Aloft
By Chang-Rae Lee
Copyright 2004
Pages 364
Source: Own Purchase
Publisher Comments:
Set on affluent Long Island, Aloft follows the life of a suburban, upper-middle-class man during a time of family crisis. Jerry Battle's favorite diversion is to fly his small plane over the neighboring towns and villages. When his daughter and her fiancé arrive from Oregon to announce their marriage plans, he looks back on his life and faces his disengagement with it — his urge to fly solo — and the people he loves.
First Sentence:
From up here, a half mile above the Earth, everything looks perfect to me.
I read Aloft per the recommendation of a work friend. He spoke highly of this book. He read a book that I love and recommend so I decided to give his book a read. At first, it took me a bit to become accustomed to the author's writing as he used long sentences laced with descriptive words. Once acclimated, the writing lulled me smoothly into the read.
I must admit, I did not fully understand where the story was headed as I floated around in the dysfunctional world of Jerry Battle. In his late-fifties, Jerry really did not have any deep level of connections with his family and friends. He always kept his guard up. Yes, he did keep himself “a half mile above the Earth” because “everything looks perfect” from that distance. And Jerry was content to stay up in the clouds at that safe distance. Yet, as the story progresses, Jerry starts to realize that he needs change in his life, he needs to connect with his family in a deeper and more satisfying way.
The writing of Chang-Rae Lee was brilliant as he gave Jerry many flaws, weaknesses and strengths for which I, the reader, could become emotionally attached even though Jerry was emotionally detached. As I continued to read, I became more and more intrigued with Jerry. I wanted to know what Jerry would discover and what changes, if any at all, he would make. I think what really pulled me into the story was that Jerry remained humble as he told his story. Still, let me not forget the secondary characters of Pop, Theresa, Jack, Rita and Paul. They were beautifully written with depth and richness which only added more soul to the story.
Truly, Aloft is about life, the enduring and celebrating. It is about family and its history. It is about coming to terms with what has been and what will be. The ending was shocking, touching and tugged at my emotions. By the time I finished reading, I had an understanding and appreciation for the path Jerry Battle undertook. His struggles, his need to remain Aloft from others and his “awakening”.
I am glad that I read Aloft as it was a beautifully written story.
