HAMDEN, Conn. – Women who wanted to pursue non-combat flying careers during World War II faced a storm of opposition from nearly everyone as Welles T. Brandriff documents in his historical fiction novel “Born to Soar” (ISBN 1466480157).
Brandriff shares the story of young and rebellious Kelly Rossiter who goes against her father’s wishes and applies for the Women’s Air Service Pilots (WASP) program. Upon discovering that her father intercepted the acceptance telegram, Kelly storms out of his office and insults Army Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Kirk Singleton who's visiting her father on business.
A mutual attraction arises between the two and they begin to develop a relationship despite their first encounter. A few weeks after graduating from the WASP pilot training program, Kelly is approached by a slightly inebriated lieutenant who makes cracks about the piloting ability of women and WASP pilots killed in aircraft accidents.
In a fit of rage, Kelly leaps on to the lieutenant and tries to strangle him. Kirk pulls her off but Kelly challenges the fighter pilot to a mock dogfight the following morning to see who is the better pilot.
Kelly’s adventures and challenges drive her to carve out a meaningful role for herself in a male-dominated career field.
With the recent renewed interest of World War II and the WASPs receiving a Congressional Gold Medal in 2009, Brandriff believes his story is important for readers to know about.
“A lot of veterans of WWII are in their 80s or older and are passing from the scene,” Brandriff says. “It’s important to remember the challenges women had to face during the war years when they wanted to pursue non-combat flying careers and make a contribution to the winning of WWII.”
“Born to Soar” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.
Events
Welles Brandriff to Discuss Born To Soar Novel at Cheshire Library Book Talk
January 19th, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Brandriff will discuss his book and the WASP program. He will also sign and sell copies of the book.
MEDIA CONTACT
Welles T. Brandriff
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (203) 288-1015
REVIEW COPIES AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE