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Wings
"Wings" tells the story of Walt and his grandson Scott, who both have a fierce longing to fly albeit in vastly different circumstances. Walt - who grew up in the depression - found out first hand that becoming a pilot takes sacrifice and tenacity. When World War II broke out he pestered the RAF for eighteen months before they finally accepted him. Scott spent his childhood listening to tales of his Grandfather's aerial exploits and developed an intense craving to be a pilot. However, the number of people wanting to be a pilot vastly outweighs the limited opportunities on offer.
“Wings" weaves together two one set in war-torn northern England, and the other set in the modern-day Illawarra region of New South Wales. As Scott progresses, his grandfather declines – Walt loses his wife, his sight and his hearing – but throughout these difficulties is still there to offer support and encouragement. With insights into the modern aviation scene and life in the Royal Air Force of World War II, this is a must for anyone who has an interest in history, aviation or simply an old fashioned love story.
“Wings" weaves together two one set in war-torn northern England, and the other set in the modern-day Illawarra region of New South Wales. As Scott progresses, his grandfather declines – Walt loses his wife, his sight and his hearing – but throughout these difficulties is still there to offer support and encouragement. With insights into the modern aviation scene and life in the Royal Air Force of World War II, this is a must for anyone who has an interest in history, aviation or simply an old fashioned love story.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
ebook
First published May 19, 2012
7 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Pete Abela
4 books5 followersFor most of my adult life, I’ve been a left-brained computer scientist whose love of reading eventually led me to take up writing. Having surprised myself and those around me by getting Wings published, I’m now having fun dreaming up marketing strategies and publicity stunts – tasks I never could have envisaged doing ten years ago. I continue to stretch the boundaries of my right hemisphere and am now working to complete a second novel.
My left brain hasn’t been totally neglected through this process. I work as an IT Manager in order to help keep my wife and four kids fed and clothed. When I’m not working, reading, writing or enjoying the company of my family, I like to sneak away for a bit of exercise – either tennis, soccer or a laborious run.
You can find more about me at my website and blog (http://peteabela.com). The blog contains a number of really bad jokes. You have been warned.
My left brain hasn’t been totally neglected through this process. I work as an IT Manager in order to help keep my wife and four kids fed and clothed. When I’m not working, reading, writing or enjoying the company of my family, I like to sneak away for a bit of exercise – either tennis, soccer or a laborious run.
You can find more about me at my website and blog (http://peteabela.com). The blog contains a number of really bad jokes. You have been warned.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 28, 2012
This multi-generation novel of a Grandfather and Grandson and how flying shaped their lives deserves to be the smash of the summer.
It tells of Walt (the Grandfather) and his life in Lancashire, England on the lead up to, and during WW2 and Scott (the Grandson) in modern day Australia.
Both stories have their own style and resonance of their time. Walt's tale is especially sweet and well told, capturing the true feel of pre war England to such an extent that you aren't just reading it, you are sharing with Walt as he tears through the streets on his bike and as he courts his young lady.
As the stories intertwine Walt grows older and these changes are also well written and add to the story overall.
I don't want to add too much, at risk of spoilers but must say, the very last scene is such a lovely one - the author should be very proud.
I really can't recommend this book highly enough
It tells of Walt (the Grandfather) and his life in Lancashire, England on the lead up to, and during WW2 and Scott (the Grandson) in modern day Australia.
Both stories have their own style and resonance of their time. Walt's tale is especially sweet and well told, capturing the true feel of pre war England to such an extent that you aren't just reading it, you are sharing with Walt as he tears through the streets on his bike and as he courts his young lady.
As the stories intertwine Walt grows older and these changes are also well written and add to the story overall.
I don't want to add too much, at risk of spoilers but must say, the very last scene is such a lovely one - the author should be very proud.
I really can't recommend this book highly enough
June 8, 2012
This is just a fantastically sweet story told in a very simplistic fashion. The essence of it reminded me of the stories which my grandfather used to tell me as a child with their wonderfully sharp images and fabulous descriptive clarity. It practically reads like a children's story; plain and simple language with inspirational characters that embark on their own version of life's big adventure.
`Wings' is a book which tells two very different stories: one of a grandfather and the other of his grandson who, during different periods in history, struggle through both personal and emotional dilemmas in order to reach their same goal; that of becoming a pilot.
Walt is the grandfather who works hard to follow his dream colliding with romance along the way. The period is set leading up to World War II in the north of England and the author captures the community spirit around this time as well as the feel of the dance hall days where people met up weekly to catch up and socialize; it's hard to imagine a world now without the Internet, Facebook, Twitter and Skype, but it did exist!
