The Endeavour of Elsie Mackay is a beautifully written historical fiction novel set against the bustling shipyards of the Clyde in Glasgow between 1927 and 1928 amid the burgeoning beginning of the golden age of aviation. The fact that this is a true story makes it even more enjoyable, in my opinion. I love how Flora Johnston has woven fact and fiction seamlessly together, taking the reader on a journey that just draws you in from the start. This book is a very easy read, a fascinating, absorbing story. You just can’t help but root for Elsie, her endeavors, dreams and hopes. Cleverly woven between the characters is a glimpse of the working, middle and upper classes of the city of Glasgow and its neighborhoods creating a perfect balance of each for the reader. The importance of the shipbuilding industry to the city of Glasgow and its neighborhoods is brought to life in glorious detail, as is its gradual decline. The post war effects on societal norms and attitudes; grief and loss and the rise of Mussolini’s fascists feature in this story. One of the interesting things for me is the attitude towards male and female pilots. Despite their achievements, women as in their societal role are seen as frivolous, mere decoration, a weak link, not to mention, bad luck as on the sea.

Elsie Mackay and Stella Rutherford

Elsie Mackay and Stella Rutherford first meet in Paris in 1919. Stella is a typist of the Peace Conference and Elsie, a film star known as Poppy Wyndham. A few years later a chance meeting in Glasgow brings Elsie and Stella together again and they become friends despite their different backgrounds. Elsie, now an accomplished pilot, regularly flies her own plane from London back home to Glenapp castle in Ayrshire. Her ambition is to be the first woman to fly the Atlantic. She follows the newspaper reports religiously, collecting all the cuttings.

Stella has married Rob, a doctor suffering postwar trauma. Stella, dissatisfied with her present circumstances and decisions, envies her glamourous friend with her freedom. Alex, Stella`s brother, Alex is a draftsman at Stephens shipyard at Linthouse and when an opportunity comes up for a shipyard doctor, Rob accepts. Stella`s sister Corran, a classics lecturer at a girls college in Oxford is an aspiring author with her own secrets not least her relationship with a prominent politician.

Charles Lindburgh has just completed his nonstop trans-Atlantic flight; Elsie Mackay is determined to follow her dream, but it must remain secret as her father, Lord Inchcape, chairman of P& O, the biggest shipping company in the world, will block her attempt. Elsie meets with Captain Ray Hinchliffe. His connections appear to be perfect fit for Elsie and her flight plans. Then a New Year’s Eve gathering at Glenapp Castle creates a new set of issues, misunderstandings, surprises and unexpected arrivals.

On the 13^th of March 1928 Endeavour takes off. It’s rumoured that Elsie Mackay is on board with Captain Hincliffe. Will they succeed in completing the first east to west transatlantic flight? Will Elsie be the first woman to achieve this?

A Real Treat

This book is a real treat for readers of historic fiction and non-historic. The characters are vibrant, vivid and perfectly crafted. The story is told from multiple points of views, giving each character an individual authentic voice. The flow of language reads effortlessly, and the combination of short and long chapters paces the story brilliantly, allowing the reader to absorb all the exquisite detail, keeping the reader captivated. The combination of real locations, people and events makes for fascinating reading. The story just drew me in instantly; huge research coupled with Flora Johnston`s personal family history connections to Elsie made me want to learn more about her life and the Endeavor flight. I highly recommend this book.