Our newest book club selection was Circling the Sun by Paula McLain. She told the story of Beryl Markham who was a famed horse trainer, pilot and author in Kenya from 1902 to 1986. Our discussion last for an hour and half which is far longer than usual, probably because Beryl was an extremely unconventional character with a lively love life.
Her mother abandoned her and her father and ran off with another man. Her father was a silent, hardworking man who had no idea how to raise a girl, so he just let her run wild. She learned how to ride, groom and train horses, ran with the native children and resisted all authority. At sixteen, her father moved away and left her. One of the things I admired about her was her ability to learn, adapt and survive under terrible circumstances. Men were drawn to her because she was so capable, exciting and different, yet then they tried to tame her. It never worked so she was constantly searching for love and acceptance. Although not especially well-written, it spurred lots of thoughtful comments. I gave it a 3.5 out of 5.
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