In contrast, his grandson Scott finds his modern day ambitions of becoming a commercial airline pilot also proving to be difficult whilst living in Australia. He has many challenges to face in this highly competitive profession but seems to have inherited his grandfather's fighting spirit. Just as one generation seems to be fading, the torch gets passed onto the next and the relationship between the two comes full circle with the death of the grandmother as the two share stories and compare their experiences.
I knew nothing before reading this book about avionics: the types of aircraft, stages of training, differences in flying various models in all kinds of conditions but this book takes you through these topics with such ease and familiarity you will feel like you are gliding through the air as you are reading it. Don't worry; you won't be in for a rough landing!
`Wings' is a book which tells two very different stories: one of a grandfather and the other of his grandson who, during different periods in history, struggle through both personal and emotional dilemmas in order to reach their same goal; that of becoming a pilot.
Walt is the grandfather who works hard to follow his dream colliding with romance along the way. The period is set leading up to World War II in the north of England and the author captures the community spirit around this time as well as the feel of the dance hall days where people met up weekly to catch up and socialize; it's hard to imagine a world now without the Internet, Facebook, Twitter and Skype, but it did exist!
In contrast, his grandson Scott finds his modern day ambitions of becoming a commercial airline pilot also proving to be difficult whilst living in Australia. He has many challenges to face in this highly competitive profession but seems to have inherited his grandfather's fighting spirit. Just as one generation seems to be fading, the torch gets passed onto the next and the relationship between the two comes full circle with the death of the grandmother as the two share stories and compare their experiences.
I knew nothing before reading this book about avionics: the types of aircraft, stages of training, differences in flying various models in all kinds of conditions but this book takes you through these topics with such ease and familiarity you will feel like you are gliding through the air as you are reading it. Don't worry; you won't be in for a rough landing!
August 4, 2012
Wings covers two parallel stories. There is the story of Walt, the grandfather of Scott, who flies during WWII. Then there is the more present day story of Scott, who has his own dreams of flying. While I've never really wanted to fly myself, my husband has dreamt of eventually getting his pilot's license (my Valentine's Day present to him this past year was an introductory flight to make sure he still wanted to fly - he loved it). So I sort of understand the want to fly by proxy, if you will. Walt and Scott get into flying for different reasons but both of them understand the love that each one has for being high up in the air.
I liked both of the stories in the book but the historical story of Walt getting into the military and flying and also of his great love with his wife spoke to me a little bit more than Scott's story. It wasn't that I didn't like Scott's story; I did, but Walt's story is just so interesting to me. I love the World War II time period and I loved Walt's story. Walt is going into the military where there was obviously a lot of uncertainty for military flyers during the war. He's also in love. There are several letters in the book between Walt and his wife, Mary, and I loved them. They were truly romantic. You definitely get the sense that Walt really loved Mary, which is important to understand due to what happens later on in the story.
The writing in this book is pretty good. It's very simple and straight-forward. There's not flourishes there, which is just fine.
I think historical fiction lovers will enjoy the parallel stories!
I liked both of the stories in the book but the historical story of Walt getting into the military and flying and also of his great love with his wife spoke to me a little bit more than Scott's story. It wasn't that I didn't like Scott's story; I did, but Walt's story is just so interesting to me. I love the World War II time period and I loved Walt's story. Walt is going into the military where there was obviously a lot of uncertainty for military flyers during the war. He's also in love. There are several letters in the book between Walt and his wife, Mary, and I loved them. They were truly romantic. You definitely get the sense that Walt really loved Mary, which is important to understand due to what happens later on in the story.
The writing in this book is pretty good. It's very simple and straight-forward. There's not flourishes there, which is just fine.
I think historical fiction lovers will enjoy the parallel stories!
May 26, 2012
REVIEW AND AUTHOR INTERVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://disincentive-reviews.blogspot....
Wings is a story about grandfather, grandson and their love of… Flying. The story is divided into two parts, one about Walt and the other one about Scott.
Their words are completely different – Walt used to fight in Word War II, lost his friends and wife. Scott grew up on tales his grandfather told him. He wants to fly too, but even if the opportunities are better, it’s still not easy…
When Pete asked me to review ARC of his book I was worried I won’t like it. I used to read about WWII for school and I hated it. But Wings surprised me a lot! I simply loved this book.
