El libro resume meses de vuelo en una sola misión sobre la ciudad de Arrás. Saint-Exupéry fue asignado al Grupo de Reconocimiento II/33 para volar el bimotor Potez 637. ( )

"Flight to Arras" is a powerful memoir written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a renowned French aviator and author, best known for "The Little Prince". Published in 1942, the book recounts Saint-Exupéry's experiences as a pilot during the early days of World War II.

The memoir takes place during the Battle of France in 1940 when Saint-Exupéry served as a pilot in the French Air Force. It provides a deeply personal and introspective account of his time as a reconnaissance pilot, flying dangerous missions over enemy territory.

"Flight to Arras" delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by Saint-Exupéry and his fellow aviators. It explores the fear, uncertainty, and camaraderie that existed among the pilots, highlighting their courage and dedication in the face of adversity.

The book is not merely a chronicle of military operations but also a philosophical reflection on the nature of war and the human condition. Saint-Exupéry contemplates the purpose and meaning of life in the midst of destruction, questioning the value of sacrifice and the ultimate futility of war.

Through vivid and poetic prose, Saint-Exupéry captures the beauty and tragedy of flight, describing the exhilaration of soaring through the skies juxtaposed with the grim reality of war-torn landscapes below. His writing blends technical details of aviation with philosophical musings, creating a unique narrative that engages both the intellect and the emotions of the reader.

"Flight to Arras" is a poignant exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the search for meaning in the face of impending danger. It offers insights into the experiences and emotions of those involved in aerial warfare, shedding light on the complexities of the human condition during times of conflict.

Saint-Exupéry's introspective and lyrical writing style, combined with his firsthand experiences as a pilot, imbues the book with a sense of authenticity and depth. "Flight to Arras" stands as a testament to the author's literary talent and his profound understanding of the human soul.

Overall, "Flight to Arras" is a thought-provoking memoir that transcends its wartime context. It delves into universal themes of courage, mortality, and the search for purpose, resonating with readers long after the final page is turned. ( )

Frankrig, 1940
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry er nyuddannet pilot i rekognosceringstjenesten. Frankrig er ved at falde til nazisterne og piloter og besætninger ofres på noget, der ligner en meningsløs gestus.

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Bogen er skrevet midt i anden verdenskrig, hvor Antoine de Saint-Exupéry var under uddannelse i USA. Han vendte tilbage til Europa og forsvandt på en flyvning 31 juli 1944. ( )

Un recuerdo de los días devastadores durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial cuando, aunque la caída de Francia era inminente, un puñado de pilotos franceses continuaron luchando contra los alemanes.

May 1940 - the allied armies are evacuated from Dunkirk.The German Army is pushing south over the Somme. Millions of refugees are fleeing south and clogging the roads. The French defence dissolves.
‘Saint-Ex’ is sent on a, by now, senseless reconnaissance mission above Arras. His unit had already lost 17 out of 23 planes. He has not more than 1 in 3 chance of returning.
Below him: the human masses being stuck on jammed streets, fires, wrecked wagons, the injured dying in mud and filth.
This time death does not take him, his navigator and gunner. Four years later, on July 31st 1944, he does not return from a reconnaissance flight over the Mediterranean.
Facing death he lives entirely in the present. He records his thoughts about life and death during the flight. He writes: only then, in these moments, one is entirely human. (IX-22) ( )