memorialized by Isak Dineeson in Out of Africa. Beryl's life presents challenges, including the absence of a mother as a young girl, a teenage marriage to a controlling alcoholic, heartache as a mother, and more, although none of these events crush her. If I have any criticism of the character development, it is that Beryl seems more self-aware at times than I would expect someone so tuned in to the wild to be, but that may be an accurate portrayal drawn from the memoir Beryl wrote and from the many hours she spent alone with her thoughts. All in all, this was an absorbing before-bedtime read.

I am a fan of Paula McLain, so I was excited to receive and ARC copy of this book from NetGalley.

Once again Paula McLain captured the essence of a specific time and place in history. I feel like I understand the background of Beryl Markham's life so much better now, and it was a joy to join her on her journey.

In Circling the Sun I was expecting more Meryl than Beryl. Perhaps this was due to the mention of Karen Blixen. Instead, I received a mix of Out of Africa and Seabiscuit.

I thought the focus on Beryl's love of horses was interesting and was glad that it did not deviate too far into her love life. I also enjoyed Paula McLain's writing. She was so descriptive and in touch with Beryl, that I could clearly feel her emotions upon losing her husband or the joy she felt while riding one of her beloved horses.

I did listen to part of this on audio and I was captivated by Katharine McEwan's storytelling. I felt her interpretation enhanced the richness of the novel and could see myself listening to more books read by her.

Despite having The Paris Wife on my shelf for over two years, Circling the Sun was my first foray with Paula McLain and hope to renew the acquaintance soon.

*Note: My review for Circling the Sun will be live on my blog First Impressions Reviews on September 15.

Nice historical fiction based on an independent woman in the early 1900's. Living in Kenya she trained race horses and then went on to fly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed Paula McLain's novel and highly recommend it to other readers!