Scan barcode
bill_lundeen's review against another edition
Was okay, not sure why this seemed to have a big display in every bookstore for a while
paradise_library's review
4.0
We perhaps take air travel for granted, but in the early part of the 20th century, flying was a risky business. Pilots flew in terrible conditions in planes completely open and exposed to the elements.
One of these pilots was Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - the author of Le Petit Prince. In this fictionalised memoir, we learn about the man before he became a household name.
It’s beautifully written and the author really conjures up the romance of Paris, the adrenaline-fuelled flights and the dangers of the desert. For those interested in history, this insight into early postal services really is fascinating.
However, it is a very slow book. It jumps rapidly from year to year and between the characters; although it’s interesting, it isn’t a book to whizz through in one sitting. If we view this book as a memoir, the timeline does provide credibility - as we all know life is not a carefully planned plot - but its pace and lack of a hook may deter readers.
While the character of Antoine is examined and described in great detail, we lack information on his companions; although he is the main character, it would have been more compelling to have the same level of analysis of his friends. That said, the book is already a hefty tome and any longer might prove unforgiving!
But the quality of the prose, and the dedication of the author, offers a satisfying novel that provides a rare insight into this period of history, as well as the short life of the little prince’s creator.
I was provided with a copy of the book by the publisher for Random Things Tours. All opinions my own.
One of these pilots was Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - the author of Le Petit Prince. In this fictionalised memoir, we learn about the man before he became a household name.
It’s beautifully written and the author really conjures up the romance of Paris, the adrenaline-fuelled flights and the dangers of the desert. For those interested in history, this insight into early postal services really is fascinating.
However, it is a very slow book. It jumps rapidly from year to year and between the characters; although it’s interesting, it isn’t a book to whizz through in one sitting. If we view this book as a memoir, the timeline does provide credibility - as we all know life is not a carefully planned plot - but its pace and lack of a hook may deter readers.
While the character of Antoine is examined and described in great detail, we lack information on his companions; although he is the main character, it would have been more compelling to have the same level of analysis of his friends. That said, the book is already a hefty tome and any longer might prove unforgiving!
But the quality of the prose, and the dedication of the author, offers a satisfying novel that provides a rare insight into this period of history, as well as the short life of the little prince’s creator.
I was provided with a copy of the book by the publisher for Random Things Tours. All opinions my own.
jess_reads14's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
recapitulau's review
I would’ve loved to finish this book. Slow-placed yet grappling. I had to clutch my final project.
becerraa17's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
booksbybindu's review
5.0
‘The Prince of the Skies’ is a enthralling, magical tale that weaves the story of Antoine de Saint-Exupér, the author of the Little Prince and aviator extraordinaire, with that of the history of the period. Despite being a Count Antoine comes from humble beginning and finds the joy of the flying whilst in the military forces. He dances through the air, practicing tricks, flying to the limits of his aircraft. But at the same time he falls in love with a rich girl called Lou-Lou who insists he give up flying. Eventually, he returns to his passion and helps to create ‘par Avion where he literally flies to the ends of the world to give people their mail.
The author has such a way with words that is breathtaking. It's stunning in its descriptions, the visual layers it places in your imagination is exquisite. He really does manage to convey the excitement and magic of flying. Some of my favourite scenes were when the Sheikh was up in the air and the delivery of mail to the old woman at the bottom of the world.
The emotion that came through was something special, pure and wonderful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Considering this was Antoine’s story I was just as captivated with Henri and Mendoza’s tales as well. Three very different characters but ones when they come together created a wonderfully rich narrative. I had absolutely no knowledge of Antoine’s life before reading this book but this is one of the reasons why reading historical fiction is so joyful as it's illuminating and educational. Especially, in this case with the biographical elements of his life.
Don't hesitate with giving this one a chance as it's beautiful.
The author has such a way with words that is breathtaking. It's stunning in its descriptions, the visual layers it places in your imagination is exquisite. He really does manage to convey the excitement and magic of flying. Some of my favourite scenes were when the Sheikh was up in the air and the delivery of mail to the old woman at the bottom of the world.
The emotion that came through was something special, pure and wonderful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Considering this was Antoine’s story I was just as captivated with Henri and Mendoza’s tales as well. Three very different characters but ones when they come together created a wonderfully rich narrative. I had absolutely no knowledge of Antoine’s life before reading this book but this is one of the reasons why reading historical fiction is so joyful as it's illuminating and educational. Especially, in this case with the biographical elements of his life.
Don't hesitate with giving this one a chance as it's beautiful.
illborrowthisone's review
4.0
Loved this historical read about the author of one of my favorite books. A little bit of romance, a lot of dreaming, flying and adventure!