It’s written perfectly and it kept gripping my attention every page. It’s a really calm story but somehow it gave me a lot of feelings and it was hard to put it down.
It won’t make you bored because of war and fights. It’s only a background for the beautiful story about reaching our dreams. If you’re a fan of old fashioned, cute love stories, this book is also or you.
As I already said, I loved this book. I think everyone will find something to love in it.
Wings is a story about grandfather, grandson and their love of… Flying. The story is divided into two parts, one about Walt and the other one about Scott.
Their words are completely different – Walt used to fight in Word War II, lost his friends and wife. Scott grew up on tales his grandfather told him. He wants to fly too, but even if the opportunities are better, it’s still not easy…
When Pete asked me to review ARC of his book I was worried I won’t like it. I used to read about WWII for school and I hated it. But Wings surprised me a lot! I simply loved this book.
It’s written perfectly and it kept gripping my attention every page. It’s a really calm story but somehow it gave me a lot of feelings and it was hard to put it down.
It won’t make you bored because of war and fights. It’s only a background for the beautiful story about reaching our dreams. If you’re a fan of old fashioned, cute love stories, this book is also or you.
As I already said, I loved this book. I think everyone will find something to love in it.
June 18, 2012
Wings is an old fashioned novel and I don’t mean that in a disparaging way. A fairly simple story of Scott and his granddad, Walt. The novel starts with Scott as a young man going to visit his granddad. The story then opens up and we learn about Walt’s past.
The author then switches between Scott’s progress in his quest to become a pilot and Walt’s exploits in Britain during the second world war. The characters are slowly developed and we learn about their dreams and aspirations. The temptation for writers these days is to have lots of twists and turns. However, you don’t get that with Wings. I particularly enjoyed reading about Walt’s development and I felt that the author conveyed very well another time period where things are so different than they are today. A novel about love, family, dreams and hopes. Pete Abela has done a marvellous job with a simple premise. His narrative is very engaging and you cannot help but like his characters. A warm novel that is a welcome break from vampires, zombies and the apocalypse!
The author then switches between Scott’s progress in his quest to become a pilot and Walt’s exploits in Britain during the second world war. The characters are slowly developed and we learn about their dreams and aspirations. The temptation for writers these days is to have lots of twists and turns. However, you don’t get that with Wings. I particularly enjoyed reading about Walt’s development and I felt that the author conveyed very well another time period where things are so different than they are today. A novel about love, family, dreams and hopes. Pete Abela has done a marvellous job with a simple premise. His narrative is very engaging and you cannot help but like his characters. A warm novel that is a welcome break from vampires, zombies and the apocalypse!
July 23, 2014
“Wings” by Pete Abela, is a tale of a grandfather and grandson that share the joy of flying with each other. Walt, the grandfather, is living in Lancashire, England at the start of World War II and is accepted into the R.A.F. as a pilot. Scott, the grandson, lives in Australia and begins his pursuit of his pilot’s license at the age of 16.
The story passes back and forth between the two very different trajectories to the same passion of flying. Both men work very hard to realize their dreams and persevere through all manner of difficulties. Both are supported by the love of a good woman. Mary, who weds Walt before he leaves for Canada to train. Julie, who supports Scott while he strives for his commercial license.
This was an engaging story that shows just what can be achieved by pursuing ones dreams all the way. Both Scott and Walt were likeable and believable characters. If you can get a copy, I recommend giving it a read.
The story passes back and forth between the two very different trajectories to the same passion of flying. Both men work very hard to realize their dreams and persevere through all manner of difficulties. Both are supported by the love of a good woman. Mary, who weds Walt before he leaves for Canada to train. Julie, who supports Scott while he strives for his commercial license.
This was an engaging story that shows just what can be achieved by pursuing ones dreams all the way. Both Scott and Walt were likeable and believable characters. If you can get a copy, I recommend giving it a read.
May 27, 2012
I enjoyed this touching story of a grandfather and grandson, both lives intertwined through a passion they both shared: Their love of flying. Pete Abela's potrayal of Walt's life during the depression and the aviation history of the Royal Air Force during World War II was well thought out and cleanly written, as was the more modern era of Scott's story. Author Pete Abela has a very crisp and clean writing style that is consistently shown throughout the book. If you enjoy history and aviation, this is a good book to pick up!
June 28, 2012
I loved it, although I may be biased.
