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Oh, That I Had Wings: A Novel
Jack Langdon has always heard the call of destiny. As a boy, it called to him through the lonesome sound of a train whistle, and through his Grandmother's prophecies.
Now, in the summer of 1917, the call is stronger than ever. The Great War takes him from his home in the hills of Virginia, setting him on a path of tragedy and romance that will soon have him finding his place in the world.
Now, in the summer of 1917, the call is stronger than ever. The Great War takes him from his home in the hills of Virginia, setting him on a path of tragedy and romance that will soon have him finding his place in the world.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2009
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328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 4, 2019
This was a pretty good story. I did get a bit frustrated with the story line but I think that was more my personal life getting in the way of the story than anything else. I also have the next book called Finding Grace which I am looking forward to reading. It is a pretty quick read although not sure why it took me so long. Flowed well and the characters were very likeable, except for the father that is.
June 8, 2011
I received the book through Goodreads, which was exciting in itself, and I also received a note from Pawley, which was very kind! Although I received it early in the year, I was bogged down by my graduate work to be able to read anything for fun, so finally getting to enjoy this was a real pleasure. The plotline tracking Jack through his childhood to his marriage reminded me a lot of a male version of Jane Eyre, and I liked Pawley's way of showing his emerging character. However, that said, I felt that in many ways the book was too predictable. Although I liked Alice's character (quite a bit actually, though perhaps her unfailing strength was a tad unlikely), I was a little unimpressed by the ease of their relationship. Even though I like the idea that Jack dreams of his future wife before marrying her, I felt like it was too easy and very unlikely in real life (although I understand that fiction is NOT real life). I was very disappointed in the implausible reunification of Jack and his red-headed love when he returns from the war, and I had to fight against my urge to not finish the book. I felt like the arc of the story ended there, even though there were several chapters that followed with other small conflicts. I found myself wishing that Jack had not found her again.
In terms of the other minor characters, I thought Henry was the most fleshed out. I felt like even in the small scenes we had of him, we were able to infer such a depth in his character that we don't have in many of the others. I also liked the Esme plot, and I felt that the scenes in which Jack was in the war and in Paris were the most riveting. As another reviewer mentioned, I too was distracted by the grammatical and syntactical errors in my copy of the book, but it is possible that the version I received through Goodreads was an earlier version of the novel.
Overall, I think Pawley did a great job on the plot. Her delving into the mind of Jack Langdon was a feat that she pulled off well. I found myself rooting for him even if I didn't want to at times, and ultimately, his happiness made me thrilled, which, as far as literary absorption goes, is in my opinion, a huge success. Though I haven't read any of her other works, I have no doubt that they are filled with as much heart as Jack Langdon is, and as much faith in humanity as this book proved to have.
In terms of the other minor characters, I thought Henry was the most fleshed out. I felt like even in the small scenes we had of him, we were able to infer such a depth in his character that we don't have in many of the others. I also liked the Esme plot, and I felt that the scenes in which Jack was in the war and in Paris were the most riveting. As another reviewer mentioned, I too was distracted by the grammatical and syntactical errors in my copy of the book, but it is possible that the version I received through Goodreads was an earlier version of the novel.
Overall, I think Pawley did a great job on the plot. Her delving into the mind of Jack Langdon was a feat that she pulled off well. I found myself rooting for him even if I didn't want to at times, and ultimately, his happiness made me thrilled, which, as far as literary absorption goes, is in my opinion, a huge success. Though I haven't read any of her other works, I have no doubt that they are filled with as much heart as Jack Langdon is, and as much faith in humanity as this book proved to have.
December 7, 2010
I was fortunate to win this book through the Goodreads book giveaway. The book arrived with a personal card and note from the author which was a lovely surprise!
The protagonist in Oh, That I Had Wings is Jack Langdon, and the story is primarily told from his perspective. It describes his personal journey from a young boy to married adulthood, and from his close-knit farm community to the streets of Europe.
