Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio Review: A Captivating Mid-Century Story @CamilleDiMaio #LakeUnionPublishing

Come Fly With Me is a heartfelt tale of friendship, romance, secrets, and the thrilling world of 1960s aviation, where two women redefine their futures.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Set in 1962 at the dawn of the jet age, this captivating novel follows Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell as they embark on new lives as Pan Am stewardesses, escaping their pasts and chasing dreams. Judy flees an oppressive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania, while Beverly leaves behind the constraints of New York high society to forge her own path. Immersed in the glamour and challenges of the airline world, the two women form a deep bond, encounter love and danger, and travel to far-flung destinations. Along the way, they must confront life-altering secrets that could change everything.

My Thoughts:

I’ve always loved mid-century settings and stories about flight attendants, so Come Fly With Me was an absolute delight to read. Camille Di Maio’s storytelling transported me to the glamorous and challenging world of Pan American Airlines in the 1960s, where two women from vastly different backgrounds form a deep and transformative friendship.

The story is beautifully told through a dual timeline of “then” and “now.” Judy Goodman is escaping an abusive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania, bravely carving out a new life for herself with the help of a kind neighbour. Beverly Caldwell, on the other hand, is fleeing the gilded cage of New York high society, determined to create a future of her own choosing instead of being tied to the man her father has selected for her. Their paths cross during flight attendant training in Florida, where their shared passion for adventure and new beginnings forges a powerful bond.

The book brilliantly captures the demanding yet exhilarating life of a 1960s flight attendant. From long-distance romances to the excitement of experiencing faraway destinations, Di Maio’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in a bygone era of travel. The story also touches on the restrictions of the time, particularly the rule that married women could not continue working as flight attendants.

While there are romantic elements, the heart of this book lies in the relationship between Judy and Beverly. Their friendship is the true star of the story, and it was a joy to watch how it shaped and changed each of them over the course of the novel.

Final Thoughts:

Come Fly With Me is an engaging and heartfelt read that I highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction with strong female friendships at its core. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to exploring more works by Camille Di Maio.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Come Fly The World by Julia Cooke