Harlan Thomas

Ghahh. Well-written, but...I thought it would be what the title said, an American in the Royal Air Force in early WWII, and I expected it to be enjoyable. And it was - at least, the flying part was. But the author decided a romance was necessary, and his idea of a romance is a line to catch the girl and a long string of lies thereafter. I'd call the protagonist (Tim) a congenital liar - he lies when the truth would serve as well or better - but he's hardly distinguishable from every other male in the story (at least, for the first half of the book). The woman (there's only one, who has any agency - a couple others have lines, but they're there only to be chased) also lies, but she's not very good at it. Then the flying part (finally!) takes over - and Tim (finally) begins to grow up. The Dunkerque bits were good (though he still can't follow orders!). I don't like the ending - I don't trust him. I think she'd have done better to end up with the other guy - or even Roger. But it's a properly dramatic end to the story. Highly annoying, overall.… (mehr)