Great Circle has been longlisted for the Booker prize 2021 and shortlisted for the Women’s Prize 2022 and now I’ve read it, it’s easy to see why. This is a remarkably compelling tale set across two different time lines with two very unique female leads. The first, Marian Graves was rescued from an ill-fated ocean liner with her twin Jamie in 1914 and raised by their uncle in Montana. From the beginning, we realise that Marian wants to do something extraordinary and very soon, we learn of her love for daredevil flying. As Marian’s love of aviation continues, she goes through many difficulties and indeed, harrowing times but maintains a sense of determination and independence that had this reader continually rooting for her. The second narrative in the story is set in modern day LA and follows a young actress called Hadley who is making a film of Marian’s life, more notably, her last flying adventure where she attempted to circumnavigate the globe flying between the North and South Poles. I have to admit, I didn’t connect as well with this part of the story although it was still a fascinating read - I think I just fell in love too hard with Marian and found Hadley too irritating! 🙈 This book is written so beautifully and really comes alive for me with the journey that both our female leads go through. The air of mystery that surrounds Marian’s final adventure and her disappearance in Antarctica was gorgeously told and it almost feels as if this story could sit amidst a variety of genres, it’s a real treat of a reading experience! I also loved that the author wasn’t afraid to explore the darker side of the human experience and although this made for heartbreaking reading at times, it made the story so much more authentic and believable for me. Marian is a fictional creation that’s true, but I felt as if I could jump on Google, research her life and she’d be there, waiting for me to discover more about her. Five glorious stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 #bookstagrammer #scottishbookstagrammer #bookreview #bookreviewer #greatcircle #maggieshipstead #womensprizeforfiction #womensprizeshortlist2022 #potentialwomensprizewinner #fivestarread https://www.instagram.com/p/CetoPehL71m/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=