Historical fiction frequently sends me off in search of non-fiction about the person, the time, or the place. I usually rate those books more highly because the author did a good job of piquing my interest beyond their own story. In this case, however, I want this story to be true. Benjamin has crafted a perfect fictional autobiography of Anne Morrow Lindbergh--initially compliant, but adventurous--a woman who deals with tragedy, raises a large family by herself after being essentially abandoned by her heroic but deeply flawed husband. Anne's resilience, intelligence, and bravery shine through this narrative that deals with a woman's life writ large. She struggles with issues all women will find familiar, but in the harsh light of public scrutiny, hounded by the press and strangers who feel they have a claim on her and her husband because of their fame. 
 Back to my original premise, I want to read Anne's book Gift from the Sea, but I don't want to read a biography of her life. I did peek ahead at the Author's Note to see how closely Benjamin followed the known story and was satisfied that she did her homework. It's the emotional truth of The Aviator's Wife that I don't want spoiled with the facts. Benjamin did her job well.