The Highflyers

by Clarence Budington Kelland

"The Highflyers" by Clarence Budington Kelland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of a group of affluent young men in Detroit, particularly focusing on Potter Waite, whose reckless adventurisms and family background are central to the narrative. As the tumult of World War I begins to creep into their lives, the characters grapple with themes of wealth, responsibility, and the looming specter of war. The opening of "The Highflyers" introduces Fred La Mothe and his friends as they engage in lively conversation in the Hotel Pontchartrain, reflecting their privileged lives and the era’s carefree spirit. The narrative quickly shifts to discussions about Potter Waite, a charismatic but reckless figure, showcasing his carefree attitude towards life and impending war, along with the tensions brewing beneath the surface of their social environment. The chapter gives a vivid depiction of Detroit's transformation through the wealth generated by the automobile industry, setting the stage for the personal and social conflicts that will unfold against the backdrop of the war. In a tense climax, Potter's reckless behavior leads to an aeronautical accident involving Hildegarde von Essen, foreshadowing the consequences of their luxurious but aimless lives.