Lady Flyer

When the United States enters World War II, proficient aviator Nancy Harkness, the subject of the new historical novel from Moore (The Paper Daughters of Chinatown) becomes a passionate advocate for getting women pilots involved in the war effort. Heading up the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (the WAFS, later part of the WASPs), Harkness stands up to sexist military personnel and endures endless personality conflicts with the equally impressive aviator Jacqueline Cochran, who has her own ideas about how best to get women in the air. Harkness also experiences firsthand how dangerous aviation still is, as even a simple training flight can easily end in a pilot’s death. Moore’s passion for telling Harkness’s story and dedication to her research are apparent, though at times the narrative is slightly bogged down by the sheer amount of detailed and sometimes repetitive information, including lists of pilot names, types of aircraft, and accounts of numerous bureaucratic meetings. Moore does succeed, however, in capturing the squadron’s determination and bravery in the face of skeptics and in creating a memorable portrait of Harkness as an inspiring feminist pioneer.