Customer Reviews

Hour Of Gold, Hour Of Lead: Diaries And Letters Of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1929-1932

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I had read of the Lindberghs and of the famous kidnapping before reading this book, but wasn't prepared for the poignant and honest writing by Anne. To read about her life as a newlywed who flew with her husband in the early days of aviation was enthralling, and to read of their problems being pursued and photographed reminded me of Princess Diana being hounded by the paparazzi. The Lindberghs were pioneers in aviation, and were public figures without wishing to be ... how sad that their first child was stolen and then found dead. I was moved to tears reading Anne's descriptions of her son while mourning him; I can't imagine living through such a horrible experience. Her writing is true and beautiful and honest ... a rare treasure.

This is one of the most wonderful books I've ever read. Being only 23 years old the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby was before my time however, this story is timeless. Beautifully written complete with diary entries and family pictures. This book is a true literary classic to be enjoyed by every generation. An honest journey into the heart of a young girl, wife and mother.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh is one of the giants of literature. Few writers of the twentieth century reach the heights of this woman in the pure excellence of her penned words. Writing is an outer expression of inner thoughts and Anne Morrow Lindbergh excels at this skill. And of course we don't write letters anymore and that is to be regretted. To pick up this book and share with the author her innermost thoughts is to spend time with a good friend before a warm cozy fire. This book is highly recommended. You will not find the likes of it again anytime soon.

If there was any "flaw" in AML's life it is that she was so often, and consistently, overshadowed by her famous spouse. An intensely private person (today's celebrities could learn a lesson or six from the Lindbergh's ability to retreat into almost complete anonymity as relates to their family), I believe that one of her greatest gifts was agreeing to release these very poignant, private thoughts to the public.

I truly believe that her diaries and letters of 1932 on could be a primer on grieving and hope and pray it has been adopted as such among those who need it - even as I hope and pray I never do. Her writing is so poignant and personal that I found myself (arrogantly) "mourning" along with her and could not shake the feeling long after I had closed the book. As a parent I tiptoe around the notion of harm to my children with that impenetrable "nothing could happen to us" mantra that I have to believe. The experience of the Lindbergh's - and her reactions to it in diaries and letters - reminds us that none of us is safe. For that reason I both highly recommend - and add appropriate caution - to reading this book. People who are very sensitive and empathetic or at a hard point in their lives may be both bolstered, and grief-stricken, by some of the content. (It may be helpful to have her later publications close at hand to remind oneself that, taken as a whole, she did survive what would seem to be this unbearable loss).

The book, far from seeming "dated" (the entries closing in on being 80 years old!) are as moving today as ever. I believe you could give a modern reader with no "background" these entries and he/she would not immediately gather that they were written so long ago. I truly believe this book should be required reading in High School and it's a shame that it is not. From the heights of adventure to the depths of despair, AML wrote it all in a poetic but honest style. In an age when "blogging" has convinced too many that a "picture paints a thousand words" and literary style is no longer necessary, AML paints such poignant pictures WITH her words that the photos are rendered unnecessary).

Don't let the age of the book fool you - this one is a gem.

Book arrived in good condition and in a timely manner. I admire Anne Morrow and look forward to reading this book.

This book contains excerpts of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's private diaries from 1929 - 1932. It was fascinating to read about the life of this amazing woman at the beginning of her famous marriage, and about the early years of flying with her husband. Anne wasn't really an adventurous sort like Charles, but she pushed herself to do things. There are letters included in the book written to various family members at the time.

The most heartbreaking part of the book deals with the kidnapping and murder of the Lindberghs' first child, Charles Jr., who was almost 2 when he was taken. This section of the book is an eye-opener regarding the notorious crime. Anne's writings are so poignant and full of hope about getting her "fat lamb" back. After Charlie's body is found and his death confirmed, Anne's diary explores the deep grief that she experienced. This book shouldn't be missed by anyone who is interested in the Lindberghs or the famous kidnapping.