Winterflight: A novel

by Joseph Bayly

Imagine an America not too many years distant.

An America that seems perfect on the surface,
but whose ethical underpinnings have totally collapsed.

An America where abortion is the rule for imperfect fetuses
and euthanasia is mandatory at age 75.

Jon and Grace Stanton's allegiance to God is about to be put to the ultimate test in this future society. As they struggle to protect two memers of their family from the laws of the land, they must rely on each other and their faith as they never have before.

This novel, first published in 1981, seems increasingly predictive in its description of a world where morality is dictated by technology rather than the Word of God.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Dystopia, Christian, Science Fiction, Novels

174 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me just tell you right now, I am a happy-ending only person and, if you are like me, you will probably not like this book. It has an absolutely HORRIBLE ending! It did have some swear words that I am not to fond of, and I would not recommend this book to anyone.

[Michelle Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely an easy read. It opens your mind to where society could possibly go. Overall, a very good story.

[Landon Adkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

**spoilers**
Oh, Winterflight. I have lots of thoughts on this rather quick read, and unfortunately, not many great thoughts on this book.

I'll start with the good, as I do think Winterflight is engaging, and the short length of this book does help with that. I also respect the ending of this book. This is not to say I agree with the actions of George Duncan, but Bayly's afterword provides a fair reasoning for ending the book this way. There are also great messages here throughout the book. Most of which I agree with, notably the topic of faith during difficult and painful times being the topic I find the most fleshed out and interesting to tackle, more than the obvious topics like abortion and euthanasia that this book is worried of in America's future. It is important for me and the reader to remember that in today's world, Roe v Wade has been overturned, America was in the Cold War at the time of this book's writing, and as such America is in a much different time, in some ways better, and others, worse. I do also like that there is some technology that is sort of predicted, like the use of a "videoscreen" that feels like a precursor to Skype or FaceTime. Similar video-chat technology did exist in the late 70s and early 80s, but was not largely used or known as far as I'm aware. However, as I'll get into much more, I was left with so many glaring questions and issues at the end of this read.

One of my main questions is what does the greater American society think of all these laws and systems in place? I find it hard to think there's no waiver or exceptions to both the old age policy and sick/disabled child policy, considering that even in today's world some of the strictest health laws like vaccines have these, unless the greater society ruled for exceptions to be unallowable. However, everyone we meet is either Christian, or tied to the medical system in some way. The Christians obviously are greatly against these rules, and there are differing opinions in the medical field, but they're either bought into the system since they're a part of it, or in Price's case, see the worst of it that many will not see, like the transferring of organs, that leads him to oppose. I would have liked to see an "outside" non-religious person's thoughts on the matter to try and defend the system, since America is fiercely defended as a democracy in this book still, but I'm not even sure that would be plausible because the children at school tell Stephen how horrible the organ factory is! Either scratch the democracy defense of America, as otherwise it doesn't make sense for such a system of oppression to exist, or have the greater society be in fierce defense of these policies.

With the defense of America being a democracy in this book still occurring, it does make sense for the people to talk about Russia as being a bad communist country. Again, the Cold War was still on when this book was written, but then there are also weird moments where the same characters in this books seem to be okay with Russia that feels inconsistent. Why do they consider fleeing to Russia, but then in the next breath worry so much about it being a communist country? Does it really matter whether they're communist or not if they are not the country murdering their own citizens? And why does George Duncan write to Russia to intervene of all places, when he is one of the people concerned with moving to a non-democratic country?

This brings be to an unfortunate problem that George Duncan is stupid. And yes, the book even admits this at one point! However, it's ridiculous to even consider writing to another country, let alone the country that was America's largest foe at the time, plus the crazy policies America has imposed, plus the explicit mention of invasion of privacy in America, to not even think of the possibility that the US might read your mail. Come on, bro, really? Yes, he admits stupidity, but this is another level of stupidity. This is a blatantly obvious possibility. On top of that, he doesn't admit at first what he wrote in his letter to Jon when Jon is openly complaining and accusing another man of ratting out Dr. Price and Steven? Bro. This then frustrated me when toward the end of the book, George's actions are then described as "beautiful," and George is reassured that he could not have known the outcome. Yes you could have, George. This was perfectly plausible, even likely. It's not like this system was recently instated. It's been 20 years since the new policies were put in place. Finally, regarding George, describing his plan to leave the country as a "half-baked scheme" is right. I agree with Jon on that. Which thus leads me to the next question about America's system.

