Play Book Tag discussion

The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon by Laurie Gwen Shapiro - 4* - My Review

Published in 2025, this book is a double biography of famous aviator Amelia Earhart and her husband George Putnam. The book focuses on their partnership that began in 1928 when Amelia Earhart, then a young social worker and hobby pilot, arrived at the office of George Putnam, a publishing executive looking for the right woman to join a crossing of the Atlantic by plane. The narrative covers Amelia’s and George’s life stories, the details behind Amelia’s aviation accomplishments, and tragic Around-the-World flight in 1937.

The book excels at highlighting the complex relationship dynamics between these two high profile personalities. Rather than focusing on legend and myth, Shapiro emphasizes Earhart's foibles, struggles, and ambition; the facts behind her courageous feats; and the difficulties she had in fitting into social expectations for women. She comes across as an early feminist. The book draws from a treasure trove of new sources including previously undiscovered audio interviews. The author states that she is attempting to provide an accurate portrait, and this is certainly not a hagiography (nor is it a take-down).

It suggests that Earhart and Putnam’s professional and personal relationship was instrumental in creating the Earhart legend while also contributing to the circumstances that led to her disappearance. To me, it is clear what happened, and there were a variety of reasons for it. A small change in one of many factors could have made the difference between success and disaster. It is compelling non-fiction that not only brings these people to life but also depicts the era in which they lived.