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Lifting Off
‘Witty, irreverent, deeply felt, and exquisitely written, Lifting Off lifts the lid on one of the strongest performers and authors in queer UK, and in doing so lifts us all. I can't recommend this extraordinary memoir enough. Stunning.’ Joelle Taylor
Told with the wit and verve that characterised her debut novel, Karen’s memoir of flying as cabin crew offers a fascinating insight into the profound impact of long-haul life. Having come out as a lesbian she is forced to go back in as colleagues advise her that it is not ok to be gay, unlike male cabin crew.
Brimming with vertiginous loops and extreme globe-trotting, against a backdrop of exotic locations, hotel bars and nightclubs, Karen slowly unravels as the inability to truly be herself reverberates.
This is the story of how Karen finally came into land. How she learned to look after herself and discovered her real self.
Told with the wit and verve that characterised her debut novel, Karen’s memoir of flying as cabin crew offers a fascinating insight into the profound impact of long-haul life. Having come out as a lesbian she is forced to go back in as colleagues advise her that it is not ok to be gay, unlike male cabin crew.
Brimming with vertiginous loops and extreme globe-trotting, against a backdrop of exotic locations, hotel bars and nightclubs, Karen slowly unravels as the inability to truly be herself reverberates.
This is the story of how Karen finally came into land. How she learned to look after herself and discovered her real self.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2024
3 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Karen McLeod
2 books5 followersKaren McLeod is a writer, performer and creative writing tutor. Her memoir, Lifting Off, about the twelve years she worked as cabin crew was published in June 2024 by Muswell Press.
Karen's debut novel In Search of the Missing Eyelash was published by Jonathan Cape, won the Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Best First Novel Award. In June 2024 it will be celebrated by being republished by Muswell Press.
In the time which followed her debut novel, In Search of the Missing Eyelash, Karen began devising, then performing comedy as the character Barbara Brownskirt. Described by The Sunday Times as "Rik Mayall meets performance art" Barbara Brownskirt is supported by Arts Council England. She regularly tours UK festivals, art, cabaret and theatre venues with LGBTQ+ Literary salon POLARI, the performance art co-operative DUCKIE, as well as partnering with organisations such as Homotopia, Liverpool Pride, London & Manchester Pride.
Employed as Writer-in-Residence at the Bookseller Crow on the Hill she is also the shop’s Literary Events Co-ordinator, plus she knows her way around the till. Over the last ten years, she has developed a series of popular creative writing workshops which she runs at the bookshop and tours nationwide. She has been a visiting lecturer in creative writing at UCAS (University for the Creative Arts) and at Shakespeare's archive trust. She holds an MA in Creative & Life Writing from Goldsmiths University, after being awarded the Isaac Arthur Green Scholarship. She is represented by Laura Susijn at The Susijn Literary Agency.
Karen's debut novel In Search of the Missing Eyelash was published by Jonathan Cape, won the Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Best First Novel Award. In June 2024 it will be celebrated by being republished by Muswell Press.
In the time which followed her debut novel, In Search of the Missing Eyelash, Karen began devising, then performing comedy as the character Barbara Brownskirt. Described by The Sunday Times as "Rik Mayall meets performance art" Barbara Brownskirt is supported by Arts Council England. She regularly tours UK festivals, art, cabaret and theatre venues with LGBTQ+ Literary salon POLARI, the performance art co-operative DUCKIE, as well as partnering with organisations such as Homotopia, Liverpool Pride, London & Manchester Pride.
Employed as Writer-in-Residence at the Bookseller Crow on the Hill she is also the shop’s Literary Events Co-ordinator, plus she knows her way around the till. Over the last ten years, she has developed a series of popular creative writing workshops which she runs at the bookshop and tours nationwide. She has been a visiting lecturer in creative writing at UCAS (University for the Creative Arts) and at Shakespeare's archive trust. She holds an MA in Creative & Life Writing from Goldsmiths University, after being awarded the Isaac Arthur Green Scholarship. She is represented by Laura Susijn at The Susijn Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 11, 2024
I found this memoir witty, moving, insightful and inspiring in equal measure. Highly recommend
June 25, 2024
When the world is not enough…
Karen studied at Cardiff Art School but abandoned the search for a creative career to join British Airways, travel the world and enjoy a regular salary. Jet lagged and tied to fixed rosters, she lost herself and found solace in parties and alcohol. Karen, who is gay, also encountered homophobia from female colleagues; while it was acceptable for men to be gay, women were expected to fit the archetypal air hostess image.