June 3, 2012
ARC received from author for review
You pretty much get the gist of the story from the blurb above, so I will share my thoughts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As Pete Abela read on my blog that historical fiction wasn't really one of my favourite genres, he took a chance in the hope that he would be the second author whose book, in this very genre, would appeal to me. I said yes and my reason for this was the simple fact that I am surrounded by planes every single day of my life. Granted, they are not what most people would call 'real' planes, but they are real in every sense of the word as far as we are concerned. They still have all the appropriate mechanisms such as ailerons, rudders, wings, propellers, engines and still involve performing aerobatic manoeuvres, take-offs and landings, dead sticks and so on. See, I do listen. Both my son and husband fly RC aeroplanes. It’s a fascinating sport and I find that I have learnt quite a bit by their talk of not only RC planes, but all aeroplanes in general.
This is the story of two people. Walt, Scott’s grandfather and Scott himself. Walt’s story takes you through his life from when he was a young boy and one who was extremely good with his hands to his adult life, work, finding the girl he would marry, the jobs he would perform and how be how he came about joining the army, why he joined and how he became a fighter pilot in World War II. On the other hand you have Scott, who loves flying on his flight simulator, has ambitions to fly a real aeroplane, his life on how he progressed from school to work and eventually achieving his life’s dream of becoming a pilot.
The story goes back and forth between the two as when Scott visits his granddad, Walt tells him about his past life. It’s a lovely story and one you find yourself completely immersed in. I loved when Scott made use of his 15th birthday present, an acrobatic flight in a vintage Tiger Moth. It was interesting going through Scott’s pilot training in the very beginning. His love of flying ultimately interfered with schooling and he eventually bailed out of Uni – a stressful time in any parents’ life, but with some concessions and agreements, Scott was able to continue his dream. Wings isn’t only about aeroplanes and World War II, it’s about love, family and hardships. It reminded me of an old fashioned movie, is easy to read and flows along wonderfully.
The only complaint I had, which I mentioned to the author, was that it was too short. It somehow left me wanting more, especially where Scott was concerned. Scott still has a lot to say and quite a bit to go through. I just feel that his story should be continued. Here’s hoping.
A good debut by Pete Abela.
Quote
“But there’s something inside me – an itching, driving desire – which won’t let me give up; which urges me to continue, no matter what the odds; to strive against the sheer improbability of it all, because flying is my passion.” –Scott
You pretty much get the gist of the story from the blurb above, so I will share my thoughts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As Pete Abela read on my blog that historical fiction wasn't really one of my favourite genres, he took a chance in the hope that he would be the second author whose book, in this very genre, would appeal to me. I said yes and my reason for this was the simple fact that I am surrounded by planes every single day of my life. Granted, they are not what most people would call 'real' planes, but they are real in every sense of the word as far as we are concerned. They still have all the appropriate mechanisms such as ailerons, rudders, wings, propellers, engines and still involve performing aerobatic manoeuvres, take-offs and landings, dead sticks and so on. See, I do listen. Both my son and husband fly RC aeroplanes. It’s a fascinating sport and I find that I have learnt quite a bit by their talk of not only RC planes, but all aeroplanes in general.
This is the story of two people. Walt, Scott’s grandfather and Scott himself. Walt’s story takes you through his life from when he was a young boy and one who was extremely good with his hands to his adult life, work, finding the girl he would marry, the jobs he would perform and how be how he came about joining the army, why he joined and how he became a fighter pilot in World War II. On the other hand you have Scott, who loves flying on his flight simulator, has ambitions to fly a real aeroplane, his life on how he progressed from school to work and eventually achieving his life’s dream of becoming a pilot.
The story goes back and forth between the two as when Scott visits his granddad, Walt tells him about his past life. It’s a lovely story and one you find yourself completely immersed in. I loved when Scott made use of his 15th birthday present, an acrobatic flight in a vintage Tiger Moth. It was interesting going through Scott’s pilot training in the very beginning. His love of flying ultimately interfered with schooling and he eventually bailed out of Uni – a stressful time in any parents’ life, but with some concessions and agreements, Scott was able to continue his dream. Wings isn’t only about aeroplanes and World War II, it’s about love, family and hardships. It reminded me of an old fashioned movie, is easy to read and flows along wonderfully.
The only complaint I had, which I mentioned to the author, was that it was too short. It somehow left me wanting more, especially where Scott was concerned. Scott still has a lot to say and quite a bit to go through. I just feel that his story should be continued. Here’s hoping.
A good debut by Pete Abela.
