Now out of print, I was lucky to come across this under-appreciated classic in a secondhand NY bookstore in February. The Aerodrome was originally recommended to me by Paul Lee; apparently both Ballard and Murakami were fans of the work too. From the Jeff summary, it is worth reading the superb introduction by Anthony Burgess at the start of this edition. Here, he makes valid comparisons between The Aerodrome and other products of this era, Brave New World and Nineteen Eighty-Four. What I think sets The Aerodrome apart from both these better-known works is two features. First, the hero-narrator Roy is able to swing in his beliefs from a literal to a totalitarian mindset, and back again, all of his own volition (in marked contrast to Winston Smith). The competing poles of the village and ‘the aerodrome’ both have respective charm and faults; but to understand fully the former, Roy has to see the latter too. The largest danger of totalitarianism (Warner argued while Communist) is axiomatic. Next, in terms of universals, The Aerodrome is a very ‘British’ novel, albeit one with universality. The ‘village’ is unmistakably, quintessentially British. So too is much of the humour that pervades the novel, especially the village fête scene, but more broadly the mistaken/hidden identities. The humour is dark, the message poignant and the ending appropriate — Roy chooses earth, and has become a better person. Wholly meriting of a re-read and a better reputation. 9.5/10.
By Rex Warner