Review: Beyond the Horizon

Title: Beyond the Horizon

Author: Ella Carey

Publisher: 15th October 2019 by Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 326 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, world war II, womens fiction

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

From the author of The House by the Lake comes a powerful novel of friendship during World War II, fighting for the truth, and making peace with the past.

At the height of World War II, Eva Scott’s dream comes true. Accepted into the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), she leaves balmy California and the man she loves for grueling training in Texas, ultimately landing at formidable Camp Davis in North Carolina.

Vastly outnumbered by men and amidst contempt, discrimination, and sabotage, Eva and her closest friends, the unconventional Nina and straightlaced Helena, remain loyal to their mission and to each other. They stay focused on the horizon, determined to prove themselves capable women pilots. Until a fatal mission sends Eva’s dream crashing to earth . . .

Now, decades later, is it possible to discover the truth about the night that changed her life? Is there any hope she’ll recover all that she’s lost? When Eva finds herself embroiled in the fight to get military recognition for the WASP, she’s forced to confront the past, and to make a decision that could forever change her future.

Thrilling and inspiring, Beyond the Horizon is a portrait of love, friendship, and valor in a time of war—and a tribute to the brave women who risked their lives for their country.

My Thoughts

“Ferrying planes around might seem glamorous and exciting, but believe me, the excitement will wear thin once the reality of military training hits.”

I have thoroughly enjoyed Ella Carey’s previous novels (found HERE) and looked forward to her latest story which recalls the heartbreaking story of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots(WASP) program during WWII. A definite must read for historical fiction fans. 

I was intrigued by the whole premise as the WASP program was not something that I was familiar with. The way Ella has also structured the novel demonstrates that the recognition these women were owed was still an outstanding and ongoing issue. Written both during the war period of 1944 and then later at the Hearing of 1977,  it is a dual timeline that works well. The snippets given from the Hearing are just enough to both highlight the battle for recognition and lead into the next passage from the supporting storyline of the war period, providing an in depth view of the events.

Although the story is a little slow in parts laden with many flying details, you cannot help but appreciate the accuracy and detail regarding the untold story of these courageous and selfless women whose valiant efforts and sacrifices provided essential support to the war effort. I believe the author captures well the difficult journey these women endured from their flight training, to the rampant sexism of the time, to the logistical difficulties and the heartbreak of losing fellow pilots. 

Fans of unique historical fiction are bound to appreciate this tale as it provides a realistic portrayal of both the facts and fallout of this program for WWII. Were they to be accepted as part of the official military campaign or were they just supportive civilians?

Are you telling the committee that you honestly believe your contribution to the war effort was equal to any man’s in the war and so you were worthy of a full military release?

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.