The sometimes arduous reading culminates in a completely extraordinary ending. However, despite the particular mode of storytelling, this book is deeply satisfying. To be fair, no other story structure would so cleverly aid the larger ideals at the heart of the novel - that moments matter and influence the events that follow - but the drag in pacing is an unavoidable downside to the novel. Combined with the fact that the novel has a complex non-linear timeline, this story is not instantaneously engrossing, but it builds until it is difficult to put down. Especially towards the beginning, where the reader is introduced to so many perspectives, it can be difficult to fully invest in the narrative without a clear understanding as to why each mini-story is important quite yet. That being said, there are some parts of this book that drag, and it is a novel that will take time and energy to fully delve into. Though the plotlines come second to the character development, “Great Circle” delves into the gamut of human experience, from romance to war to grief. The rotation of perspective ultimately helps propel the reader through what would otherwise be an incredibly long and complex plot. Despite the inherent focus of Marian’s narrative, each supporting role is well developed and distinctly unique in both their personality as well as their motivations.
The cast of characters in “Great Circle” are intricate and complex in their own right - each being deeply flawed and therefore deeply human. The brilliance of Shipstead’s storytelling is in her character work.
Featuring an ensemble cast of characters from Marian’s past, present, and future, ‘Great Circle’ explores all of the different ways in which we are remembered and our stories are told. Set to be released in May 2021 the book combines interwoven narratives circulating around the story of Marian Graves, who, in her valiant attempt to become the first pilot to circumvent the globe north to south over the poles, disappears in Antarctica in 1950. Maggie Shipstead’s upcoming novel “Great Circle'' is unbelievably expansive both in setting and scope.
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