Come Fly With Me Summary, Characters and Themes
Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio is a historical novel that takes readers on a journey through the evolving lives of two women, Judy and Beverly, as they pursue careers as stewardesses with Pan American Airlines in the 1960s. Set against the backdrop of personal struggles, societal expectations, and dreams of escape, the novel paints a vivid picture of independence, self-discovery, and transformation.
Both women seek liberation from their pasts, embarking on new journeys that lead them to freedom, love, and reinvention. The novel intertwines their experiences, showing how they navigate their complex pasts while facing the exciting and challenging prospects of their new lives.
Summary
In Come Fly with Me, the story opens with a reflective prologue, where an unnamed narrator returns to Mo’orea, French Polynesia, a place that holds deep memories of a lost love. The island, with its unchanged beauty, stirs nostalgia, and the narrator scatters the ashes of her partner over the tranquil waters, honoring a promise made long ago.
The sense of time passing and the loss of innocence are central to the narrator’s journey, setting the stage for the unfolding story of Judy Goodman in 1962.
Judy is a young woman living in New York, eagerly awaiting her interview with Pan American Airlines to become a stewardess. This prestigious role represents an escape from her small-town life and her troubled marriage.
Judy’s father, who had given her Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me” album, symbolized her dreams of adventure. Now, as she navigates her oppressive marriage, she is determined to secure the job, hoping it will free her from her abusive relationship and lead her toward a life of excitement and independence.
As Judy prepares for the interview, she is consumed by anxiety and fear, especially since she must hide the truth about her marriage to avoid disqualification. The pressure of living a lie weighs heavily on her, but her desire for escape outweighs her worries.
When she receives the acceptance letter from Pan American Airlines, it marks the beginning of her journey to freedom, but the anxiety of leaving her old life behind persists.
Meanwhile, Beverly, a wealthy young woman from New York, is also seeking an escape from the constraints of her privileged upbringing. Beverly’s father pressures her to marry Frederick Bahr, a socially acceptable suitor, but Beverly dreams of independence and a life beyond her father’s control.
She joins Pan American Airlines, hoping to forge her own path and break free from the expectations placed on her by society and her family. Beverly’s story is one of rebellion against the suffocating role she is expected to play in her wealthy family, and she sees becoming a stewardess as a way to reclaim her autonomy.
Both Judy and Beverly share a desire for personal reinvention, and their journey with Pan American Airlines becomes symbolic of their quest for independence and self-discovery. They begin their training in Miami, where Judy continues to hide the truth about her abusive marriage, knowing that if her secret is exposed, she could lose everything.
She shares a room with Beverly and Jean, a fellow trainee, and forms subtle connections with both. Judy’s internal conflict grows as she struggles to balance her need for freedom with the remnants of her past life.
The training process is intense, and Judy often feels like an outsider, unsure of how to navigate this new world.
As the training continues, Judy’s feelings of attraction toward Joe Clayton, one of the instructors, grow. They share a meal together, and Judy finds comfort in his kindness.
However, her emotional turmoil surfaces when, after a few drinks, she impulsively kisses him. Joe does not reciprocate, leaving Judy feeling conflicted and questioning her actions.
This marks a turning point in her emotional journey, where she begins to confront the tension between her past and her desire for a fresh start.
The narrative shifts as Judy moves to California, where she settles into a quaint bungalow and begins her new life as a stewardess. She forms a close bond with her housemate, Pinky, who introduces her to the complexities of the stewardess life, including the complicated bidding system for flight routes.
Judy feels both exhilarated and intimidated by the new possibilities before her, but she cannot shake the thoughts of Joe. As she adjusts to her new life, Judy is confronted with unexpected reminders of her past, particularly when she discovers a letter from Joe tucked in her bag.
Despite her newfound sense of freedom, Judy’s past continues to haunt her. In one of the most difficult moments of her journey, she faces a letter from Pan American questioning her marital status.
Joe, who has a personal connection to the airline’s director, intervenes on Judy’s behalf, negotiating a six-month unpaid suspension instead of termination. Though Judy feels relief, she is also faced with the reality of her complex emotional ties, including her marriage, which Joe helped expose to the airline.