For transparency, I must mention that I also worked as cabin crew for British Airways and met Karen on a trip to Israel. On the crew bus from the hotel in Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport, we discussed life outside the airline. Karen shared her ambition to become a published writer, and her first novel, “In Search of The Missing Eyelash,” was nearing completion. Her high-octane enthusiasm was palpable. Although this was the only time we worked together, Karen had a reputation. Colleagues frequently mentioned her love of alcohol, partying and talent for performance. She was renowned for entertaining crew and hotel guests with impromptu drag shows, complete with wigs and costumes.
Despite never witnessing her social exuberance firsthand, I saw someone who seemed to have it all: clever, confident, creative and fearless. What I didn’t know was that Karen had hidden her true self beneath a veneer. Her alcohol consumption was out of control, influenced by her father’s alcoholism and her mother’s struggle to cope with it. Her inability to balance life, work and relationships while constantly traveling was entirely relatable.
There are many things I love about this memoir. Karen’s humour shines through, with lines like, “Borrowed from Mum, the little court heel was repulsive: the uniform of church-goers, or shoes you might be fitted in for your own funeral, if no one knew you.” Her vivid descriptions triggered my own memories: “The lights dimmed to low, and the day outside was leaving for tomorrow. As the plane turned onto the runway, the glow from the sunset was cut into shapes by the window frames, and russet-coloured glints moved over the tops of passengers’ hair.”
“Lifting Off” by Karen offers a raw, honest and compelling glimpse into the life of airline crew. It goes beyond the glamour and explores the profound challenges of addiction, identity and self-discovery. Karen’s vivid storytelling, candid reflections and vibrant humour make this memoir not only an enlightening read about the aviation industry but also a relatable journey of personal growth.
This memoir will resonate with anyone curious about the life behind the uniform or anyone on their own path to understanding themselves. Karen’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to find and embrace our true selves, no matter how turbulent the flight.
Karen studied at Cardiff Art School but abandoned the search for a creative career to join British Airways, travel the world and enjoy a regular salary. Jet lagged and tied to fixed rosters, she lost herself and found solace in parties and alcohol. Karen, who is gay, also encountered homophobia from female colleagues; while it was acceptable for men to be gay, women were expected to fit the archetypal air hostess image.
For transparency, I must mention that I also worked as cabin crew for British Airways and met Karen on a trip to Israel. On the crew bus from the hotel in Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport, we discussed life outside the airline. Karen shared her ambition to become a published writer, and her first novel, “In Search of The Missing Eyelash,” was nearing completion. Her high-octane enthusiasm was palpable. Although this was the only time we worked together, Karen had a reputation. Colleagues frequently mentioned her love of alcohol, partying and talent for performance. She was renowned for entertaining crew and hotel guests with impromptu drag shows, complete with wigs and costumes.
Despite never witnessing her social exuberance firsthand, I saw someone who seemed to have it all: clever, confident, creative and fearless. What I didn’t know was that Karen had hidden her true self beneath a veneer. Her alcohol consumption was out of control, influenced by her father’s alcoholism and her mother’s struggle to cope with it. Her inability to balance life, work and relationships while constantly traveling was entirely relatable.
There are many things I love about this memoir. Karen’s humour shines through, with lines like, “Borrowed from Mum, the little court heel was repulsive: the uniform of church-goers, or shoes you might be fitted in for your own funeral, if no one knew you.” Her vivid descriptions triggered my own memories: “The lights dimmed to low, and the day outside was leaving for tomorrow. As the plane turned onto the runway, the glow from the sunset was cut into shapes by the window frames, and russet-coloured glints moved over the tops of passengers’ hair.”
“Lifting Off” by Karen offers a raw, honest and compelling glimpse into the life of airline crew. It goes beyond the glamour and explores the profound challenges of addiction, identity and self-discovery. Karen’s vivid storytelling, candid reflections and vibrant humour make this memoir not only an enlightening read about the aviation industry but also a relatable journey of personal growth.
This memoir will resonate with anyone curious about the life behind the uniform or anyone on their own path to understanding themselves. Karen’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to find and embrace our true selves, no matter how turbulent the flight.
June 18, 2024
As a fan of McLeod's debut novel 'In Search of the Missing Eyelash', I was keen to read this, her memoir about the years spent flying as cabin crew through the late 1990s and early 2000s.
I was hoping for a funny, poignant and possibly sad read, in fact 'Lifting Off' gave me all that and more.
Rarely do we get such a unique and intelligent insight into the life of a cabin crew member, from the day they begin their intense training programme to, in this case, when they start to plan to leave the job to pursue a more creative path.
