Review: Wings by Pete Abela

Title: Wings
Author: Pete Abela
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Self-published
Publish Date: June 5, 2012
Source: I received a copy from the author; however, this didn't affect my review.

Why You're Reading This Book:

• You're a historical fiction fan
• You like romance.
• You dream of flying.

 What's the Story?:

From Goodreads.com: "Wings is a stirring, cross-generational account of the love of flying inspired by the true story of Walt, a WWII RAF pilot, and his grandson Scott who has his sights set on becoming a modern day airline pilot.

Wings weaves together two tales: one set in war-torn northern England, and the other set in the modern-day Illawarra region of New South Wales. As Scott learns about the sacrifices and difficulties Walt overcame to take to the sky, he battles his own challenges in order to follow his dream. As Scott progresses, his grandfather declines - Walt loses his wife, his sight and his hearing - but throughout these difficulties is still there to offer support and encouragement. In following Scott's progress towards his dream, Walt also keeps alive the wonder of his own youth. With insights into the modern day aviation scene and life in the Royal Air Force of World War II, this is a must for anyone who has an interest in history, aviation or simply an old fashioned love story."

My Two Cents:

Wings covers two parallel stories. There is the story of Walt, the grandfather of Scott, who flies during WWII. Then there is the more present day story of Scott, who has his own dreams of flying. While I've never really wanted to fly myself, my husband has dreamt of eventually getting his pilot's license (my Valentine's Day present to him this past year was an introductory flight to make sure he still wanted to fly - he loved it). So I sort of understand the want to fly by proxy, if you will. Walt and Scott get into flying for different reasons but both of them understand the love that each one has for being high up in the air.

I liked both of the stories in the book but the historical story of Walt getting into the military and flying and also of his great love with his wife spoke to me a little bit more than Scott's story. It wasn't that I didn't like Scott's story; I did, but Walt's story is just so interesting to me. I love the World War II time period and I loved Walt's story. Walt is going into the military where there was obviously a lot of uncertainty for military flyers during the war. He's also in love. There are several letters in the book between Walt and his wife, Mary, and I loved them. They were truly romantic. You definitely get the sense that Walt really loved Mary, which is important to understand due to what happens later on in the story.

The writing in this book is pretty good. It's very simple and straight-forward. There's not flourishes there, which is just fine.

I think historical fiction lovers will enjoy the parallel stories!