I would have been asking why are passports allowable for the older citizens, but fortunately, they did end up being banned... at least somewhat. Before getting into that however, I do want to at least mention that it seems odd that George or anyone surrounding him wouldn't know that passports aren't allowed for people like him. Again, this system has been in place for 20 years, so one would think it would be rather well known when one cannot leave the country anymore, or at least have it clearly written at the passport facility somewhere. This seems like a FAQ that the person helping George would have immediately noticed, rather than it taking a week or two for the application to be denied.

Back to the bigger issue with travel and passports: It seems weird that the US would just let people leave the country if they're close to their 75th birthday, or even at all. I'm aware the country is supposed to be a democracy in the book, but if you know within the next few years that you could be killed, and you want to avoid that at all costs, it would seem obvious to leave the country and find a better option before this happens. Even with a family like Jon's, who have a kid that they know could be harvested for organs if found out, would not many people be trying to leave the country? This book makes it seem like there's options. If one can leave, it is just odd that the US wouldn't try to intervene earlier. You could maybe argue dealing with the elderly or disabled doesn't become the country's problem anymore if they flee, but then wouldn't a ton of people migrate out of the US, which would negatively impact the country's growth? If the US is still a capitalist country at this point, which there seems to be no indication otherwise, considering it's allegedly still a firm democracy, this would seem to be a problem for generating wealth in the country. America even bugs people frequently in an attempt to track people down, but what's the point, as the country seems to only care about you leaving the country once you are put in the age "lottery." This all then leads me back to griping with George when he is furious with Jon for not wanting to leave the country after he tells no one of his plan until it's time to go. I get time was of the essence, but it's hard for me to get past thinking that George maybe should have thought to get a passport before he turns 75. It only takes a week after all...

Now for a couple more issues, though not as big. Although I do think it is good that this book is shorter, making it more digestible, it sometimes breezes way to fast through some plot lines. Most notably would be Dr. Price's little story arc with Colonel Todd and the prison camp. Within one chapter, not even a very long chapter, Dr. Price is thrown in prison camp, where it is made blatant that Colonel Todd looks down on him greatly, only for a couple pages later for them to be on friendly, almost peer-like terms. Again, Dr. Price is a prisoner! Maybe flesh this out more, this could have been so much more interesting! Other things are breezed over and not mentioned much until after occurring, like George described being in a "deep depression" that largely happens off the pages.

This then finally leads to my last point; the need for focus. This books covers some great messages and ideas, such as loving your enemies, abortion, punishment of the disabled, zero negative child policy, euthanasia, drinking, communism versus democracy, trusting God and dealing with doubt. Notice how there are so many topics? I would argue too many, which is partially why some of the plot lines pass by way too quickly. A similar dystopia that covers the morality of interfering with the natural human race, but does it in a much better way is Gattaca, as it handles one main idea and the ethics behind it, rather than this book, which tries to tackle much more than the length of this book calls for.

I know I've been really nitpicky with Winterflight, but this book is supposed to be a "thought-provoker" or commentary, so I think it is more warranted than other reads. With some changes, such as either making America a non-democratic nation, or rethinking some of the logic behind enforcement of policy, as well as focusing on less to be able to flesh out main ideas more, and maybe cutting out some other minor policies, like Russia and communism, or even the zero/negative child policy (which also does not make sense if America wants to survive in this world) could have made this book so much better. I could see the vision, and there are some moments that are done very well, like the ending scene despite its tragedy, but for me it falls short.

2/5 - meh

Disclaimer: I write my thoughts down for fun sometimes. Not a professional here, so if I missed out on a detail that completely shatters everything I write, oh well.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking story. Published in 1981, it tells of government taking over America and requiring imperfect fetuses to be aborted and a euthanasia lottery for those over 75.

[R.A. Graves]

Fiction Story:
The Stanton family in this dystopian christian fiction story is facing trouble from two sides. Their 6-year-old son, Stephen is a hemophiliac. When the government finds out, they are ordered to bring him to the "Center for Life Support Systems" the organ factory. Stephen's Grandfather, George is 75 years old and has just received his letter of termination.


The Stanton family is not about to accept the fate that has been set for them. They attempt a number of things to ovoid what may ultimately be inevitable.


Christian Story:
The sorrow of this story is buoyed only be the faith of the characters. Even though the circumstances are dire, hope abounds; maybe the government will not rule harshly concerning Stephen; maybe Stephen can be healed; maybe the family can flee the country. Even if hope is pushed all the way to its bounds, at least there is always an assurance of heaven.


