The Way The Crow Flies is about a family's move to a Canadian air force base during the Cold War. Their seemingly perfect life is marred by secrets and a shocking event, which leads to an enthralling mystery.
Table of Content
The Way The Crow Flies Book Summary
Maddie Leavitt, a bright and curious nine-year-old, moves with her family to an air force base in Canada. Her father, Russell, is a master corporal, and her mother, Lori, strives to fit the role of a perfect military wife.
Maddie's world is shaped by the secrecy and tension of the Cold War. She befriends Ben Williams, and together they begin to unravel the mysteries that surround their lives.
An event shatters the base's calm: a little girl is found strangled, and Maddie's world is thrown into disarray. Suspicions arise, and the base is gripped by fear and paranoia.
Maddie's family holds its own secrets. Russell's past returns to haunt him, and Lori grapples with the burden of maintaining appearances in a military community that values conformity.
Maddie's exploration of the base leads her to the Griersons, a family with a troubled history. Mrs. Grierson's odd behavior and Mr. Grierson's sudden disappearance become a focal point of the investigation.
The base commander, King, exerts his influence over the investigation, leaving the truth obscured. Maddie and Ben continue to seek answers, uncovering a complex web of deceit and betrayal.
The tension escalates when Maddie's brother, Bo, is accused of the little girl's murder. Maddie is determined to prove his innocence and delves deeper into the base's secrets.
Maddie's pursuit of the truth brings her close to danger, as she confronts the dark underbelly of the seemingly idyllic military base. She discovers evidence that points to the real murderer, a revelation that could change everything.
The Leavitt family's stability is further tested when Maddie's mother, Lori, comes face to face with her own past and the choices she made that led them to the air force base.
As the investigation unfolds, Maddie and Ben's efforts are overlooked by the adults around them. They must rely on their own courage and resourcefulness to ensure justice is served.
The Cold War backdrop intensifies the atmosphere, as Maddie navigates through a world where loyalties are questioned and alliances are fragile.
In a dramatic climax, Maddie exposes the true killer, vindicating her brother and bringing closure to the community. The Leavitt family confronts their own demons, emerging stronger despite the harrowing experiences.
The way the crow flies, Maddie's journey through the air force base mirrors her growth and the transformation of her family. They find a new sense of freedom and understanding that can only come from confronting the truth.
The Way The Crow Flies Quotes
- The world is made up of too many separate people.
- The truth is, there is no such thing as a perfect family.
- We are all the same, we are all different, we are all shades of grey, but we are all human.
The Way The Crow Flies Ending Explained
At the end of The Way The Crow Flies, Maddie's relentless pursuit of the truth leads to a dramatic revelation.
She discovers evidence that clears her brother's name and points to the real killer within the base's community, bringing a resolution to the murder case that has plagued them.
The Leavitt family, having faced their own personal trials throughout the story, begins the process of moving forward, healing from the past, and rebuilding their lives with a newfound sense of honesty and strength.
Characters in book The Way The Crow Flies
- Maddie Leavitt: The intelligent and inquisitive nine-year-old protagonist, whose curiosity often leads her to uncover hidden truths.
- Russell Leavitt: Maddie's father, a master corporal in the Royal Canadian Air Force, who is protective but harbors a secret past.
- Lori Leavitt: Maddie's mother, a resilient and caring woman, who struggles with the expectations of being a perfect military wife.
- Bo Leavitt: Maddie's brother, a teenager who is fiercely protective of his sister and has his own challenges.
- Luann Leavitt: Maddie's little sister, a playful child whose innocence contrasts with the dark events of the story.
- Ben Williams: Maddie's classmate and close friend, who shares her curiosity and becomes involved in uncovering the truth.
- Mrs. Macaulay: Maddie's teacher, a compassionate figure who provides guidance and support to Maddie.
- Mrs. Grierson: A neighbor at the air force base, whose peculiar behavior becomes a point of intrigue for Maddie.
- Mr. Grierson: Mrs. Grierson's husband, whose mysterious disappearance forms a central part of the plot.
- King: The base commander, whose authority and influence affect the lives of the Leavitt family and the surrounding community.
Key Lessons
- Question Authority: It's important to critically evaluate the actions and decisions of those in power, and to seek the truth when faced with injustice.
- Value Honesty: The truth, however difficult, is the foundation on which trust and integrity are built.
- Understand Compromise: Life often involves making difficult choices; understanding the reasons behind them can lead to empathy and forgiveness.
- Seek Justice: Standing up for what is right, even in the face of fear or opposition, is a noble and important pursuit.
- Accept Change: Embracing change can lead to personal growth and the discovery of new strengths and opportunities.
My Personal Opinion
Is The Way The Crow Flies worth reading? I found it deeply captivating. The complex narrative weaves together the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of the adult world.
I was struck by the depth of the characters and the skillful way the author portrays the impact of historical events on individual lives. However, the story's length sometimes led to tangents that, while beautifully written, could slow the pace for some readers.
I would recommend this book to those who appreciate intricate storytelling and historical fiction. It's a powerful exploration of morality and the human condition, and it's best suited for readers who can invest in a more substantial novel.