Antoine de Saint-Exupry’s 1931 novel, Vol de Nuit (translated as Night Flight), portrays the perilous early days of airmail service in South America. The narrative centers around Rivire, an airline operations director who pushes his pilots to fly at night, battling storms and mechanical failures, to ensure timely mail delivery. This fictionalized account reflects Saint-Exupry’s own experiences as a pilot during this era.
The novel explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the human confrontation with nature’s power. It highlights the tension between progress, embodied by the nascent aviation industry, and the inherent risks involved. Vol de Nuit offers a glimpse into the challenges and courage of early aviators, paving the way for a deeper understanding of aviation history and the development of long-distance flight. The work’s enduring legacy stems from its powerful prose and exploration of universal human themes.
