Wings [Kindle Edition]

Pete Abela (Author)

Book Description

Wings is a stirring, cross-generational account of the love of flying inspired by the true story of Walt, a WWII RAF pilot, and his grandson Scott who has his sights set on becoming a modern day airline pilot.

Wings weaves together two tales: one set in war-torn northern England, and the other set in the modern-day Illawarra region of New South Wales. As Scott learns about the sacrifices and difficulties Walt overcame to take to the sky, he battles his own challenges in order to follow his dream. As Scott progresses, his grandfather declines – Walt loses his wife, his sight and his hearing – but throughout these difficulties is still there to offer support and encouragement. In following Scott's progress towards his dream, Walt also keeps alive the wonder of his own youth. With insights into the modern day aviation scene and life in the Royal Air Force of World War II, this is a must for anyone who has an interest in history, aviation or simply an old fashioned love story.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Pete is a left-brained computer scientist whose love of reading propelled him to take up writing. Having surprised himself and those around him by getting Wings published, he is now revelling in the fun of dreaming up marketing and publicity stints - tasks he never could have envisaged doing ten years ago. He continues to stretch the boundaries of his right hemisphere with his writing and is now working to complete a second novel. His left brain hasn't been totally neglected through this process. Pete still works as an IT Manager in order to help keep his wife and four kids fed and clothed. When he's not working, reading, writing or enjoying the company of his family, Pete likes to sneak away for a bit of exercise - either tennis, soccer or a laborious run. Pete lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Product Details

• File Size: 327 KB
• Print Length: 194 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Really Blue Books (May 19, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0084UZ62U
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #897,559 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A really moving story May 28, 2012

By andy angel

Format:Kindle Edition

This multi-generation novel of a Grandfather and Grandson and how flying shaped their lives deserves to be the smash of the summer.
It tells of Walt (the Grandfather) and his life in Lancashire, England on the lead up to, and during WW2 and Scott (the Grandson) in modern day Australia.
Both stories have their own style and resonance of their time. Walt's tale is especially sweet and well told, capturing the true feel of pre war England to such an extent that you aren't just reading it, you are sharing with Walt as he tears through the streets on his bike and as he courts his young lady.
As the stories intertwine Walt grows older and these changes are also well written and add to the story overall.
I don't want to add too much, at risk of spoilers but must say, the very last scene is such a lovely one - the author should be very proud.
I really can't recommend this book highly enough

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring December 12, 2012

By Judith Thomas

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Pete Abela's Wings is a beautiful little story of hope, hard work and following your dreams. Let old Walt take you back to simpler times as he reminisces with his grandson Scott about his youth in England;when he courted the lovely Mary in the dancing halls of Lancashire, and the sacrifices they both had to make in order for Walt to obtain his pilot's licence to fly in the war, when all the odds were against him doing so. Scott also has a dream to fly, and he and the reader will discover as the tale progresses, dreams don't just come true, you have to fight to make them real every inch of the way. The author's uncomplicated writing style makes Wings a joy to read. I would recommend this book to young or old. While away a few pleasant hours this weekend and be inspired by Wings.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Simple Tale about Love, Family, Hopes and Dreams. June 18, 2012

By Grooydaz39

Format:Kindle Edition

Wings is an old fashioned novel and I don't mean that in a disparaging way. A fairly simple story of Scott and his granddad, Walt. The novel starts with Scott as a young man going to visit his granddad. The story then opens up and we learn about Walt's past.

The author then switches between Scott's progress in his quest to become a pilot and Walt's exploits in Britain during the second world war. The characters are slowly developed and we learn about their dreams and aspirations. The temptation for writers these days is to have lots of twists and turns. However, you don't get that with Wings. I particularly enjoyed reading about Walt's development and I felt that the author conveyed very well another time period where things are so different than they are today. A novel about love, family, dreams and hopes. Pete Abela has done a marvellous job with a simple premise. His narrative is very engaging and you cannot help but like his characters. A warm novel that is a welcome break from vampires, zombies and the apocalypse!

More About the Author

Pete is a left-brained computer scientist whose love of reading propelled him to take up writing. Having surprised himself and those around him by getting Wings published, he is now revelling in the fun of dreaming up marketing and publicity stints - tasks he never could have envisaged doing ten years ago. He continues to stretch the boundaries of his right hemisphere with his writing and is now working to complete a second novel.

His left brain hasn't been totally neglected through this process. Pete still works as an IT Manager in order to help keep his wife and four kids fed and clothed. When he's not working, reading, writing or enjoying the company of his family, Pete likes to sneak away for a bit of exercise - either tennis, soccer or a laborious run. Pete lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.