East to the Dawn by Susan Butler 4/5 🛩️s

As a work of nonfiction, it is expertly researched: covering the entire life of Amelia Earhart, this book spares no expense covering her family history, childhood, early adult hood, all the way up to her final flight at the age of 39. It doesn't entertain wild theories about her either: it is upfront about her extra-marital affair, her less-than- reputable professional relations, and the role luck (as well as wealth and connections) played in her rise to fame. 

As a lesbian, I can say I always *hoped* Amelia was too. But based on this text, it isn't likely. With how well documented her life is (through her own extensive letter writing), I must concede her short hair and masculine fashion reflect the practicality of her profession. Alas. 

I will admit, this book is slow and long. It will often linger too long on people only tangentially related to Amelia (was a whole chapter dedicated to her great grandmother and grandmother necessary? Unlikely), but overall a solid biography with riveting details I never knew about her life and career.

How sad it is we live in a world where Amelia is perpetually 39, lost to sea, and not in one where she finally got to publish her poetry or books.