The Aerialists

In 1891, Laura is living on the streets when she is rescued by the entrancing aerialists, Ena and Auguste Gaudron. She is offered the chance to learn how to fly and becomes part of their family hot air balloon business. In 1896, the Gaudrons accept an invitation to be part of the Cardiff Fine Art, Industrial, and Maritime Exhibition, presenting a daring show of balloon ascents and parachute descents. Late one night, a young girl, Grace, knocks on the Gaudrons' door, desperate to fly. Can Laura be the one to keep her grounded, or will both girls risk it all for one dazzling moment of flight? "The Aerialists" is a heady and stylish read that captures the tangled desires of people living on the thin air of their own daring, based on a true story.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

"The Aerialists" is a captivating novel set in the late 19th century, following the lives of Laura and Grace, two young women who are caught up in the world of aerial performance. Laura, born and raised on the American Prairies, finds herself living on the streets of Paris, far from her home. One day, she is rescued by the entrancing aerialists, Ena and Auguste Gaudron, who offer her a chance to learn how to fly.

Cardiff, 1896. The Gaudrons accept an invitation to participate in the Cardiff Fine Art, Industrial, and Maritime Exhibition, where they showcase daring balloon ascents and parachute descents. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when a young girl named Grace knocks on their door, desperate to fly, no matter the cost.

As Grace's dreams begin to take flight, Laura finds herself caught up in her journey. She must navigate the complicated dynamics of the Gaudron family, as well as her own desires and fears. "The Aerialists" is a heady and stylish read that had me swept away from the first page. Author Katie Munnik has captured a fascinating world of daring with both beauty and heart.

The novel is vivid and meticulous, painting a glorious vision of a time, a place, and a welter of human manipulations and hopes. It explores the tangled desires of people living on the thin air of their own daring, and the tragic effects that their actions can have. "The Aerialists" is a fine read that will capture your imagination and leave you pondering the complexities of human nature and the power of dreams.

Based on a true story, this rich novel will captivate readers with its vivid portrayal of the late 19th-century world of aerial performance. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of dreams.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008473235