Spitfires

The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II

De: Becky Aikman

Narrado por: Laurel Lefkow

Bloomsbury presents Spitfires by Becky Aikman, read by Laurel Lefkow.

"A bold and soaring work of history . . . whip-smart, deeply researched, and beautifully written.” —Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of King: A Life

“A soaring narrative.”—Keith O'Brien, New York Times bestselling author of Fly Girls

The heart-pounding true story of the daring American women who piloted the most dangerous aircraft of World War II through the treacherous skies of Britain.

They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses—all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone—even Americans, even women—transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft.

In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior.

With cinematic sweep, Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams.

©2025 Becky Aikman (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Edge of your seat true adventure

In WWII, The British needed a constant stream of pilots to deliver planes to the war effort. Unlike the Americans, the Brits were happy to hire women.

With German bombs dropping, they lived in constant danger. Some took solace in by partying and taking lovers, others liked solitude, all had “a love affair with the sky”. It was not an easy life but it was an exciting one. You could be stationed at a modest cottage or the lavish estate of an English Lord.

The British were fascinated by the Americans and had no idea where to place them in the social hierarchy. This gave them the opportunity to be whoever they wanted.

From heiresses, social climbers to abused women who reinvented themselves;
It would seem an impossible task to keep track of so many fascinating characters, but the author does it with ease and makes you care.

Would make a great movie or miniseries

Great history!

Great history but definitely didn’t keep my interest at all times. Not sure if audio is the best format for this book, but as with a lot of people, I wouldn’t have ever read it if it wasn’t in audio format so Thanks for that!

Spitfires

Well researched. Very entertaining. Brought to light a little known story of these brave and exceptional women that history has forgotten.

incredible story & research!

The background and descriptions of thoughts each pilot may have experienced during their days is woven beautifully together. A true testament of the Ladies in the Air.

Illuminating and entertaining

A wonderful piece of history presented in a very entertaining way. Highly recommend this book if you are at all interested in women’s rights, flying, WWII, or well written books.