Airman Mortensen

by Michael Blake

It is 1966 and eighteen-year-old Airman Mortensen has gotten into trouble on a U.S. Air Force base in the southwest. He has disobeyed an officer's order and his punishment begins with permanent latrine duty. He spends day after uncertain day cleaning bathrooms while the paperwork for a court martial makes its way slowly through channels. But at the point his life seems darkest the young airman meets Claire Brill, the base commander's daughter. They fall in love with each other, surrendering completely to the intensity and beauty of first love. Their union triggers a key drama in Airman Mortensen's life, all of it set against the backdrop of Saturday night dances, surprise inspections, and the constant search for places to be alone. At its core Airman Mortensen is about the time in life when purity of heart and rebellion are inextricably mixed. Luminous and precise, Blake's voice captures the restless and indomitable sprit of youth which inhabits us all.

Genres: Fiction

300 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1991

About the author

The author of several novels, including the New York Times #1 Bestseller Dances With Wolves and winner of the 1991 Academy Award.

Reviews

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the same author that wrote Dances With Wolves. This novel is nothing like that. If I had a better idea of what it was about I would not have read it. I am glad I did. It's about a young airman, who is not dealing with his time in the air force well, and his first real love. Yes, it's a love story. The story is good enough and the characters are interesting enough that I read the whole thing and liked it. I can't say I would recommend, but it was good enough that I finished it and looked forward to what would happen next.

[Justin Bettross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book about the life of a airman that goes against the system. He falls for the girl of his dreams and it details their relationship. It's funny at times, crude, and enjoyable! It is the third Michael Blake book I've read and although I did not enjoy it as much as dancing with wolves or the holy road I'd still recommend it.

[Kenneth Pepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. An introspective journey of an 18 year old USAF Airman on a journey from teenager to adult. Humorous, sometimes funny encounters with the military system, differing cultures, girls, alcohol and love."