Review: Night Over Water

I rarely read books twice. There are simply too many new ones to waste time on old ones. I prefer discovery to rediscovery.

On occasion, though, I make an exception. I read a book I had long filed away in the library of my mind. I explore a novel a second time.

This past week, I did just that. I picked up Night Over Water, by Ken Follett, one of my favorite authors, and immersed myself in 1939. I did so to reacquaint myself with the Boeing 314 Clipper, a flying cruise ship I will include in The Refuge, book four in the Time Box series.

In his riveting 1991 novel, Follett tells a tale that evolves, for the most part, over the span of two days. He describes the trials of two dozen passengers and crew who take the final commercial flight from England to America following the sudden outbreak of World War II.

For much of the book, Night reads like Murder on the Orient Express, a mystery propelled by nobles, celebrities, criminals, police, business icons, and a dedicated crew. Most bring stories aboard the Pan Am flight that are as interesting as the time. A few find unexpected romance.

Though Follett, Britain's answer to John Jakes, presents history as soap opera, he nonetheless delivers the goods. He offers a glimpse of an era and an aircraft that disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived.

Readers who like their history peppered with humor, sex, and intrigue will find much to like in Follett's spicy tale. Buffs of the early days of commercial aviation will find even more. Rating: 4/5.