Have you ever had to ask yourself the question that Grace Stanton pondered?

"she wondered which she would choose: a child who would live to old age, and be eternally lost; or a child who would die at an early age, and go to be with Jesus?"

Themes Touched on (to name a few):

Obedience to government vs God:
I saw in some reviews how readers were astonished by the seemingly lack of outrage that many of the characters had concerning their "societal norms" but I feel it was a very realistic depiction of how the human psyche can normalize almost anything. On top of that, the bible tells us to obey and honor the government appointed over us. To me, the characters, or at least the Stantons, seem to feel trapped, and helpless.

Name it & Claim it:
Of course the Stantons tried a faith healer. Wouldn't you? It did not work and the so called healers blamed the Stantons for not having enough faith. I know its just a story but it was maddening because it's something that happens in real life too, often turning people away from faith altogether. Gladly it did not deter the Stantons from true faith.

Hope:
Which never fails! Go look up Romans 5: 3-5 Never mind it's right here.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

I do not want to spoil this one, so I'll end saying that we never know what will befall us, or else be foisted upon us from day to day, let a lone over the course of our lives. But through it all we know that we have a hope worthy of resting on. An ultimate and eternal hope.

[madi · Rating 2 out of 5]

honestly this book was doomed from the start for me with how it was set up & written. but i can look past that if it's promising with its results. & this book, it wasn't promising at all. my overall beef with this book is how it ended. 1.) it made no sense. it came out of left field & didn't have to happen. 2.) it contradicts everything you read about previously. george and, more so, stephen become top priority to keep alive. george wants to live for his wife, grace & jon want to keep stephen, a young kid, from the organ factory without having to lose him forever. so ideally, you don't end to book with a murder suicide & call it resolved? & 3.) it just kind of leaves everyone else with a big question mark next to their name. it's totally unresolved & seemed like a fast & poorly done excuse to end the book.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written in 1981 and looks ahead 30 years or so, making it close to the present. The author had a lot of the technological advances correct, although he used different terminology for them. In the future world, sick fetuses are aborted, sick children are sent to “organ factories” and the elderly are sent to “thanotels” where they are euthanized at the age of 75. Sounds like some of the outrageous thinking of certain factions today! Perhaps this is what the world is moving towards! This book views it all through the eyes of a Christian family and their struggle to understand and accept their fates. I found the book to drag at times with the author stating and restating the same things. A better author could have had more success with making it a more solid and satisfying read.

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, the plot gripped me from the beginning and I immediately became curious to see how the book would end. (I read the entire book in one sitting, in about 4-5 hours) The most interesting thing about the book was the author's purpose in writing it, which does not become clear until you read the "afterword" beyond the conclusion of the book. The author's purpose is, in some ways, a parallel of God's own purpose in our lives. We may not understand why certain things happen in our lives, but that doesn't change the fact that God has a purpose through everything, even though it may not make any sense at all until we meet Him at the end of this life. A must read for any believer.

[Mary Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Christian dystopian book written in 1981, by the author of The Gospel Blimp.

He questions some Christians’ unthinking obedience and trust in government rules and regs. In that, there are some recent lessons to consider and ponder. He had some insight in the progression of thought with our country’s acceptance and compliance with R vs W. Some world powers are going down this road behind doors and some in the open.
It is a bit of a time capsule piece.

I find the ending a problem.

It is a worthwhile read.

[Anthony · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book up until the ending. The totalitarian government was completely relatable especially since the covid lockdowns.
Unfortunately the hopelessness and actions taken at the end do not align with biblical values. I do not recommend this book.

[Thalia Szky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and tragic. It was an interesting read that made me wonder if our society is heading into disaster with how things are going.
I read this book years ago and re-read it because I remembered finding it worth reading but couldn’t remember the story very well other than the ending.

[Cynthia Salzman]

Excellent look at the end times. Makes you really think. I would highly recommend this book.

[D.M. Dutcher · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an odd book. It's a poorly written novel that is prescient, and has the seeds of a greater novel within it.

It's the future, and in the United States eugenics holds sway. Kids who have genetic conditions not only get aborted at birth, if they somehow make it to life, they risk discovery and a quick braindeath in the organ banks. Older people enter a euthanasia lottery at age 75, and when their number is up, they head to a thanotel to die. In this world, one family's hemophiliac son risks death, a doctor risks imprisonment for helping them, and a grandfather confronts the fact his number is up.

