The skies are not always a liberal's favorite realm, yet, in Kenneth Oppel's enthralling novel, Airborn, the skies become a place of adventure, bravery, and good old-fashioned values. First published in 2004, the novel takes us on a roller-coaster of thrilling events across a fictional world where magnificent airships rule the skies. Who knew a book aimed at young adults could be so compelling? It follows a humble cabin boy, Matt Cruse, aboard the luxury airship Aurora, who chases mysterious, winged creatures and courageously battles pirates. And why not? Unlike most narratives catering to woke ideals, this one celebrates courage, duty, and heroics—values that seem almost antiquated to some, but act as refreshing winds beneath this narrative's sails.
A Classic Adventure with a Twist: Forget run-of-the-mill coming-of-age stories. Airborn offers a classic adventure, but with a thrilling twist of sky-high proportions. Think about it: flying pirate battles, wild chases, and mysterious creatures in the clouds. The challenge here is one of survival and heroism, not agonizing self-dissection of identity.
Rooted in Tradition, Not Ideology: What's refreshing about Matt Cruse isn't just his will to explore the unknown skies but his embodiment of traditional values. He's a hardworking, focused, and earnest young man whose only aspiration is to rise through the ranks with hard work and determination. Forget the entitled enneagrams of the current social meta; here's a character who isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves.
A World Without Safety Nets: In Airborn, the skies are fraught with danger. Matt doesn't find his safe space but instead, meets danger head-on. Oppel crafts a universe where young readers can learn the merits of bravery and resourcefulness over empty assurances of safety and unearned praise. It's a breath of fresh air—pun intended—compared to narratives that treat teenagers like fragile eggs.
Science and Adventure Without a Political Agenda: Here, science is a tool for adventure and unknown discovery—not a vessel for ideological narratives. Wondering about the aerodynamics and innovations of the future might not mesh with the doom-and-gloom narratives often peddled to youths today, but it's no less worth the sky-high dreams Airborn offers.
True Friendship Over Transactional Relationships: Forget the transactional relationships often glorified in modern narratives. In Airborn, the relationships between characters are based on mutual respect and shared goals. Matt's bond with his friend and eventual romantic interest, Kate de Vries, is one founded on camaraderie and shared discovery, rather than identity politics or virtue signaling.
Insightful Look at Class Structures Without Melodrama: The novel offers an inside scoop on class dynamics without the typical liberal hair-pulling. Matt and Kate come from different worlds, yet their interaction doesn’t devolve into a melodramatic critique. Instead, Oppel demonstrates that individual character and merit transcend social and economic barriers.
A Critique Disguised as Entertainment: There's nothing more potent than an entertaining piece of fiction that offers a quiet critique of modern banalities. In Airborn, Oppel isn't explicitly skewering modern tendencies towards coddling and risk-aversion. Instead, he offers an exciting romp in a world that seems, at times, governed by political correctness. The differences are stark for anyone paying attention.
Beautiful Descriptions Invoke a Sense of Travel: Oppel's descriptions invoke a yearning for adventure and a skyward gaze. None of the post-apocalyptic sludge that finds its way into mainstream young adult fiction here; this is a narrative encouraging exploration and curiosity in uncharted territories merely for the sake of it.
Spotlight on Resourcefulness, Not Resentment: Airborn shines a light on resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Matt’s innovation and quick thinking are qualities that are in short supply among many current protagonists who demand empathy points for participation rather than treasure it.
A Hopeful Worldview: In an era where pessimism is often disguised as intellectualism, Oppel's Airborn offers a hopeful worldview where the courage to uphold one's values and the capacity for innovation lead to triumph, not despair. It's a reminder that not all is lost to postmodern cynicism.
The message of Oppel’s Airborn transcends the clouds it so vividly describes. It's an invitation to soar—one that beckons with well-rounded characters who embody strength, resolve, and the quintessential courage to face the storm, no matter how turbulent the airspace.