THE BASICS
- Title: The Flight Portfolio
- Author: Julie Orringer
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Structure: Third-person linear narrative
Synopsis:
In 1940, Varian Fry—a Harvard-educated American journalist—traveled to Marseille carrying three thousand dollars and a list of imperiled artists and writers he hoped to rescue within a few weeks. Instead, he ended up staying in France for thirteen months, working under the veil of a legitimate relief organization to procure false documents, amass emergency funds, and set up an underground railroad that led over the Pyrenees, into Spain, and finally to Lisbon, where the refugees embarked for safer ports. Among his many clients were Hannah Arendt, Franz Werfel, André Breton, Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, and Marc Chagall.
The Flight Portfolio opens at the Chagalls’ ancient stone house in Gordes, France, as the novel’s hero desperately tries to persuade them of the barbarism and tragedy descending on Europe. Masterfully crafted, exquisitely written, impossible to put down, this is historical fiction of the very first order, and resounding confirmation of Orringer’s gifts as a novelist.
Should "The Flight Portfolio" by Julie Orringer be your next read? Find out in this highly detailed review! Don't worry: I hate spoilers, too. Click To TweetTHE GOOD
I loved how dynamic the characters were in this book. We get a wide range of different personalities. While the focus is on the main character, Varian Fry, we get an ample experience of all the characters in the story. The characters have depth and are interesting people. The way they’re written make me wonder what went on in their lives outside the pages of the book.
Not many can take on a true story and base a successful fiction novel off of it. However, Orringer has managed the feat. I didn’t realize that Varian Fry was a real person and that this was based off a true story until halfway through the book. Not knowing, though, made the story even more intriguing.
You can easily get lost in this book. The world of World War II France is completely encompassing. Every detail is given so you can truly experience the scene unfolding before you.
THE UNFAVORABLE BITS
While this book has a gripping storyline, it was a slow starter. I was about halfway through the 500 pages before it picked up pace. While I understand it’s based off a true story, which requires giving the reader more context than usual, I still stick by my 100-page rule: If the story hasn’t kicked off in the first 100 pages, then it makes me question whether or not the book is worth it. Fortunately, I still think this book is worth the read, but lower your expectations for action until the halfway point.
Another disappointing aspect of this book was how heavily it was focused on a debunk rumor of Varian Fry. The rumor was that Varian Fry was a closeted gay. It didn’t hold basis in real life, so it was frustrating to see that part so central. It felt like a cheap play for interest that ended up distracting from the truly interesting things happening around and to Fry at that point in history.
CONCLUSION
I rate this book 3/5. This book carries a depth that I so often crave to experience in the book world. You can become completely immersed in it. However, the book took well over 200 pages before action started. In addition, a heavy focus on a baseless rumor in the real life history of Varian Fry distracted from the important story within. I would still recommend this book, particularly for those who love European and/or World War II historical fiction.
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