This revelation leads Judy to embrace a new perspective on life, inspired by the “Glad Game” philosophy from Pollyanna, and she decides to go to Mexico to finalize her divorce.
Judy’s trip to Juárez with Beverly is a turning point. The process of finalizing her divorce is messy and chaotic, but it gives Judy the chance to reflect on her past decisions and look toward the future.
Beverly provides much-needed support, offering her blunt humor and emotional support, reminding Judy that she is not alone. After the divorce, Judy struggles with the emotional aftermath but finds solace in Beverly’s encouragement to embrace the future.
The next chapter of Judy’s journey takes her to Paris with Beverly, where the two women indulge in luxury and reflect on their past adventures. Judy grapples with the concept of forgiveness—both for herself and others—while Beverly helps her focus on finding happiness in the present.
Their friendship deepens as they explore the beauty of Paris, and Judy begins to let go of the weight of her past.
Judy’s story culminates with her moving to Miami, where she starts a new life with Joe. Their relationship deepens as they navigate the challenges of their evolving personal and professional lives.
Judy reconnects with Ronelle, who reveals that she is pregnant, signaling a new phase in Judy’s life. As she contemplates motherhood and her future with Joe, Judy reflects on the many changes she has experienced, and the novel concludes with her embracing the uncertain future with hope and a renewed sense of self.
Throughout the novel, Judy and Beverly’s journeys are intertwined, showing how they both struggle with the constraints of their past lives while striving for independence and fulfillment. Their paths toward freedom are marked by personal growth, emotional turmoil, and the constant balancing of their desires for reinvention and the weight of their histories.
Come Fly with Me ultimately tells the story of two women seeking escape from the confines of their pasts and finding the courage to embrace a future full of possibilities.
Characters
Judy Goodman
Judy Goodman is a young woman from a small town who dreams of escaping her confined life. She represents the quest for freedom and independence, seeking solace in the promise of adventure that comes with her position as a stewardess at Pan American Airlines.
Judy’s internal struggle is evident from the beginning as she grapples with the oppressive circumstances of her troubled marriage to Henry, which forces her to live a life of deceit. Her desire to escape is not just a yearning for adventure but also a desperate need to free herself from the abusive grip of her husband.
Throughout the narrative, Judy experiences a deep emotional journey, initially defined by fear, guilt, and the constant weight of her secret. The joy of training and the camaraderie of fellow stewardesses offer her moments of freedom, but she is always haunted by her past.
As she moves through different chapters of her life, from Miami to California and eventually to Paris and Mexico, Judy learns to embrace her personal growth. Her relationship with Joe becomes a focal point of her emotional healing, though it is also marred by her past decisions and the fear of being trapped again.
Her character arc symbolizes transformation—from a woman trapped by her circumstances to someone learning how to embrace freedom and hope for the future.
Beverly
Beverly is introduced as a wealthy young woman living in New York who, like Judy, seeks a way to escape the confines of her privileged life. While her struggles differ from Judy’s, Beverly’s story is one of rebellion against societal expectations, particularly the pressure from her father to marry a socially acceptable suitor.
She represents a different kind of struggle, one marked by her desire to carve out her own identity apart from the rigid boundaries of wealth and family expectations. Beverly’s decision to pursue the Pan Am stewardess position is a form of liberation, allowing her to step away from the controlling influence of her father and find her own path.
Throughout the novel, Beverly plays a key role in Judy’s emotional journey, offering both blunt humor and pragmatic advice. Her support of Judy is unwavering, providing both emotional stability and insight as Judy navigates her tumultuous personal life.
Beverly’s character reflects the inner strength of women who, despite outward appearances of privilege, face their own battles for self-determination and identity. As the story progresses, Beverly’s journey becomes intertwined with Judy’s, and they both grow in their understanding of independence, joy, and the ability to face challenges head-on.
Joe Clayton
Joe Clayton, a Pan American Airlines instructor, emerges as a pivotal figure in Judy’s emotional and professional journey. His kindness, warmth, and unassuming nature serve as a stark contrast to the oppressive and controlling behavior of Judy’s husband, Henry.
Initially, Judy is drawn to Joe not only because of his gentleness but also because of his ability to understand her pain without judgment. As the story unfolds, Joe becomes a source of support for Judy, helping her navigate the complexities of her marriage’s exposure and the potential consequences of her secret being revealed.
His connection to Arthur Ledbetter, the Director of Personnel at Pan Am, further solidifies his importance in Judy’s life, as he helps secure a suspension rather than termination when her marital status comes into question. Joe’s role as both a mentor and a confidante helps Judy come to terms with her past while guiding her toward a more hopeful future.
As their relationship develops, it becomes clear that Joe represents the possibility of a new life for Judy—one built on trust, emotional healing, and the promise of love. Despite their growing connection, Judy’s internal turmoil remains, and it is only through her gradual acceptance of her past and her willingness to move forward that she finds peace with Joe.
His character is an embodiment of the support system that many people need to navigate the difficult waters of self-discovery and healing.
Pinky
Pinky is Judy’s quirky and endearing housemate in California, and her role in the narrative provides a refreshing contrast to the intensity of Judy’s emotional journey. Pinky is an experienced stewardess who offers Judy not only a physical place to stay but also an emotional refuge.
Her warmth and openness help Judy feel grounded in her new environment, especially as she begins to navigate her career and the complexities of her personal life. Pinky’s eccentricities, such as her love of wearing a pink housecoat and slippers, add a touch of whimsy to the story, providing light-hearted moments in an otherwise emotionally charged narrative.
Her character also serves as a mentor of sorts, introducing Judy to the practical realities of being a stewardess and helping her acclimate to the nuances of airline life. While Pinky does not have the same depth of emotional conflict as Judy or Beverly, her importance lies in the stability and friendship she provides, helping Judy begin to let go of the burdens of her past.
Pinky’s cheerful disposition and her steady support allow Judy to embrace the new possibilities in her life, offering a sense of comfort and belonging.
Ronelle
Ronelle is Judy’s close friend and confidante, whose unwavering support proves crucial as Judy navigates the challenges of her abusive marriage and her decision to join Pan American Airlines. Ronelle’s loyalty is evident in her practical assistance, such as helping Judy conceal her bruises and offering emotional reassurance when Judy is at her lowest point.
She is a steady and grounded presence in Judy’s life, providing a sense of stability and encouragement. Ronelle’s character also represents the theme of female friendship and solidarity, as she is not just a passive observer in Judy’s life but an active participant in her journey toward independence.
Despite the emotional weight of Judy’s situation, Ronelle’s ability to offer perspective and guidance helps Judy take the necessary steps toward freedom. Although Ronelle’s role is more supportive than central to the plot, her presence is vital in Judy’s development, providing both emotional and practical support during crucial moments in the narrative.
Themes
Independence and Escape
The desire for freedom is a driving force in the lives of both Judy and Beverly. For Judy, independence represents not only the opportunity to explore the world but also a way to break free from her abusive marriage.
The job with Pan American Airlines offers her a means of escape from her controlling and violent husband, Henry. She is willing to lie about her marital status to secure the job, knowing it is her only chance for a better life.
Her struggle to find her voice and break free from an oppressive relationship is central to her character arc, as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her secret while pursuing her dreams.
Beverly, on the other hand, is motivated by a desire to break free from the suffocating expectations of her wealthy father. While she comes from privilege, her life feels constrained by societal norms and the pressure to marry a socially acceptable suitor.
Her journey mirrors Judy’s in that both women are seeking to escape from the roles assigned to them and carve out their own paths. For Beverly, the Pan Am job symbolizes a chance to assert her independence and define her future on her own terms, without being tethered to her family’s expectations.
Throughout the novel, the pursuit of independence serves as a catalyst for both characters to reshape their identities and find fulfillment in a world that offers new possibilities.