I found the descriptions of Jack's relationships with his family very true-to-life. It was understandable that he was conflicted in his relationship with his mother, as she did nothing to protect him from his father's brutality, and provided little in the way of nurturing. His relationship with his grandmother provided the love and stability he so desired, and her influence was seen throughout his life -- especially as it pertained to his younger sister. I was left wondering why his father was so angry and abusive, when it was his mother that was so nurturing to Jack.
Although the overall plot of the novel was somewhat predictable, the scenes in the book during Jack's war service were very compelling. The cruel way in which men suffered (and continue to suffer) both physically and mentally during and after the war were dealt with in a realistic fashion. The questioning by the characters of their religious beliefs was neatly juxtaposed with the bible quotes they had learned from their earliest days,and struggled to hold on to.
If I had to find one fault with this book, I would have to say that I was distracted by the number of grammatical and typing errors. For example, pronouns were mixed at times, as were the names of some of the characters. A more careful editing should take care of these errors for future printings.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a welcome addition to my home library.
The protagonist in Oh, That I Had Wings is Jack Langdon, and the story is primarily told from his perspective. It describes his personal journey from a young boy to married adulthood, and from his close-knit farm community to the streets of Europe.
I found the descriptions of Jack's relationships with his family very true-to-life. It was understandable that he was conflicted in his relationship with his mother, as she did nothing to protect him from his father's brutality, and provided little in the way of nurturing. His relationship with his grandmother provided the love and stability he so desired, and her influence was seen throughout his life -- especially as it pertained to his younger sister. I was left wondering why his father was so angry and abusive, when it was his mother that was so nurturing to Jack.
Although the overall plot of the novel was somewhat predictable, the scenes in the book during Jack's war service were very compelling. The cruel way in which men suffered (and continue to suffer) both physically and mentally during and after the war were dealt with in a realistic fashion. The questioning by the characters of their religious beliefs was neatly juxtaposed with the bible quotes they had learned from their earliest days,and struggled to hold on to.
If I had to find one fault with this book, I would have to say that I was distracted by the number of grammatical and typing errors. For example, pronouns were mixed at times, as were the names of some of the characters. A more careful editing should take care of these errors for future printings.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a welcome addition to my home library.
August 29, 2009
Jack Langdon is the oldest. He has two brothers and one sister. When Jack was just nine years old, he can remember his grandmother telling him that someday a very special lady will come into his life and he will be her champion. Jack has been a pillar for his family. His mother, brothers and sister depend on him. Jack is ready for a change. To escapes his family and make his way in life, Jack enlists in the military. While fighting, he gets injured. He meets a nice young, nurse but his persist ways, turn her off.
Jack returns him to many changes. His father barely acknowledges his existence for leaving his family, his mother still sees him as her little boy. The only person that is really excited to have Jack back is his sister…Grace. To Grace, Jack has always been her white knight in shining armor. Jack thinks about packing up and leaving again but that was before he met the lovely Alice Miller, the local schoolteacher. Alice and Jack’s relationship tears the town apart. Will Alice and Jack be able to say strong and survive?
I really liked Oh, That I Had Wings. The story line was simple as well as the characters but this is why I enjoyed this book. Jack is a very strong main character. He made you feel for him and you couldn’t help but want to know what he was doing every step of the way. Grace is like a breath of fresh air. She has this innocents about her that is sweet. Oh, That I Had Wings may seem intimidating at over five hundred pages but don’t let that stop you as I devoured this book in one day. I don’t know what Sarah Pawley has in store next but I am sure it will be good.
Jack returns him to many changes. His father barely acknowledges his existence for leaving his family, his mother still sees him as her little boy. The only person that is really excited to have Jack back is his sister…Grace. To Grace, Jack has always been her white knight in shining armor. Jack thinks about packing up and leaving again but that was before he met the lovely Alice Miller, the local schoolteacher. Alice and Jack’s relationship tears the town apart. Will Alice and Jack be able to say strong and survive?
