Circling the Sun summary

Exploring the Life of Beryl Markham

In Circling the Sun by Paula McLain, we are introduced to Beryl Markham, a woman who defied societal norms and expectations in 1920s Kenya. The story begins with Beryl's unconventional childhood, growing up on her father's horse farm after her mother and brother leave for England. Her father, a horse trainer, instills in her a love for the animals and the land, and she becomes an accomplished horse trainer herself.

As Beryl grows older, she marries a man named Jock, but their marriage is strained due to her independent spirit and his infidelity. After a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of her father and the farm, Beryl is left to fend for herself. She takes up horse training as a profession and becomes the first woman in Kenya to receive a horse trainer's license.

Adventures in Aviation

Despite her success in horse training, Beryl is drawn to aviation. She takes up flying lessons and becomes the first woman in Africa to earn a commercial pilot's license. Her passion for flying leads her to take on dangerous assignments, such as delivering mail and supplies to remote areas. During one of these flights, she crashes in the desert but miraculously survives.

As Beryl's reputation as a skilled pilot grows, she catches the attention of the British aristocrat, Denys Finch Hatton, and the Danish author, Karen Blixen. She becomes involved in a complicated love triangle with the two, and her relationship with Denys becomes a significant part of her life. However, their romance is cut short when Denys dies in a plane crash.

Writing West with the Night

After Denys's death, Beryl struggles with grief and financial difficulties. She decides to write her memoir, West with the Night, which chronicles her extraordinary life. The book is well-received, and it brings her some financial stability. However, Beryl's later years are marked by loneliness and financial struggles.

In the end, Circling the Sun paints a vivid portrait of a woman who defied societal expectations and lived life on her own terms. Beryl Markham's story is one of resilience, independence, and a relentless pursuit of freedom. Despite the challenges she faced, she remained unapologetically herself, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer in both aviation and literature.