A series of incidents loosely connected by the author's personal reflections, Wind, Sand and Stars places the reader in the cockpit with Saint-Exupery as he recalls the early days of aviation. The book's central episode, Saint-Exupery's plane crash in the Sahara, displays the author's highly developed powers of narration. Because radar has not yet been invented, neither Saint-Exupery nor his mechanic Prevot have any idea where they are. Saint-Exupery tells his story with suspense and animation, and the reader shares in his death thirst, sees the same mirages that appear on the horizon, and draws strength from his indomitable will to live. SaintExupery's narrative skills are displayed in the book's briefer episodes as well.

Personal, philosophical ruminations connect the various chapters, but Saint-Exupery is saved from moralizing by his poetic talent. His writing style has been justly praised for being both straightforward and remarkably evocative. His...