I really liked Oh, That I Had Wings. The story line was simple as well as the characters but this is why I enjoyed this book. Jack is a very strong main character. He made you feel for him and you couldn’t help but want to know what he was doing every step of the way. Grace is like a breath of fresh air. She has this innocents about her that is sweet. Oh, That I Had Wings may seem intimidating at over five hundred pages but don’t let that stop you as I devoured this book in one day. I don’t know what Sarah Pawley has in store next but I am sure it will be good.
March 23, 2011
I loved this book, and will be adding the other in this series, Saving Grace, to my list to read. I won this on Goodreads First Reads giveaway...what a thrill! :) The author, Sarah, included a note and signed the book...such a nice touch!
This book is an an engaging story of a man who came from a poor Virginia town, and follows him from age 10, through the WWI, his first love, a great loss, a return home...until he begins his new life as an adult. The characters are well written, and very real to the reader. I had difficulty putting it down, as my family will attest. :)
Like another reviewer stated, the *only* distraction is what appear to be typographical errors, and odd spacing...I'm assuming from the editing process. A few places seem to have text missing, as if something was removed, and nothing put back in it's place. There is one *big* error, that really bothered me, but is easy to fix in future publications...the teacher stated that the 2nd amendment guarantees her right to free speech...that is the 1st amendment...the 2nd is the right to bear arms...I don't think Alice would make the mistake.
The book ended just right...making me want just a little bit more. :)
This book is an an engaging story of a man who came from a poor Virginia town, and follows him from age 10, through the WWI, his first love, a great loss, a return home...until he begins his new life as an adult. The characters are well written, and very real to the reader. I had difficulty putting it down, as my family will attest. :)
Like another reviewer stated, the *only* distraction is what appear to be typographical errors, and odd spacing...I'm assuming from the editing process. A few places seem to have text missing, as if something was removed, and nothing put back in it's place. There is one *big* error, that really bothered me, but is easy to fix in future publications...the teacher stated that the 2nd amendment guarantees her right to free speech...that is the 1st amendment...the 2nd is the right to bear arms...I don't think Alice would make the mistake.
The book ended just right...making me want just a little bit more. :)
August 6, 2016
I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program.
I have to say I was completely charmed to receive a handwritten note by the author, and it was humbling to see how much it cost to send the book overseas.
It seems that most of the American war era novels I to read take place during WWII, and it was refreshing to read something that takes place during The Great War. I found the descriptions of the main character's war experiences to be easily imagined. It also helped that various places in the book, like Paris and Chicago, are places I have been, and so I could picture places in my minds eye. It was fun to imagine places like the Eiffel Tower, Lincoln Park and the Edgewater Hotel as they may have been in the early 1900s.
I did think that some of the minor characters seemed very one dimentional, and I would have liked to see them more developed. But this was an enjoyable read (definitely of the romance genre) and I'm glad to add it to my collection.
I have to say I was completely charmed to receive a handwritten note by the author, and it was humbling to see how much it cost to send the book overseas.
It seems that most of the American war era novels I to read take place during WWII, and it was refreshing to read something that takes place during The Great War. I found the descriptions of the main character's war experiences to be easily imagined. It also helped that various places in the book, like Paris and Chicago, are places I have been, and so I could picture places in my minds eye. It was fun to imagine places like the Eiffel Tower, Lincoln Park and the Edgewater Hotel as they may have been in the early 1900s.
I did think that some of the minor characters seemed very one dimentional, and I would have liked to see them more developed. But this was an enjoyable read (definitely of the romance genre) and I'm glad to add it to my collection.
April 20, 2010
The prequel to Finding Grace is about Grace's big brother, Jack. Much of the story I knew already, since I read Finding Grace first. However author Pawley's enjoyable writing style kept me reading. I really enjoyed the part that is not mentioned in Finding Grace, Jack's stint in the army during WWI. I was surprised at how realistically Pawley portrayed life in the trenches, in the hospital, and on the streets of France during wartime. I slightly preferred Finding Grace over this book, however that has more to do with personal preference (possibly preferring to read a story from a female point of view) than for any fault of the story. In fact, I think this one is the more polished of the two--it seems Pawley is becoming quite adept at telling a tale! I look forward to more from her.
February 5, 2011
This is a book I couldn't put down! I loved the story line. I enjoyed this book very much! The author has a way of making you feel as if you are really there, not just a casual observer. She touches your emotions on every page. The characters are so real, so the book doesn't say "fiction." It could have really taken place during the war. I'm sure many people could relate to the plights of Jack and his family. It grabs your attention from the first page. I am looking forward to Sarah Pawley's next book.
December 3, 2013
This is a book I couldn't put down! I loved the story line, and the period! The author has a way of making you feel as if you are really there, not just a casual observer. She touches your emotions on every page. The characters are so real, so the book doesn't say "fiction." It could have really taken place during the war. I'm sure many people could relate to the plights of Jack and his family. It grabs your attention from the first page. I am looking forward to Sarah Pawley's next book.
September 28, 2012
I am so pleased to have met The Langdons. Basically, I enjoyed the book, however the first half of the book (5 stars), was much more interesting than the latter. I think the story could have been told in fewer pages as I found myself struggling to finish it.However, I will read FINDING GRACE, which is the second book in the series.
December 31, 2012
Based early 1900's. Sarah's writing style flows and keeps you interested. I was able to set it down, but the story line keeps you wanting to pick the book back up to read. I am starting book 2 and can't wait to see where Grace finds herself. Btw, I'm a WV born and bred gal. Miss my home state and stomping grounds of Charleston!
March 9, 2013
A WWI novel. It was ok, but it could have been much better. The writing was decent, but not gripping or spectacular. The plot was okay, but sometimes a bit confusing. And, as I keep finding, the editing was so-so. Not horrible like in others, but many of the typos were simple fixes that someone who isn't the author should be able to catch with a read-through.
August 24, 2013
Started off really good, then completely non-eventful. I kept waiting for something to happen, for it to build into some type of climax, but nothing. Mostly just descriptions of how much he adored her, and how she was just wonderful, and how she adored him, and how they giggled and teased....just not my type of book I guess.
April 6, 2011
Read this after reading "Finding Grace". Was delighted to find more background to the frat
Book and quite satisfied I read in the order I did. I loved this story and would absolutely love to read more about life with the Langdon's in the city!
Book and quite satisfied I read in the order I did. I loved this story and would absolutely love to read more about life with the Langdon's in the city!
September 10, 2011
Loved this story of a family in the hills of VA during WWI era. Jack is sent off to War in France and comes home a changed man to see the blatant prejudices and ignorance that he thought he had left behind.
May 6, 2012
A decent read. Not as good and the 2nd book, Finding Grace, which i read first. It reminded me. A lot of a nicholas sparks book. It was nice to find out the back story of the langdon family.
June 22, 2013
I quite enjoyed the beginning and end of this book, although I did fine the middle a bit drawn out and boring. However, by the time I got to the end I wanted to read the sequel, so have downloaded it.
July 23, 2016
This is a book that has stuck with me for years, I have only just remembered the title to write a review. I read this through wattpad back in 2011, I really have no words for it - it is such a heartwarming book, please do read it. I am hoping to re-read this to write a proper review soon
September 22, 2010
Enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading Finding Grace to see how her story continues.
August 17, 2014
don't think anyone used the term "uptight" back in 1920. More like 1 1/2* rating. Don't bother with sequel.
September 15, 2012
I would really give it 2.5 stars it was just an ok book. Slow starting then it picked up and was a good read. Different small things annoyed me about the book.
February 14, 2013
it was ok - I was waiting for something that didn't happen. nice enough story, just not the best writing I've ever encountered.
Want to read
November 2, 2012set during WW I. prequel to Saving Grace.
May 5, 2014
Liked it.
I thought this was a pretty good book for the story line I don't feel the characters were fully developed but it made for an easy read.
I thought this was a pretty good book for the story line I don't feel the characters were fully developed but it made for an easy read.
July 18, 2012
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews