Anne ’s review of The Flight Portfolio > Likes and Comments
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I suggest that you read the responses to that NYT book review, including one from Varian Fry's own son, which address the exact line of the review that you quoted. Fry's son acknowledges his father's closeted homosexuality which occurred at a time when being openly gay endangered not only one's career, but one's life. His son makes clear that there is considerable direct evidence of this fact--even though it was created at a time when virtually all evidence of homosexuality would have been promptly destroyed, if even created--but he acknowledges that few historians have had access to it (including, apparently, biographer Sheila Isenberg, who also responded to the NYT review that Fry was not a homosexual and whose own book on Fry you reference above). Including this facet of Fry's life, albeit fictionalized, adds a new, unexamined dimension to his already-incredible story and, in my opinion, enhances it. Although the character of his lover if fictionalized, there is some public evidence that Fry did have a male lover (Stephane Hessel) for a time while he was in Marseille. Fry's status as a closeted homosexual in no way diminishes the dangerous, life-saving work that he did.
Thank you MKD. This is what I have been trying to tell everyone. This is a work of fiction and of course the official biographies wd not include this half of the story. 👍🏻
MKD wrote: "I suggest that you read the responses to that NYT book review, including one from Varian Fry's own son, which address the exact line of the review that you quoted. Fry's son acknowledges his father..."
I completely agree that "Fry's status as a closeted homosexual in no way diminishes" the important work that he did.
I read the son's response (after writing the above note and was negligent in not amending my note) and am now aware that there is evidence of an affair with a man. The point of the quote for me isn't whether he was homosexual or not, but the endless focus in "scene after scene" on the love affair. I in no way meant to imply that Fry being bi-sexual or homosexual diminished this book. It's only the author's preoccupation with and dramatic rendering of the love story that drew the focus away from the story of flight and rescue that bogged down the story and diminished my interest in the book.
Anne wrote: "It's only the author's preoccupation with and dramatic rendering of the love story that drew the focus away from the story of flight and rescue that bogged down the story and diminished my interest in the book."
She did the same with a heterosexual relationship in the beginning of The Invisible Bridge. It was mostly in the beginning and I despaired over it as it was too romance-y for my taste.
Like Teresa I had real problems with her The Invisible Bridge. WW2 used as a backdrop for the same old romance claptrap!
her book 'the invisible bridge' is one of my all time favourite books. thanks for your insights on this book. i find it interesting and weird. i wonder why she did it?
Julia,
I wonder the same thing.
Thank you for your specific bail review, it's so helpful in deciding if I want to read the book!
Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "Thank you for your specific bail review, it's so helpful in deciding if I want to read the book!"
You're welcome, Jenny. I assume that means that you may not read it. It's possible you could enjoy this book if you haven't already read about Fry's exceptional work in saving so many people. That alone is a fantastic story.
I wish I had read your review before I ordered this from BOMC. Have been very disappointed.
Patricia wrote: "I wish I had read your review before I ordered this from BOMC. Have been very disappointed."
Sorry to hear that but for me, it's nice to find another person who feels the same way about this book as I did.
April wrote: "Concur. But suffered through it."
I'm sorry to hear that! Did the love story remain so prominent throughout the story?
I wish I had seen this review before purchasing, I too am disappointed with reading what has become a sappy romance story. While I was intrigued with the initial plot presented to me, I lost interest and haven't regained it since.
Evana wrote: "I wish I had seen this review before purchasing, I too am disappointed with reading what has become a sappy romance story. While I was intrigued with the initial plot presented to me, I lost intere..."
Evana, sorry that you had the same experience. It's just so unbelievable and frustrating how the author messed up Varian Fry's brilliant efforts and successes in saving lives of hundred of artists and Jews. His story alone, not to mention the stories of the artists he saved, is thrilling enough. It really didn't need a romance thrown in which detracted from everything else in the book. But that's the way things are now with all WWII and Holocaust "lite" books. They are all filled with romance to entice a wider audience.
Your review comes as close to my opinion of the earlier parts of this book as any I've read. I almost stopped completely on multiple occasions, and at one time set it aside and read a "Cork O'Connor" mystery. I did finish it, however, and agree that things did pick up some later on. Eventually there were a couple of "mysteries" I wanted to see solved. Even had their relationship been factual, I thought Varian's and Grant's relationship would likely have hindered (if not thwarted) the mission had it taken as much time and emotion as it did in the novel
Good point. Varian was a busy man doing all sorts of illegal things right under the noses of the Vichy government. Given that, I just couldn't imagine him playing footsies under the table with his lover or anyone else. I didn't finish for the reasons I mentioned, but I had already read two books about him and his "work" so I knew his story, as well as the story of many artists whom he helped out of France. Those books read like thrillers but they are non-fiction.
Thank you for your comment, Albert.
I’m glad I’m reading your review now before I invest the time in this novel. It definitely sounds like the nonfiction works you’ve read would be much better. Thanks Anne.
Sue wrote: "I’m glad I’m reading your review now before I invest the time in this novel. It definitely sounds like the nonfiction works you’ve read would be much better. Thanks Anne."
My pleasure, Sue. :))
Always sad when a book falls so short. Hope your next one is better.
Antoinette wrote: "Always sad when a book falls so short. Hope your next one is better."
Antoinette, I read and reviewed this book 2 years ago so I'm over my disappointment. :))
Never noted the date. Yes you have read some wonderful books since then. 😁
Antoinette wrote: "Never noted the date. Yes you have read some wonderful books since then. 😁"
So true. 😀
I have felt the same way about the Flight Portfolio. I am 3/4 of the way through and I honestly can't understand why Orringer didn't tell a more truthful account of Fry whose story is already amazing without the forbidden love obsession. I dug deep enough to find a letter to the editor to the NY Times when another Fry biography had been written, by Fry's son. He confirmed that his father was a closeted homosexual and struggled deeply over this. But to me, it still doesn't justify Orringer's story. I love her writing and story telling and felt she did Fry a disservice. I know people who loved the book but they knew nothing about the real life Fry, but once you know, it is hard to continue.
I am very glad to be reading these comments! I have been slogging through this book and have been throughly annoyed and frustrated by the unnecessary and uninteresting “romance novel” writing which detracts from an amazing historical story. I have almost put the book down several times, but now will continue, hoping that I will also agree that it gets better after page 300!
Tracey wrote: "I have felt the same way about the Flight Portfolio. I am 3/4 of the way through and I honestly can't understand why Orringer didn't tell a more truthful account of Fry whose story is already amazi..."
The biographies I've read about Fry's work were fascinating. So much to discuss re: all Fry had to deal manage. Americans trying to prevent his work. Ditto the Nazis in occupied Paris. Then there were the people who helped him and all of the interesting refugees being housed before their escapes. Enough material for dozens of thrillers or biographies.
G. wrote: "I am very glad to be reading these comments! I have been slogging through this book and have been throughly annoyed and frustrated by the unnecessary and uninteresting “romance novel” writing which..."
You must be very patient. Hope the story picks up for you.
So glad I read these comments. I thought it was a well written, very interesting book, but if she had scaled down his constant angst, it would have been much better.
Martha wrote: "So glad I read these comments. I thought it was a well written, very interesting book, but if she had scaled down his constant angst, it would have been much better."
I agree, Martha!
Anne, Uh, oh. Thanks. I haven't read it but it's been on my list since I learned the book was to be published. I have loved this author's work.
Lisa wrote: "Anne, Uh, oh. Thanks. I haven't read it but it's been on my list since I learned the book was to be published. I have loved this author's work."
Many people loved it. Perhaps get a library copy?
Anne wrote: "Many people loved it. Perhaps get a library copy?."
Thanks, Anne. I might read it. I'd definitely read a library copy. As I get older I get pickier about how I spend my time including my reading time. It's not just a question of how I spend my money. It's how I spend my time. So many books, so little time is a real issue.
Lisa wrote: "Anne wrote: "Many people loved it. Perhaps get a library copy?."
Thanks, Anne. I might read it. I'd definitely read a library copy. As I get older I get pickier about how I spend my time including..."
Absolutely. I feel the same way.
I’ll be honest, Anne, I know nothing about Varian Fry. I’m glad to read your thoughts as I would hate to read a book that seems to have a heavy focus on his love interest versus him as a man. Will be a skip for me for sure.
Antoinette wrote: "I’ll be honest, Anne, I know nothing about Varian Fry. I’m glad to read your thoughts as I would hate to read a book that seems to have a heavy focus on his love interest versus him as a man. Will ..."
Yeah. His name is mostly unknown. But the names of many of the people he rescued are well-known. I think you'd be surprised by how many of their names you would recognize.
Good to know, Anne. May have to check out one of the biographies.
My mother worked for Mr. Fry as a bicycle courier in Marseilles during 1940. My father, who wisely left the Foreign Legion in Casablanca after the fall of France, met up with her there, and they received two fake passports to Lisbon from Fry’s fake passport maker, another legendary character. I don’t know from Julie Orringer, but there’s a memorial to Varian Fry today at the famous waterfront in Marseilles.
His sexual proclivities were not part this story.
Henry, Interesting story of how your family knew him.
Anne, I know I've seen and read things about him. I know of him and it would bother me to read things that weren't true about him. I think that if writers want to take a lot of artistic license they should write about ficitonal characters.
Henry wrote: "My mother worked for Mr. Fry as a bicycle courier in Marseilles during 1940. My father, who wisely left the Foreign Legion in Casablanca after the fall of France, met up with her there, and they re..."
I'm glad to know that there is a memorial to Fry in Marseilles. I only know about his passport-maker from recent movies, I think. A busy man, no doubt. And your mom was a courier for Fry. Not a safe job, I'm sure. She must have had good stories....
She was told never to look at what she was carrying, and she never did. She was 29 at that time.
Henry wrote: "She was told never to look at what she was carrying, and she never did. She was 29 at that time."
I'm amazed at how brave some people are.
Lisa, wrote, "Anne, I know I've seen and read things about him. I know of him and it would bother me to read things that weren't true about him. I think that if writers want to take a lot of artistic license they should write about fictional characters."
I couldn't agree more, Lisa! I enjoy some historical fiction a lot but I have mixed feelings about highly embellished fiction. When I read a novel based on fact I will finish the book thinking I know something about that person/time/place even though I know very well that i just read fiction. Does that make sense?
Henry wrote: "She was told never to look at what she was carrying, and she never did. She was 29 at that time."
I agree with Lisa. Brave woman. She was told not to look so she could be believably surprised if guards found something on her? She must have known what Fry was up to, right?
Anne wrote: "When I read a novel based on fact I will finish the book thinking I know something about that person/time/place even though I know very well that i just read fiction. Does that make sense?."
Anne, Yes! When I read historical fiction that covers real people and real events I often do research as I read or after I read. If I find major discrepancies I'm disappointed. If the facts are changed too much I'd rather read a non-fiction book on the subject.
Anne wrote: "I agree with Lisa. Brave woman. She was told not to look so she could be believably surprised if guards found something on her? She must have known what Fry was up to, right?."
I know that most people in the Resistance were supposed to know as little as possible. That way, if they were caught and tortured, they would have as little information as possible to reveal, including giving up any fellow resistance workers. Very brave people!
Lisa wrote: "Anne wrote: "When I read a novel based on fact I will finish the book thinking I know something about that person/time/place even though I know very well that i just read fiction. Does that make se..."
Same. I read a fictional account a couple years ago about a famous person and after doing some research I discovered that whole sections were purposely invented. As much as I could understand and respect the author's explanations I still wanted to know the truth. But that's different from the current trend to add love stories to WWII historical fiction. To be honest I find this new genre of "holocaust romance" to be distasteful but it's very popular so I'm in the minority on that one.
Anne wrote: "Same. I read a fictional account a couple years ago about a famous person and after doing some research I discovered that whole sections were purposely invented. As much as I could understand and respect the author's explanations I still wanted to know the truth. But that's different from the current trend to add love stories to WWII historical fiction. To be honest I find this new genre of "holocaust romance" to be distasteful but it's very popular so I'm in the minority on that one. ."
Anne, I feel the way that you do although I can think of at least one historical fiction book (WWII Nazi occupied Europe) with romance that I liked. It was not primarilyt a romance book though. I don't much like the romance genre anyway. I can enjoy romances in books but not romance genre books, at least only very rarely. If they're going to make things up they should make up entire fictional characters. If they're using real people/events they should write them <95% accurately.
Anne, I think most people who worked for Varian Fry were aware of the danger involved in their jobs, and what he was up to. In my mother’s case, she knew.
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I suggest that you read the responses to that NYT book review, including one from Varian Fry's own son, which address the exact line of the review that you quoted. Fry's son acknowledges his father's closeted homosexuality which occurred at a time when being openly gay endangered not only one's career, but one's life. His son makes clear that there is considerable direct evidence of this fact--even though it was created at a time when virtually all evidence of homosexuality would have been promptly destroyed, if even created--but he acknowledges that few historians have had access to it (including, apparently, biographer Sheila Isenberg, who also responded to the NYT review that Fry was not a homosexual and whose own book on Fry you reference above). Including this facet of Fry's life, albeit fictionalized, adds a new, unexamined dimension to his already-incredible story and, in my opinion, enhances it. Although the character of his lover if fictionalized, there is some public evidence that Fry did have a male lover (Stephane Hessel) for a time while he was in Marseille. Fry's status as a closeted homosexual in no way diminishes the dangerous, life-saving work that he did.
Thank you MKD. This is what I have been trying to tell everyone. This is a work of fiction and of course the official biographies wd not include this half of the story. 👍🏻
MKD wrote: "I suggest that you read the responses to that NYT book review, including one from Varian Fry's own son, which address the exact line of the review that you quoted. Fry's son acknowledges his father..."I completely agree that "Fry's status as a closeted homosexual in no way diminishes" the important work that he did.
I read the son's response (after writing the above note and was negligent in not amending my note) and am now aware that there is evidence of an affair with a man. The point of the quote for me isn't whether he was homosexual or not, but the endless focus in "scene after scene" on the love affair. I in no way meant to imply that Fry being bi-sexual or homosexual diminished this book. It's only the author's preoccupation with and dramatic rendering of the love story that drew the focus away from the story of flight and rescue that bogged down the story and diminished my interest in the book.
Anne wrote: "It's only the author's preoccupation with and dramatic rendering of the love story that drew the focus away from the story of flight and rescue that bogged down the story and diminished my interest in the book."She did the same with a heterosexual relationship in the beginning of The Invisible Bridge. It was mostly in the beginning and I despaired over it as it was too romance-y for my taste.
Like Teresa I had real problems with her The Invisible Bridge. WW2 used as a backdrop for the same old romance claptrap!
her book 'the invisible bridge' is one of my all time favourite books. thanks for your insights on this book. i find it interesting and weird. i wonder why she did it?
Julia,I wonder the same thing.
Thank you for your specific bail review, it's so helpful in deciding if I want to read the book!
Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "Thank you for your specific bail review, it's so helpful in deciding if I want to read the book!"You're welcome, Jenny. I assume that means that you may not read it. It's possible you could enjoy this book if you haven't already read about Fry's exceptional work in saving so many people. That alone is a fantastic story.
I wish I had read your review before I ordered this from BOMC. Have been very disappointed.
Patricia wrote: "I wish I had read your review before I ordered this from BOMC. Have been very disappointed."Sorry to hear that but for me, it's nice to find another person who feels the same way about this book as I did.
April wrote: "Concur. But suffered through it."I'm sorry to hear that! Did the love story remain so prominent throughout the story?
I wish I had seen this review before purchasing, I too am disappointed with reading what has become a sappy romance story. While I was intrigued with the initial plot presented to me, I lost interest and haven't regained it since.
Evana wrote: "I wish I had seen this review before purchasing, I too am disappointed with reading what has become a sappy romance story. While I was intrigued with the initial plot presented to me, I lost intere..."Evana, sorry that you had the same experience. It's just so unbelievable and frustrating how the author messed up Varian Fry's brilliant efforts and successes in saving lives of hundred of artists and Jews. His story alone, not to mention the stories of the artists he saved, is thrilling enough. It really didn't need a romance thrown in which detracted from everything else in the book. But that's the way things are now with all WWII and Holocaust "lite" books. They are all filled with romance to entice a wider audience.
Your review comes as close to my opinion of the earlier parts of this book as any I've read. I almost stopped completely on multiple occasions, and at one time set it aside and read a "Cork O'Connor" mystery. I did finish it, however, and agree that things did pick up some later on. Eventually there were a couple of "mysteries" I wanted to see solved. Even had their relationship been factual, I thought Varian's and Grant's relationship would likely have hindered (if not thwarted) the mission had it taken as much time and emotion as it did in the novel
Good point. Varian was a busy man doing all sorts of illegal things right under the noses of the Vichy government. Given that, I just couldn't imagine him playing footsies under the table with his lover or anyone else. I didn't finish for the reasons I mentioned, but I had already read two books about him and his "work" so I knew his story, as well as the story of many artists whom he helped out of France. Those books read like thrillers but they are non-fiction.Thank you for your comment, Albert.
I’m glad I’m reading your review now before I invest the time in this novel. It definitely sounds like the nonfiction works you’ve read would be much better. Thanks Anne.
Sue wrote: "I’m glad I’m reading your review now before I invest the time in this novel. It definitely sounds like the nonfiction works you’ve read would be much better. Thanks Anne."My pleasure, Sue. :))
Always sad when a book falls so short. Hope your next one is better.
Antoinette wrote: "Always sad when a book falls so short. Hope your next one is better."Antoinette, I read and reviewed this book 2 years ago so I'm over my disappointment. :))
Never noted the date. Yes you have read some wonderful books since then. 😁
Antoinette wrote: "Never noted the date. Yes you have read some wonderful books since then. 😁"So true. 😀
I have felt the same way about the Flight Portfolio. I am 3/4 of the way through and I honestly can't understand why Orringer didn't tell a more truthful account of Fry whose story is already amazing without the forbidden love obsession. I dug deep enough to find a letter to the editor to the NY Times when another Fry biography had been written, by Fry's son. He confirmed that his father was a closeted homosexual and struggled deeply over this. But to me, it still doesn't justify Orringer's story. I love her writing and story telling and felt she did Fry a disservice. I know people who loved the book but they knew nothing about the real life Fry, but once you know, it is hard to continue.
I am very glad to be reading these comments! I have been slogging through this book and have been throughly annoyed and frustrated by the unnecessary and uninteresting “romance novel” writing which detracts from an amazing historical story. I have almost put the book down several times, but now will continue, hoping that I will also agree that it gets better after page 300!
Tracey wrote: "I have felt the same way about the Flight Portfolio. I am 3/4 of the way through and I honestly can't understand why Orringer didn't tell a more truthful account of Fry whose story is already amazi..."The biographies I've read about Fry's work were fascinating. So much to discuss re: all Fry had to deal manage. Americans trying to prevent his work. Ditto the Nazis in occupied Paris. Then there were the people who helped him and all of the interesting refugees being housed before their escapes. Enough material for dozens of thrillers or biographies.
G. wrote: "I am very glad to be reading these comments! I have been slogging through this book and have been throughly annoyed and frustrated by the unnecessary and uninteresting “romance novel” writing which..."You must be very patient. Hope the story picks up for you.
So glad I read these comments. I thought it was a well written, very interesting book, but if she had scaled down his constant angst, it would have been much better.
Martha wrote: "So glad I read these comments. I thought it was a well written, very interesting book, but if she had scaled down his constant angst, it would have been much better."I agree, Martha!
Anne, Uh, oh. Thanks. I haven't read it but it's been on my list since I learned the book was to be published. I have loved this author's work.
Lisa wrote: "Anne, Uh, oh. Thanks. I haven't read it but it's been on my list since I learned the book was to be published. I have loved this author's work."Many people loved it. Perhaps get a library copy?
Anne wrote: "Many people loved it. Perhaps get a library copy?."Thanks, Anne. I might read it. I'd definitely read a library copy. As I get older I get pickier about how I spend my time including my reading time. It's not just a question of how I spend my money. It's how I spend my time. So many books, so little time is a real issue.
Lisa wrote: "Anne wrote: "Many people loved it. Perhaps get a library copy?."Thanks, Anne. I might read it. I'd definitely read a library copy. As I get older I get pickier about how I spend my time including..."
Absolutely. I feel the same way.
I’ll be honest, Anne, I know nothing about Varian Fry. I’m glad to read your thoughts as I would hate to read a book that seems to have a heavy focus on his love interest versus him as a man. Will be a skip for me for sure.
Antoinette wrote: "I’ll be honest, Anne, I know nothing about Varian Fry. I’m glad to read your thoughts as I would hate to read a book that seems to have a heavy focus on his love interest versus him as a man. Will ..."Yeah. His name is mostly unknown. But the names of many of the people he rescued are well-known. I think you'd be surprised by how many of their names you would recognize.
Good to know, Anne. May have to check out one of the biographies.
My mother worked for Mr. Fry as a bicycle courier in Marseilles during 1940. My father, who wisely left the Foreign Legion in Casablanca after the fall of France, met up with her there, and they received two fake passports to Lisbon from Fry’s fake passport maker, another legendary character. I don’t know from Julie Orringer, but there’s a memorial to Varian Fry today at the famous waterfront in Marseilles.His sexual proclivities were not part this story.
Henry, Interesting story of how your family knew him.Anne, I know I've seen and read things about him. I know of him and it would bother me to read things that weren't true about him. I think that if writers want to take a lot of artistic license they should write about ficitonal characters.
Henry wrote: "My mother worked for Mr. Fry as a bicycle courier in Marseilles during 1940. My father, who wisely left the Foreign Legion in Casablanca after the fall of France, met up with her there, and they re..."I'm glad to know that there is a memorial to Fry in Marseilles. I only know about his passport-maker from recent movies, I think. A busy man, no doubt. And your mom was a courier for Fry. Not a safe job, I'm sure. She must have had good stories....
She was told never to look at what she was carrying, and she never did. She was 29 at that time.
Henry wrote: "She was told never to look at what she was carrying, and she never did. She was 29 at that time."I'm amazed at how brave some people are.
Lisa, wrote, "Anne, I know I've seen and read things about him. I know of him and it would bother me to read things that weren't true about him. I think that if writers want to take a lot of artistic license they should write about fictional characters."I couldn't agree more, Lisa! I enjoy some historical fiction a lot but I have mixed feelings about highly embellished fiction. When I read a novel based on fact I will finish the book thinking I know something about that person/time/place even though I know very well that i just read fiction. Does that make sense?
Henry wrote: "She was told never to look at what she was carrying, and she never did. She was 29 at that time."I agree with Lisa. Brave woman. She was told not to look so she could be believably surprised if guards found something on her? She must have known what Fry was up to, right?
Anne wrote: "When I read a novel based on fact I will finish the book thinking I know something about that person/time/place even though I know very well that i just read fiction. Does that make sense?."Anne, Yes! When I read historical fiction that covers real people and real events I often do research as I read or after I read. If I find major discrepancies I'm disappointed. If the facts are changed too much I'd rather read a non-fiction book on the subject.
Anne wrote: "I agree with Lisa. Brave woman. She was told not to look so she could be believably surprised if guards found something on her? She must have known what Fry was up to, right?."I know that most people in the Resistance were supposed to know as little as possible. That way, if they were caught and tortured, they would have as little information as possible to reveal, including giving up any fellow resistance workers. Very brave people!
Lisa wrote: "Anne wrote: "When I read a novel based on fact I will finish the book thinking I know something about that person/time/place even though I know very well that i just read fiction. Does that make se..."Same. I read a fictional account a couple years ago about a famous person and after doing some research I discovered that whole sections were purposely invented. As much as I could understand and respect the author's explanations I still wanted to know the truth. But that's different from the current trend to add love stories to WWII historical fiction. To be honest I find this new genre of "holocaust romance" to be distasteful but it's very popular so I'm in the minority on that one.
Anne wrote: "Same. I read a fictional account a couple years ago about a famous person and after doing some research I discovered that whole sections were purposely invented. As much as I could understand and respect the author's explanations I still wanted to know the truth. But that's different from the current trend to add love stories to WWII historical fiction. To be honest I find this new genre of "holocaust romance" to be distasteful but it's very popular so I'm in the minority on that one. ."Anne, I feel the way that you do although I can think of at least one historical fiction book (WWII Nazi occupied Europe) with romance that I liked. It was not primarilyt a romance book though. I don't much like the romance genre anyway. I can enjoy romances in books but not romance genre books, at least only very rarely. If they're going to make things up they should make up entire fictional characters. If they're using real people/events they should write them <95% accurately.
Anne, I think most people who worked for Varian Fry were aware of the danger involved in their jobs, and what he was up to. In my mother’s case, she knew.
Thank you, Elyse. I haven't been able to continue reading this love story.