Franklin Flyer

by Nicholas Christopher

In this shimmering work of fiction, Nicholas Christopher follows the remarkable life of Franklin Flyer –a restless young inventor named after the train on which he was born–through the tumultuous years of the Great Depression, into the Second World War.

Raised by his suffragette aunt, at various times a vagabond and tycoon, Franklin travels across the U.S.A and around the globe, seeking adventure and enlightenment, charting his fate by pursuing the unexpected.

He encounters a glittering cast of among them Rita Hayworth, Josephine Baker, OSS founder “Wild Bill” Donovan, and a host of political zealots, opportunists, and dreamers thrown together in a world on the brink of collapse.

With each new invention–devices that help to revolutionize everything from early television to the technology with which the Allies respond to the Axis powers–Franklin makes his mark. Gaining fame and fortune, he also suffers terrible heartbreak, and through numerous transformations discovers that a man’s own life is truly his most difficult, and rewarding, invention.

A brisk, vivid blend of history and imagination, Franklin Flyer brings to life an American hero as unforgettable as his times.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Novels, Magical Realism

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Nicholas Christopher was born and raised in New York City. He was educated at Harvard College, where he studied with Robert Lowell and Anthony Hecht. Afterward, he traveled and lived in Europe. He became a regular contributor to the New Yorker in his early twenties, and began publishing his work in other leading magazines, both in the United States and abroad, including Esquire, the New Republic, the New York Review of Books, the Nation, and the Paris Review. He has appeared in numerous anthologies, including the Norton Anthology of Poetry, the Paris Review 50th Anniversary Anthology, the Best American Poetry, Poet's Choice, the Everyman's Library Poems of New York and Conversation Pieces, the Norton Anthology of Love, the Faber Book of Movie Verse, and the Grand Street Reader. He has edited two major anthologies himself, Under 35: The New Generation of American Poets (Anchor, 1989) and Walk on the Wild Side: Urban American Poetry Since 1975 (Scribner, 1994) and has translated Martial and Catullus and several modern Greek poets, including George Seferis and Yannis Ritsos. His books have been translated and published many other countries, and he is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships from various institutions, including the Guggenheim Foundation, the Academy of American Poets, the Poetry Society of America, and the National Endowment for the Arts. He has taught at Yale, Barnard College, and New York University, and is now a Professor on the permanent faculty of the Writing Division of the School of the Arts at Columbia University. He lives in New York City with his wife, Constance Christopher, and continues to travel widely, most frequently to Venice, the Hawaiian island of Kauai, and the Grenadines.

Reviews

[Tubi(Sera McFly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers the reader wonderful characters as well as the amazing protagonist, adventures of the protagonist in a realistic fiction, great combination of sensitivity and suspenseful plot and a wonderful period atmosphere. The life and journey of Franklin Flyer is depicted in such a way that it is full of adventure and wonderful female characters but on the other hand, these adventures give you the feeling that they can happen to anyone. It is almost magic in realism as some people comment on the book. There are also many coincidences in the life of the main character but they don’t disturb the reader as these coincidences don’t suddenly pop up in the story.

Franklin Flyer is a creative person and invents a bunch of things. Besides, he foresees some dark and terrifying events of his early adult life including Nazis and World War II. He meets coolest women and has intense relationships with all of them. The intriguing style of the book also reminds some film-noirs. I was expecting something different about the mystery of the woman on the picture but in the end, it was hard to say goodbye to this great character and all the wonderful women in this novel.

[Başak Ebru Tarım · Rating 4 out of 5]

(kitabın Helikopter yayınevinden çıkan Türkçe baskısını okudum ama burada bulamadığım için ingilizcesini kullandım)

Franklin Flayer 1929 yılında Büyük Buhran’ dan bir kaç saat önce, 11 aydır gidip geldiği işinden istifa etmiş ve biraz hava almak için çalıştığı ofisin de içinde yer aldığı Küre Binasının çatısına çıkmıştı. Uzaklardan gelen oyuncu bir rüzgar –belki de kaderin nefesi- başındaki sarı şapkasını uçurarak karşıdaki Buz ve Ateş Sigorta Şirketi binasının 60 katındaki açık bir camdan içeri savurdu. Franklin aşağıya inerek, şapkasını almak üzere söz konusu binadaki 6000 numaralı terkedilmiş ofise gitti. Bu 6000 numaralı ofise ilk girişiydi. 6000 numaralı ofis, onu ofise getiren sarı şapkası, ofiste üzerine uzanıp yattığı terk edilmiş koltuk, masada bulduğu bir kadın fotoğrafı ve kaderin onu itekleyen nefesi aslında bir şekilde onu bir daha hiç terk etmedi.

Kitap, 29 Ekim 1929 Kara Cuma’sından başlayarak, Franklin Flayer’ın 1942 yılına kadar başından geçen inanılmaz renkli ve heyecanlı olayları anlatıyor. Kah bir mucidin yanında yardımcı olarak çalışıyor, kah kutuplarda pusula deneyi yapan bir gemide miçoluk yapıyor. En önemli hayat arkadaşıyla da yolu burada kesişiyor. Batan gemiden sadece o ve geminin kedisi Archie kurtuluyor. Sonra da bir daha ayrılmıyorlar zaten. Derken kendini “zilyum” madenini II. Dünya Savaşın’ da Führer’in emrine sunmak isteyen karanlık adamların tercümanı olarak buluyor.

Bu arada hiç bıkmadan aklına gelen her fikri elindeki not defterlerine çiziyor. Aklına gelen fikirleri, ürüne, ürünü satışa, satışı da paraya çevirmeyi başarıyor. Zenginliğinin kaynağı karalama yaptığı defterleri oluyor.

Tüm bunlar yaşanırken, önce Avrupa’ da faşizmin ayak sesleri duyuluyor, sonra onun Amerika’ daki yansımaları. Derken II. Dünya Savaşı tüm korkunçluğuyla yaşlı kıtanın üzerine çöküyor. Geçmişte karşılaştığı insanlar ve sahip olduğu bağlantılar nedeniyle Franklin Flayer, savaşın soluğunu ensesinde hisseden ülkesi için önemli görevler almak zorunda kalıyor.

Kitapta arka planda anlatılan II. Dünya Savaşı fonu ne kadar gerçekse, Franklin Flayer’ın başından geçen diğer tüm olaylar da o kadar hayal mahsulü. Hani filmlerin veya dizilerin sonunda bazen yazılar akar önümüzden “bu filmde/dizide yer alan kişiler ve olayların hepsi hayal mahsulüdür, gerçekle bir ilişkisi yoktur” diye, aslında bu kitabın da sonuna böyle bir şey yazmak gerek. Eğer yazsalardı, ben de “zilyum” madeni ne ola ki diye internette araştırma yapmak zorunda kalmazdım. (zilyum kelimesi sadece Franklin Flayer ile ilgili metinlerin içinde geçiyor) Ya da Amerika’ da ki Küre Binasını araştırmazdım. (Ben mi biraz safım ne…..)

Franklin Flayer’ın II. Dünya savaşının atmosferinde hayalle örülmüş macerasını çok beğendim. Sizin de bunu okumanızı tavsiye ederim.

[Doreen Fritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't decide between 2 and 3 stars for this one, but fell on the side of mercy. The character and much of the action was engaging, but overall the plot dragged. This is an episodic historical fiction centering around Franklin Flyer, born, apparently orphaned, and named for a train that derailed, killing most of the passengers. His mother, an actress, survived and finally found him, but he's raised mostly by his aunt. As an adult, he is intrigued by a photo of a woman, and spends much of his life looking for her - while interacting with many people who come in and out of his life. Some of them are famous -- Rita Hayworth, Wild Bill Donnelly (founder of the CIA), blues singer Josephine Baker -- and others represent the trends of the times, so that we the readers are immersed in that history. Franklin is an illustrator and an inventor who ends up owning his own publishing company, and during WWII he becomes involved in some covert operations in Europe. There are a lot of characters and a lot of overlapping plot lines, but it's not a story that kept my attention or made me anxious to turn the pages.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Trip to the Stars raised my expectations of Nicholas Christopher pretty high. Though I enjoyed Franklin Flyer, it did not measure up in the same way. I liked many elements -- the Egyptology, espionage, the mystery of the photo, following the twists, turns and strange destinations in Franklin's life -- but these elements weren't anchored in a plot or in characters that were anything more than one-dimensional. The main character was so idealized, always so strong and smart and good, that neither he nor the story was able to provide much tension or conflict, leaving me reading with a sense of detachment (but not with displeasure) as events unfolded in an interesting but glossy and superficial way.