We are taken all round the world from London to the beaches of Los Angeles and the hustle and bustle of Mexico, and throughout Africa via flights, hotel bars and nights out 'down route' when crew would make the most of their free time. It is within some of these scenes of fun and debauchery where we learn of McLeod's struggle between being the 'party-girl' of any group and the desire to move away from that label, partly for fear of becoming her father, and partly in order to feel more grounded and explore a creative side not used since her art school days.
This is a brave voice shedding light on a queer female perspective, and really inspiring to see how a person can find themselves in a place in which they know they need to change simply in order to survive.
Throw in a handful of love affairs in foreign climes, an encounter with Michael Jackson in Tokyo, waking up with the mother of all hangovers on 9/11 and a beautiful evocation of a suburban home life 'Lifting Off' ticks all the boxes. Recommended.
I was hoping for a funny, poignant and possibly sad read, in fact 'Lifting Off' gave me all that and more.
Rarely do we get such a unique and intelligent insight into the life of a cabin crew member, from the day they begin their intense training programme to, in this case, when they start to plan to leave the job to pursue a more creative path.
We are taken all round the world from London to the beaches of Los Angeles and the hustle and bustle of Mexico, and throughout Africa via flights, hotel bars and nights out 'down route' when crew would make the most of their free time. It is within some of these scenes of fun and debauchery where we learn of McLeod's struggle between being the 'party-girl' of any group and the desire to move away from that label, partly for fear of becoming her father, and partly in order to feel more grounded and explore a creative side not used since her art school days.
This is a brave voice shedding light on a queer female perspective, and really inspiring to see how a person can find themselves in a place in which they know they need to change simply in order to survive.
Throw in a handful of love affairs in foreign climes, an encounter with Michael Jackson in Tokyo, waking up with the mother of all hangovers on 9/11 and a beautiful evocation of a suburban home life 'Lifting Off' ticks all the boxes. Recommended.
June 7, 2024
"Lifting Off," a memoir written by Karen McLeod, has finally been released. The novel retraces the life of a lesbian flight attendant who, despite her deep love for the lifestyle this job offers, feels crushed by the weight of having to keep her sexual orientation a secret. In contrast, her male colleagues are allowed and even encouraged to openly declare their homosexuality.
While I find the part about the different treatment between men and women by the company somewhat implausible—why would an airline consider sexual orientation objectionable depending on whether it's about a woman rather than a man?—I loved the book.
The way emotions surface, the themes addressed, and the engaging style make for a smooth and fascinating read.
While I find the part about the different treatment between men and women by the company somewhat implausible—why would an airline consider sexual orientation objectionable depending on whether it's about a woman rather than a man?—I loved the book.
The way emotions surface, the themes addressed, and the engaging style make for a smooth and fascinating read.
June 23, 2024
I struggled a bit to get along with this book but in the end I got there and appreciated the personal rawness of the author’s story.
The blurb makes a bit of a feature of perceived prejudice towards a gay female (rather than male) cabin crew member, though I didn’t see much of this in the actual text, aside from one remark.
The real battle seemed to be within the author herself, dealing with a complicated relationship with her father and the lifestyle that comes with many year’s working as a long haul cabin crew member.
Ultimately she finds solace and freedom through writing and I applaud her for that.
The blurb makes a bit of a feature of perceived prejudice towards a gay female (rather than male) cabin crew member, though I didn’t see much of this in the actual text, aside from one remark.
The real battle seemed to be within the author herself, dealing with a complicated relationship with her father and the lifestyle that comes with many year’s working as a long haul cabin crew member.
Ultimately she finds solace and freedom through writing and I applaud her for that.
May 24, 2025
A wonderful and insightful memoir of life as an air stewardess that cries out to be read on a flight! I devoured it on my way to Florence and back and a whole new world of life behind the scenes took off for me. Karen demands the reader quickly join her on a journey of self discovery - her rapidly growing interest in sexual and romantic relationships with women combines with her surprising feelings for a male crew member. Through wild nights and jet lagged days we simultaneously fear for her and wonder at her exploits - told with flair and wit this book is an addictive read.
October 7, 2024
A really interesting read but it was a bit all over the place - could have used one more full edit
November 19, 2025
3.5
I expected the sory to be more focused on the aspect of coming out and being gay in the airline world, as it was sold to me, but enjoyed nevertheless.
I expected the sory to be more focused on the aspect of coming out and being gay in the airline world, as it was sold to me, but enjoyed nevertheless.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews