SPITFIRE

by Jack DuArte, Chris Inman (Illustrator)

The setting is Great Britain in the suspenseful summer of 1940. Even though war with Germany has been declared, the British Isles have yet to feel the onslaught of the German blitzkrieg. A defiant nation mobilizes and prepares for the inevitable--- attack by Germany. Flight Lieutenant Anthony Nelson is a Spitfire Mk 1 pilot and a top flier. His 54 Squadron at Hornchurch Royal Air Force Station is critical to the defence of London and all of England. Nelson is charged with training new pilots until the real action begins. His life is further complicated when his younger brother, Fletcher Nelson, announces his forthcoming marriage, and then chooses to join his brother’s squadron. Spitfire follows Nelson’s 54 Squadron as the war escalates and the Battle of Britain is fought by valiant Spitfire pilots over England’s blackened and deadly skies. Hitler orders his Luftwaffe to level London and almost succeeds in his monstrous plot. Only the Royal Air Force’s Spitfires and fighter aircraft stand in Germany’s way. After heavy losses, the RAF begins to gain an edge. Then, Fletcher Nelson is reported missing. The story takes a bittersweet turn as Anthony Nelson tries to console Fletcher’s distraught fiancée. Spitfire draws to a remarkable conclusion when certain factors surface that change everyone’s lives. This thrilling tale mirrors the lives and loves of heralded British fliers who saved their island nation from almost certain defeat during the early days of World War II.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2011

About the author

Jack DuArte is a native of New Orleans with a varied career in writing. DuArte attended Jesuit High School and worked for the Times-Picayune as a teenager. After attending the University of Kentucky and later graduating from the University of Evansville, DuArte served as an Air Force officer in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star for his efforts. He returned to New Orleans in 1971 and went into the wine business. He also authored a weekly column called Gastronomy for the Times-Picayune for a number of years and later hosted a radio talk show for WWL.

DuArte later enjoyed a full career in the wine business where he owned several Napa Valley wineries. DuArte always enjoyed a long time love affair for the thoroughbred horse industry and returned to Kentucky in 2001. He is an owner and breeder of thoroughbreds in Central Kentucky.

The White Mouse is DuArte’s fifth novel, and was his eighth published work. The White Mouse is part of DuArte’s World War II Series. Other WWII novels include The Resistance Singapore, Spitfire and MALTA. All are historical novels and predominantly based on fact.

DuArte read from his work at the International Book Project’s Passport to Literacy in Lexington, KY. He also participated in the several Kentucky Book Fairs in Frankfort and numerous other book fairs around the country.

DuArte and his wife Susan reside in Lexington, KY.

Reviews

[Donna Herrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fun listen is a great narrative and gives a better understanding of RAF tactics during the Battle of Britain.

[Christopher Epling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened up the first chapter expecting to be entertained, but nothing prepared me for the adventure ahead. Normally, when I read books concerning history (whether fact or fiction), I usually take the arcs in stride. A chapter here, a chapter there. With Jack DuArte's Spitfire... I couldn't stop reading. He takes the reader into the lives, conversations of the 'greatest generation', and you actually feel as if you know their struggles, their character, and their desires (despite the consequences of being at war). Being a veteran, and an avid reader of WWII content, it is always so amazing when an author has done their homework as Jack has here with this novel. His extensive research into the Battle of Britain and the RAF gives the reader the sense that you are peeking through a window to these individual's lives during this pivotal point in world history. I would suggest this book to anyone who is a fan of this genre, a fan of the human spirit triumphing over all odds, and a fan of any well done read. You will not be disappointed, in fact, you won't be able to put this book down. Everyone has their opinion, but take it from this Army Veteran, Jack knows his stuff... and delivers. Great Stuff!!!

[Hal · Rating 1 out of 5]

If a novel is about WWII aviation, I will most likely read it if given a chance. Suffice it to say, this book was a bad choice.

The author obviously has thoroughly done his research on the RAF and the Battle of Britain. His plot and presentation of WWII aerial warfare, for the most part, were very good. At the 75% point, my only complaint was that his characters' conversations were very stilted and manufactured, not natural at all.

I could deal with that, but at the three-quarter point he really turned steak into hash. Instead of continuing with his basic aviation theme about two brothers, he decided to become a romance writer and introduced a love triangle. That dominated the rest of the book. He should have stayed on track. His result and the story's abrupt ending would make a second-rate soap-opera writer blush.

[Bert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered this because I had a generally good experience with "Singapore," written by the same local author, and I'm a big fan of military history and historical fiction. Here we have a new publisher, and much improved editing, although there are still some of the kind of mistakes that spellcheck either creates of fails to recognize. The negative is that this novel essentially takes the script of the 2001 movie "Pearl Harbor" and changes the venue to the skies over England during the Battle of Britain. Like the movie, the two brothers each falling for the same girl theme is painfully predictable. I do love the highly accurate depiction of aircraft and aerial combat, and I'm a giant fan of the Royal Air Force. My conflicted rating: ☆☆☆☆

[Chip Holtzhauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how historical events are intertwined with the story. I am now a fan of historical fiction. DuArte really does the research to get the facts correct while really telling a nice story. I'm looking forward to your next book!

[Jacob Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off kind of slow, but towards the end you cannot put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys war or flying.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

W ell-research, with the exception of one aircraft identification error. I enjoyed the story line and thought the characters were interesting.