Friedman employs the third person point of view in depicting Cato's life. She describes the Bontjes van Beeks family, Cato's childhood dreams and activities, and what led to her premature death as a Nazi resister. Universal themes of independence and creativity, divorce, peer pressure, death, integrity, and love emerge.

Friedman selected the title, Flying against the Wind, because it exemplifies Cato's nature. As a young child, readers share in Cato's ability to think for herself and follow her heart. This independence is what causes Cato to "fly against the wind" most of her life, which makes the biography's title an excellent choice.

Friedman develops Cato's character quickly. As a five-year-old, Cato organized the activities for her three-year-old sister, Mietje, and her six-year-old cousin, Marianne.

Cato did not concern herself with appearance. Artistic, bright, and eager to learn, she became the best athlete in the...