It's not well written at all. Clumsy prose, a lack of character consistency, and not much introspection make for a tedious read even with it's short length. But considering this book was written in 1981, it's oddly prescient in predicting genetic selection and abortion, and the euthanasia lottery becomes chilling not so much because of the characters, but because it's understated and realistic. Again, while it's not done particularly well, the characters react well to the dilemma, with double standards, and there's no "mark of the beast" hysteria.

It's the ending though that has the seeds for another book, and it's controversial enough to warrant an explanatory letter in the end. The grandfather tries desperately to get the child and his family overseas. In a twist which is hard to believe, and feels like another book, the family that had spent so much effort hiding the kid is hesitant about leaving the USA, and you can feel despite their feelings, they may give the kid up to the organ banks.

The grandfather is unable to get his passport renewed in time, and begs the family to have one last vacation with the boy. In a VERY unexpected scene, the grandfather walks with the child into the sea, ending both their lives. A murder-suicide ends the book.

The last part has the potential for a much greater story in it. There's so much that could have been discussed out of it that was neglected that it's frustrating. The kind of despair that would cause a Christian to do this, the problems of just and unjust death, and how something as powerful as inconvenience or comfort could lead to people rationalizing giving up their kid to the banks would have made for an explosive book. Sadly it's unrealized, and this book remains a bad novel with potential to the end.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking book dealing with the issues of euthanasia, and attitudes towards the elderly, and the disabled. In America in the future, the law requires those over the age of 75 to be euthanized, and imperfect babies to be aborted. Aborted babies are sent to the 'organ factory' or 'thanotel', to have their organs and body parts harvested over a number of years. A Christian family tries to protect two members of their family from this law, and struggle with what the Bible directs them to do: obey the law of the land, or try to save their loved ones. Dissenters are sent to prison; analogies are made to the time of Hitler. I wouldn't say they really answer the questions which are posed in the book, but they do cause one to think. Particularly with the assisted suicide law passed recently in Canada, and the law proposed to restrict physician's right to act according to their conscience, it's a timely book - written over 30 years ago. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars was because I thought it could have delved into the Christian answers to the questions a bit more, and stood more authoritatively on the Bible in terms of evolutionary ideas - but perhaps the author wanted to give us 'hints' and have readers wrestle it through themselves.

[Cortney Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book - I was floored that it was wrote in 1981 because this book was wrote so far ahead in time even then that its truly scary you can see the world heading in this direction. I don't know if I agree with the end, but I appreciate the letter in later editions that the Author attaches to explain why he ended the book the way he did, that he felt the letter at the end to the reader was necessary since he received such outspoken feedback when it was first released. Anyway, great book, quick read...gives you a lot to think about and pray about as well.

[◄○♦☻♦○►[faith.in.God]◘♪♪ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed the book but i'm a bit confused at the end.. why not getting their dignity and live more years of life and why suicide?? i thought a miracle was going to happen but it now surely did not. i guess the lesson might be 'miracles not just happen, you've got to believe it'll happen' which grace surely did not have faith it'll happen, or it might be 'miracles do not happen for all'.
but i love the novel as well even though there has been so much questions in my mind, it was quite a good story :)

[Natasha Petersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Winterflight has to be one of the most disappointing books I’ve read in a long time.
One of the big problems (for me) was that the parents do very little near the end to try save their son. While the grandfather tries everything he can think of to save his grandson, and himself.
I really hated the ending. At first I thought the grandfather was going to run away with his grandson, hire a boat and just sail away. The fact that he kills them both makes me feel cheated.
I’m sure there must have been a better way to end this story.

[Barbara Radisavljevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale I hope will not happen in my lifetime, but it could. In a society that no longer values life, a grandfather who is scheduled to die painlessly by his government because of his age, handles in his own way his sick grandson's similar government appointment. In this society, those who have diseases that require too much medical attention also get their euthanasia appointments.

[Stella Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. Not a lot of detail or fluff, but good meat in this straightforward story to chew on. Tough subject matter. Is a physically challenged person valuable? (YES!!!) Feels timely, frightening and maddening.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are not very far from this happening in our country. Makes you think.

[Chele]

TERRIBLE!!!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book probably 10 years ago, but it is one of my favorites. A new 25th anniversary edition is available. Check it out.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A powerful and disturbing story that I'll be thinking about for a long time. Some of the writing was a little stilted, especially conversations.

[Mcjieh]

sad story.,.,T_T

[Valerie Mabrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me stop and think. It also made me cry!

[Pete Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

haunting.