Spitfires
The American women who flew in the face of danger during World War II
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The heart-pounding true story of the American Women who flew the world’s most dangerous aircraft through the treacherous skies of Britain during World War II.
They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses — all of them pilots who wanted to serve in World War II. Because they were women, their own country turned them away. But Great Britain, in a desperate fight for survival, would let anyone — even Americans, even women -- fly warplanes. Twenty-five of them bolted for England in 1942. They became the first American women to fly perilous missions in military aircraft.
In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. They risked their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, flying new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returning shot-up wrecks for repair. Many transport pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves.
They broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior.
SPITFIRES is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a bold group of women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams.
Jonathan Eig
The winner of the Pulitzer Prize for the New York Times bestseller, 'KING: A Life'
“A bold and soaring work of history . . . whip-smart, deeply researched, and beautifully written.”
Keith O'Brien
New York Times bestselling author of FLY GIRLS and CHARLIE HUSTLE
“A soaring narrative of a handful of women who wanted to choose their own path and ended up helping to change the world, Spitfires reminds readers of the obstacles that women faced-in the air and on the ground-during World War II, and what it took to overcome them. Becky Aikman puts these forgotten heroines back where they belong: in the cockpit, risking everything, to live the lives they wanted.”
Oprah Daily
"Aikman’s amazing account brings the 'Atta-Girls' boldly to life. The star-crossed affairs and marriages, the gossip and the drama, the death-defying near-crashes and the heartbreaking fatal ones, the blackout partying in blacked-out London—if these fierce heroines don’t show up on a limited series soon, we’ll eat our hats."
Olivia Campbell, New York Times bestselling author of WOMEN IN WHITE COATS and SISTERS IN SCIENCE
“A rollicking ride through history, I couldn't get enough of the stories of these brave women defying convention and risking their lives in search of adventure and fulfillment. Empowering and inspiring, Spitfires brilliantly illuminates the incredible contributions of women pilots during WWII.”
Lynne Olson
New York Times bestselling author of MADAME FOURCADE'S SECRET WAR
“An enthralling account of the World War II exploits of a group of audacious, hell-raising American women who risked their lives to ferry warplanes for the British. Displaying an abundance of courage and extraordinary flying skills, these female mavericks showed Allied military officials just what they were missing by barring women from flying in combat.”
Shelley Puhak
author of THE DARK QUEENS