[megan-redwitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable but nothing stellar. the main character & twistedly realistic plot are what drive the story - in a good way. his life’s journey is a strangely poetic one wrapped in historical moments of import. some / many side characters are also brought quickly to life & have a certain truth about them that works. as usual the writing is also well done. but overall it just lacked emotional depth / story depth, & the fantastical element wasn’t very well developed if that makes any sense but felt more just tracked on so didn’t engage. so while i liked it it certainly isn’t the author’s best work in my opinion, & you will need to enjoy it for what it is not what it could be.

[Allisonperkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a solid, fun read but not as good as Veronica. The base problem was the disconnected feeling the book had as well as the too neat of an ending. In between there were flashes of brilliance and Mr Christopher is a strong author who, even in weaker works, manages to give the ready an enjoyable ride.

[Jennww2ns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like there was some allegory or metaphor that I didn't get.

[George K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Βαθμολογία: 9/10

Δυο βιβλία του Νίκολας Κρίστοφερ έχουν μεταφραστεί στα ελληνικά, αυτό καθώς και το ογκωδέστατο "Ένα ταξίδι στα άστρα", με τα δυο αυτά βιβλία να ανήκουν στη συλλογή μου. Και αποφάσισα να γνωρίσω τον συγγραφέα με το "Ο Ιπτάμενος Φράνκλιν", που είναι πιο μικρό σε μέγεθος, για να δω τι λέει: Λοιπόν, πολύ μου άρεσε. Το βρήκα πολύ καλογραμμένο, άκρως ψυχαγωγικό και με τον τρόπο του εθιστικό, με πολύ ωραία ατμόσφαιρα και με κάποια δυνατά σκηνικά. Ίσως η πλοκή να μην είναι τόσο "δεμένη", ο συγγραφέας μας πηγαίνει από το ένα επεισόδιο στο άλλο μέσα στον χρόνο και κατά κάποιο τρόπο δεν προλαβαίνουμε να γνωρίσουμε πραγματικά καλά κάποιους χαρακτήρες, ή ακόμα και τον ίδιο τον Φράνκλιν, τον πρωταγωνιστή της ιστορίας, από την άλλη όμως όλα αυτά τα επεισόδια, όλα αυτά τα ταξίδια προσφέρουν ωραίες εικόνες και θα έλεγα ότι μεταφέρουν τέλεια την ατμόσφαιρα της εποχής στην οποία διαδραματίζονται τα γεγονότα του βιβλίου. Ο Φράνκλιν Φλάιερ, ο Ιπτάμενος Φράνκλιν, μου άρεσε πολύ σαν χαρακτήρας, τον συμπάθησα απόλυτα και ευχαριστήθηκα την πορεία του από το μηδέν έως την κορυφή, όσο κι αν δεν είναι απόλυτα πειστική αυτή η πορεία. Όσο περισσότερο σκέφτομαι την ιστορία, τη γραφή, την όλη ατμόσφαιρα, τα διάφορα σκηνικά, τόσο πιο πολύ πείθομαι να του βάλω πέντε αστεράκια (τεσσεράμισι για την ακρίβεια), έστω κι αν αντικειμενικά δεν τα αξίζει. Αλλά τι στο καλό, έτσι νιώθω και στην τελική έτσι θα κάνω!

[megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have loved this spread out into a duology or a trilogy. There are so many unique supporting characters and story lines that could have developed beautifully.

“... true distance felt as if it should be calculated in light-years, or millimeters, or whatever measurement applies to the deeper journey of our lives, mapped internally, for no one to see. Maybe we ourselves only glimpse that particular map at moments of exhilaration or terror when a chasm opens and we’re suddenly looking inward, as if from the lip of a precipice—or the edge of a tall building.”

[Michael Abernethy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas Christopher is a wonderful storyteller, and "Franklin Flyer" is a wonderful story.
His deft use of magical realism makes this WWII-era adventure an inventive page-turner, as he reimagines popular heroes and icons as moving parts of a spy story. Normally, this wouldn't be my cup of tea, but he makes it work.
I always recommend Christopher's work, and this is a less daunting place to start than the hefty "A Trip to the Stars."

[Terry Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant ! This novel got better and better the further in to the book I got. The pace quickened midway and carried on like that through the end at which point I could take a breather. This was the last novel by this this author I had to read as I've read all his others and enjoyed them all to varying degrees. I would say my top three would be Veronica., A Trip To The Stars and this one.

[Kassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

L O V E D this book. Such an enchanting story and such a great, imaginative read. Highly recommend to anyone who wishes to drown themselves in a story.

[Pat Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing work of creative writing. I absolutely loved this book. It was funny and sweet, frightening and thrilling.

[Lynna Goldhar Smith]

Brilliant as is all of his writing. Imaginative, beautiful. I think he is my favourite writer if one can have a favourite.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Franklin Flyer kept me interested throughout the book. During the time period this was set, prior to and during WWII, there were many great and influential people in the world. It makes you wonder how many people there were that led extraordianry lives, like Flyer, who may have never recieved the same recognition or had the fame as some of the other prominant figures in our history.
The mystery of Anita Snow, turned out to be an unexpected twist at the end that I hadn't anticipated. Overall, this was an entertaining read. I read 'A Trip to the Stars' a few years ago and although I don't recall the specifics of the story, I do remember enjoying it. So with that said, I would recommend Nicholas Christopher and will read another of his books in the future.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Franklin Flyer is named after the train he was born on. He is. An inventor, writer and thinker. The people he encounters are extraordinary and the things he accomplishes are amazing. His main companion in life is his cat Archimedes or Archie who survived a ship sinking with him. Above all else Franklin always seems to be chasing the romantic dream. Interesting story with a great main character.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great read from Nicholas Christopher. I'll keep trying his titles. I hope they are all as fun as this one. This one is more fantasy than the Bestiary. I loved everything but the ending. The last 5 pages were like he had run out of original ideas, or couldn't stand to say goodbye to his characters, so he just ended it.

[Greg Perciak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one a long time ago. It's an interesting blend of history and imagination - a little like Forrest Gump meets James Bond. I seem to recall that the book opens with a visual: a yellow fedora thrown from a high-rise window, floating to the ground. It's a pleasurable read that is very whimsical, with a dash of serendipity thrown in.

[Cherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasure to read. I enjoyed everything about it. Not having read Christopher's other books, I had no expectations. Fun novel with larger than life characters. Much about WWII but told in a digestible way.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, kept me entertained. It has some parts that drag a bit but Franklin, the main character, is engaging. The story doesn't come together or unfold as beautifully as A Trip to the Stars (which I loved). A good read overall though.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of Nicholas christopher's books offer everything I'm looking for in a novel -- beautiful storytelling, suspenseful plots, and the ability to bring it all together at the end

[Tanya]

Didn't finish. Returning to the library - too much graphic language:(

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite of Christopher's. I really liked how the story looped in on itself and had a solid narrative while still featuring a bit of Christopher's typical strangeness.

[Kelly Fitzgibbons · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale that crosses historical lines, the boundaries between real and imaginary, and (ever present) the camps of good and evil. Good read.

[Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd forgotten just how fabulous this book is !

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all his books, I loved it.