Flight: 100 Years of Aviation : Book Review

"Flight" by Sherman Alexie is an incredibly impactful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and redemption. This gripping tale follows the troubled and disillusioned teen, Zits, who has been abandoned by his parents and thrown into a tumultuous life in the foster care system. Filled with anger and despair, Zits joins a gang and becomes entangled in a violent act that lands him behind bars. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is whisked away to the past and finds himself inhabiting the bodies of various individuals throughout history. Through these extraordinary journeys, Zits gleans profound lessons about humanity and the importance of empathy and understanding.

One of the most profound themes explored in the book is the complex nature of identity, and how trauma can shape one's sense of self. As Zits walks in the shoes of others, he gains a deep understanding of their experiences and struggles, which forces him to confront his own personal demons. Sherman Alexie's vivid and evocative writing effortlessly transports readers to different periods and locations, immersing them in Zits' empowering journey of self-discovery.

Another central theme in "Flight" is forgiveness. As Zits witnesses both the heartbreaking injustices and the small acts of kindness throughout history, he begins to question his own actions and the possibility of redemption. Sherman Alexie artfully poses challenging questions about the nature of forgiveness and whether it is possible to overcome past mistakes and find true healing.

The novel also tackles issues of racial and cultural identity. Through Zits' experiences in different time periods, Alexie sheds light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the devastating impact of racism and discrimination. These encounters compel Zits to confront his own biases and prejudices, leading to a transformative shift in his understanding of the world and his place in it.

In conclusion, "Flight" is a riveting and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience. Sherman Alexie's skillful storytelling and intricate character development make this book an absolute must-read for anyone interested in exploring themes of identity, forgiveness, and the profound power of empathy.

What are readers saying?

Opinions on Sherman Alexie's "Flight" have been divided among readers on Goodreads. There are those who have praised the book for its compelling storytelling and thought-provoking themes, appreciating the author's ability to tackle vital issues such as identity, racism, and the Native American experience. These readers were captivated by the raw emotions and honesty portrayed in the characters, and they commended Alexie's clear and evocative writing style that brought the stories to life.

On the other hand, a notable portion of reviewers found the book to be excessively gloomy and burdensome. They struggled to connect with the characters and felt that the stories lacked depth. These readers criticized the book's disjointed structure, consisting of interconnected short stories, as they found it confusing and hindering to the overall reading experience.

Another common critique was the repetitive nature of the stories. Some readers felt that certain themes and motifs were overly emphasized, leading to a sense of redundancy. Additionally, a few reviewers expressed discomfort with the explicit and graphic content in the book, deeming it either disturbing or unnecessary.

Furthermore, there were readers who expressed disappointment with the lack of closure in certain stories. They believed that the book left too many loose ends and unanswered questions, leaving them unsatisfied. Some reviewers also mentioned their higher expectations for the book based on Alexie's reputation as an acclaimed author.

In summary, "Flight" by Sherman Alexie has generated mixed reviews. Many readers appreciated the book's important themes and compelling prose, while others found it excessively bleak and disjointed. It is recommended for those who enjoy thought-provoking literature, but prospective readers should be aware of the explicit content and the potential lack of closure in some stories.

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