Quote
“But there’s something inside me – an itching, driving desire – which won’t let me give up; which urges me to continue, no matter what the odds; to strive against the sheer improbability of it all, because flying is my passion.” –Scott
July 4, 2012
3.5 stars
Wings is a charming story about Scott and his grandfather Walt who chase their aviation dreams during different eras. Walt pursued a pilot role through the Air Force during World War II while Scott pursues his dream job during modern times and ironically has a tougher time becoming a pilot than Walt did.
Not only does Wings fall into the historical fiction genre but it also asserts an old-fashioned love story that reminds me of The Notebook. I particularly enjoyed reading Walt’s experience which spans most of the novel, from when he was a young lad, to when he first laid eyes on his wife Mary, his strong work ethic and determination to become a pilot and serve his country during the war. He and Mary fall in love and face the challenge of a relationship characterised by long separations and brief moments of quality time while Walt pursued his studies.
Walt is a really likeable, kind-hearted guy who is always polite and treats Mary well. He seemed to have a lot of luck combined with his intelligence that helped him have a lot of work and aviation opportunities. However, there were times when I felt that things went a little too smoothly for him and perhaps would have liked to see a few more challenges thrown in for Walt so I could gain a deeper appreciation of his qualities under pressure.
Scott on the other hand has to work extremely hard, working various jobs, borrowing money off his parents and sourcing various opportunities to study and learn aviation to master the role of a pilot. He also faces separation from his girlfriend Julie and takes a risk to fulfil his dreams.
The story spans across the globe from northern England to the sunny Illawarra region, south of Sydney. Pete Abela has created a delightful story about a young man and his grandfather who fell in love and pursued their aviation ambitions. I experienced Wings to be an easy, warm-hearted read.
Wings is a charming story about Scott and his grandfather Walt who chase their aviation dreams during different eras. Walt pursued a pilot role through the Air Force during World War II while Scott pursues his dream job during modern times and ironically has a tougher time becoming a pilot than Walt did.
Not only does Wings fall into the historical fiction genre but it also asserts an old-fashioned love story that reminds me of The Notebook. I particularly enjoyed reading Walt’s experience which spans most of the novel, from when he was a young lad, to when he first laid eyes on his wife Mary, his strong work ethic and determination to become a pilot and serve his country during the war. He and Mary fall in love and face the challenge of a relationship characterised by long separations and brief moments of quality time while Walt pursued his studies.
Walt is a really likeable, kind-hearted guy who is always polite and treats Mary well. He seemed to have a lot of luck combined with his intelligence that helped him have a lot of work and aviation opportunities. However, there were times when I felt that things went a little too smoothly for him and perhaps would have liked to see a few more challenges thrown in for Walt so I could gain a deeper appreciation of his qualities under pressure.
Scott on the other hand has to work extremely hard, working various jobs, borrowing money off his parents and sourcing various opportunities to study and learn aviation to master the role of a pilot. He also faces separation from his girlfriend Julie and takes a risk to fulfil his dreams.
The story spans across the globe from northern England to the sunny Illawarra region, south of Sydney. Pete Abela has created a delightful story about a young man and his grandfather who fell in love and pursued their aviation ambitions. I experienced Wings to be an easy, warm-hearted read.
July 13, 2015
I was very pleased to be chosen to read and review this novel.
I really like the concept of hearing life stories paralled between different generations.
Walt is an old man and his history of being a pilot is behind him. He flew during time of war.
Scott's story starts before he is even old enough to drive a car.
His dream of becoming a pilot is fresh and growing stronger.
Besides the flying dreams and stories shared in this wonderful novel, we also get to experience
the family dynamics and emotions. We follow both Walter and Scott as they discover girls and
eventually settle down. The strong women they pair up with have to support their dreams.
It is an inspiring novel about remaining true to your dreams and doing what must be done to accomplish them.
It is a story about friendship that occasionally involves sorrow.
I would recommend this book to teen readers through adult.
I really like the concept of hearing life stories paralled between different generations.
Walt is an old man and his history of being a pilot is behind him. He flew during time of war.
Scott's story starts before he is even old enough to drive a car.
His dream of becoming a pilot is fresh and growing stronger.
Besides the flying dreams and stories shared in this wonderful novel, we also get to experience
the family dynamics and emotions. We follow both Walter and Scott as they discover girls and
eventually settle down. The strong women they pair up with have to support their dreams.
It is an inspiring novel about remaining true to your dreams and doing what must be done to accomplish them.
It is a story about friendship that occasionally involves sorrow.
I would recommend this book to teen readers through adult.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews