The Boy with Wings

by Berta Ruck

"The Boy with Wings" by Berta Ruck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Gwenna Williams, a young Welsh girl who has left her rural home to pursue a life in London. Here, amidst the excitement of the aviation world, she dreams of adventure and love, particularly with a charming airman named Paul Dampier. The opening of the novel introduces Gwenna and her friends as they attend a flying exhibition at Hendon. Enchanted by the sight of biplanes soaring through the sky, Gwenna feels a spark of passion and longing for a life filled with excitement. As the story unfolds, she expresses her desire to fly and becomes enthralled by Paul Dampier, who embodies the adventurous spirit she yearns for. The narrative captures her youthful enthusiasm as she navigates new experiences, friendships, and the throes of first love, setting the stage for her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she may face as the backdrop of World War I looms ahead.