Personal Growth and Reinvention
As the characters navigate their complex lives, the theme of self-discovery and reinvention becomes a prominent thread. Judy’s journey from a frightened, oppressed woman in an abusive marriage to a confident, independent stewardess is marked by moments of emotional and psychological growth.
Each step she takes away from her past, whether it’s through the Pan Am training or her relocation to California, represents a chance for her to redefine herself. Her struggles with guilt, fear, and her internal conflict show her evolution, as she slowly sheds the weight of her past and embraces the possibility of a brighter future.
Similarly, Beverly’s transformation is one of self-realization. Although she starts the novel from a position of privilege, she grapples with the suffocating expectations of her father and society.
Her decision to pursue the Pan Am opportunity is an act of rebellion against the life she feels has been planned for her. As the story progresses, Beverly begins to understand the value of pursuing a life that is authentically hers, even if it means stepping away from the comforts of her wealthy upbringing.
The theme of personal growth is intricately linked to the women’s journeys as they seek to forge new identities, shedding their pasts in favor of a more fulfilling and self-directed future.
Friendship and Support
The bond of friendship plays a significant role in the development of both Judy and Beverly’s characters. Judy’s friendship with Ronelle is a lifeline throughout the novel, as Ronelle provides both emotional and practical support during Judy’s darkest moments.
From helping Judy conceal the evidence of her abuse to offering a reassuring presence when Judy receives her acceptance letter, Ronelle is a steadfast ally in Judy’s journey. Their friendship underscores the importance of having a support system when navigating life’s challenges, particularly when those challenges involve breaking free from an abusive relationship.
Beverly also offers Judy support, albeit in a more pragmatic and often blunt manner. Though their personalities differ, Beverly’s steadfast belief in Judy’s ability to overcome her past provides the encouragement Judy needs to move forward.
The support they give each other, whether through shared laughter or emotional insight, is essential to their respective journeys. In moments of doubt or uncertainty, both women find strength in their friendship, which serves as a reminder that even in the most isolating experiences, connections with others can offer solace and strength.
Their friendship is a testament to the power of solidarity in times of personal transformation.
Love and Emotional Conflict
Love, in its many forms, plays a crucial role in the emotional arcs of the characters. Judy’s relationship with Joe Clayton is one of emotional conflict.
She finds herself attracted to Joe, who represents warmth, kindness, and a stark contrast to the cruelty of her marriage to Henry. However, Judy’s sense of loyalty to her past and the weight of her marriage make her hesitant to pursue a new relationship.
Her internal struggle with her feelings for Joe highlights the complexity of love when one is still tethered to unresolved emotional baggage. Even after she makes the decision to divorce Henry, Judy continues to wrestle with the idea of moving on emotionally, as the remnants of her old life continue to haunt her.
Joe, too, is affected by Judy’s emotional conflict, and their evolving relationship is marked by a delicate dance of attraction, hesitation, and eventual reconciliation. The idea of love as both a source of joy and a source of turmoil is explored in Judy’s interactions with Joe, as she comes to terms with the fact that love can be both liberating and painful.
The narrative suggests that love, especially when it involves letting go of past trauma, is not always straightforward but rather a messy and complex journey.
New Beginnings and Hope
The theme of starting over and embracing new beginnings is woven throughout Come Fly With Me. For both Judy and Beverly, the decision to leave behind their former lives represents a fresh start.
Judy’s move from Pennsylvania to California, her new job as a stewardess, and her eventual divorce signify her efforts to build a new life free from the constraints of her past. California, with its promise of sunshine and opportunity, represents a blank slate, a place where Judy can create a future that is hers to define.
The contrast between her past and the hope of a new beginning in a different state highlights the transformative power of geographical and emotional distance from trauma.
For Beverly, the idea of new beginnings takes on a different form. Despite her privileged background, she recognizes that she, too, must create a life for herself outside of her father’s expectations.
The Pan Am job is a vehicle for her to break free from the constraints of her upbringing and explore the world on her own terms. As the characters move through their respective journeys, the theme of new beginnings provides a sense of optimism.
Even in the face of uncertainty, both Judy and Beverly are determined to create lives filled with possibility, embracing hope as they take steps into the unknown.