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Passage on the Titanic
Ella Brown grew up in one of London's privileged homes, with all the comforts and luxuries that money can buy. But when tragedy strikes her family, Ella is forced from a life of safety and abundance to one of scarcity and fear. Clinging to survival on the filthy streets of the city, she's betrayed by her only friend and left desperate and alone. When Ella arrives at the hospital in a life-threatening state, she needs an angel of mercy, and one soon arrives: Irene Corbett, an American midwife who has come to London for advanced medical training at the great sacrifice of her family. Irene soothes Ella's physical and emotional pains, helps her back on her feet, and joins her on a voyage to America aboard the ship Titanic-where epic disaster awaits the two friends.
225 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Anita Stansfield
133 books470 followersAnita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 12, 2012
2 stars is pretty generous. I am only giving this book two stars, purely on the fact that it is somewhat "historical fiction". I don't know what it is about Anita Stansfield's writing, but for some reason, I just have a really hard time with it. The way the dialogue is written is not believable, and way too cheesy. The only reason I decided to read this book was because it was about the Titanic, and I thought that would be interesting. While it was interesting, I would of liked to have seen more of what actually happened on the Titanic, and less about the before and after.
April 18, 2012
This is a very beautifully written book about the only LDS woman who went down with the Titanic's sinking. Irene had traveled from Utah to London to learn midwifery in order to combat the high death rate of children and mother's at that time. This is based upon her life story, and the fictionalized characters are based upon what her family knew of her work in London with deprived women. I found it tremendously inspiring and made the story of the Titanic very real. As with all of her books, there is a wonderful love story involved.
July 29, 2012
Maybe a 2.5
Things I liked...
1. The love story between Ella and Jonathon...it had its moments of sweetness
2. Jonathon's family
3. Seeing the sinking of the Titanic not only through a survivor's eyes, but through the eyes of a rescuer
Things I didn't like...
1. The writing is just okay at best. This is the first Stansfield novel I have read. I know she has a devoted following, but I am guessing it is the sweet, clean romance lines more than the writing.
2.
Things I liked...
1. The love story between Ella and Jonathon...it had its moments of sweetness
2. Jonathon's family
3. Seeing the sinking of the Titanic not only through a survivor's eyes, but through the eyes of a rescuer
Things I didn't like...
1. The writing is just okay at best. This is the first Stansfield novel I have read. I know she has a devoted following, but I am guessing it is the sweet, clean romance lines more than the writing.
2.
March 15, 2012
I was pretty dissapointed in this book, it seems as if the Titanic part of the book, was rushed and somewhat skipped over, and the rest of the book was somewhat slow. I also feel that all of the facts were not portrayed correctly. Irene is portrayed as if she was following the answer to prayer to go to London, and she went even against her own husbands wishes. She was told by the Prophet to study in the US, but that was not mentioned in the book I guess what bugged me is that she was so sure of answer to prayer in the book, but we don't know that in real life, in fact the begaining of the book was kind of pushy and preachy, and it portrayed her husband as not being rightouse for not wanting her to go , when in real life he just wanted her to go over seas. It did get me to do my own research wich is a good thing, and I believe that the author had good intentions.
March 27, 2012
I've never read any of Stansfield's books, but this one caught my eye because I have always been fascinated with the Titanic. This book is loosely based on the LDS Titanic victim, Irene Corbett, which is why I decided to give it a try. Overall, it was just way too fluffy for me. Irene, representing the LDS faith, makes perfect choices and never does or says anything wrong. She is always teaching the gospel and being kind. Her prayers are always answered, and she always understands the Holy Ghost perfectly. I personally prefer characters to have a few flaws. I was annoyed by this book from the first pages but continued on hoping it would get better. Overall, it just wasn't very good. The writing was poor, and it was terribly predictable.
April 14, 2012
Whenever anyone tries something new they never know how the response will be. For Anita tell the story of a real event with real people, it was different, but oh so good. Anita has a gift for using words to tell a story that bring out the emotions in me. I loved this new book and will recommend that she keep telling true stories. I want to read more of the titanic after reading this book.
Ella Brown grew up in London in a privileged home, but her world was turned upside down when the money was gone, her father took his life and her mother was sent to an asylum where she died. She was forced onto the streets penniless and without a way to provide for herself. She was nieve when it came to trusting people and gave her trust too soon to a woman looking toward her own interests. She was taken advantage of and ended up pregnant. This is when she meets Irene Corbett. Irene left her comfortable home in Utah to go to London to learn to be a midwife. She left her three young children and husband to gain an education to help others, especially woman.
When she met Ellie and helped her through the delivery of her premature son, she felt drawn to her. She continued to look after her while at the hospital recovering from her birth and loss of her son. When it was time for her to leave, Irene arranged for her to stay with Bro. and Sis. Pack. They welcomed her in and helped her feel at home. Ella was eager to earn her keep and found a job as a nanny through her acquaintances at Church.
She took the job as nanny at the Blackhurst, but only wanted to work for them to earn the money needed to get to American with Irene. Things worked out when both were on the Titanic headed for American at the same time...Ella with the Blackhurst on a vacation and Irene on her way home. Tragedy strikes though with the iceberg. Irene made sure that Ella made it onto a lifeboat and then went back to help the children...(we learn later to give them ether to help them sleep and not have to suffer drowning or freezing to death.)
Ella was rescued by the Carpathia, headed to Austria. She meets Jonathan Moreau, who is one of the crewman on the Carpathia. He too is drawn to Ella and helps to make her as comfortable as possible. While Ella is feeling all alone, friends like Jonathan and another older lady from the lifeboat tend to look out for her well being.
She goes home with Jonathan to his family home and Bistro business where she is welcomed with open arms. The family atmosphere, along with the kindness of Jonathan's mother and himself help her to open up and talk about the experience she has lived through.
Feelings grown between Jonathan and Ella, but Jonathan still feels that Ella is holding back something from her past. When he touches on the subject, ella is determined to run away to prevent him from knowing the truth,but he too thinks that she will do this and has his mother talk to her.
After finding out about Ella's hardship, abuse and her meeting of Irene, he still loves Ella and asks her to marry him. Ella finds that he too has some baggage from the past. His lost love that took her life when she couldn't cope with her sister's death from cancer leaves a cloud over him. Together they work through their pasts and onto the future. Ella writes to Irene's parents and receives "Irene's favorite book" that she was given and now lays at the bottom of the ocean. She finally starts to have closure to the titanic experience when she has the dream of Irene administering ether to the children left on board and feels what Irene felt in the last moments of her life. Amazing story!
Ella Brown grew up in London in a privileged home, but her world was turned upside down when the money was gone, her father took his life and her mother was sent to an asylum where she died. She was forced onto the streets penniless and without a way to provide for herself. She was nieve when it came to trusting people and gave her trust too soon to a woman looking toward her own interests. She was taken advantage of and ended up pregnant. This is when she meets Irene Corbett. Irene left her comfortable home in Utah to go to London to learn to be a midwife. She left her three young children and husband to gain an education to help others, especially woman.
When she met Ellie and helped her through the delivery of her premature son, she felt drawn to her. She continued to look after her while at the hospital recovering from her birth and loss of her son. When it was time for her to leave, Irene arranged for her to stay with Bro. and Sis. Pack. They welcomed her in and helped her feel at home. Ella was eager to earn her keep and found a job as a nanny through her acquaintances at Church.
She took the job as nanny at the Blackhurst, but only wanted to work for them to earn the money needed to get to American with Irene. Things worked out when both were on the Titanic headed for American at the same time...Ella with the Blackhurst on a vacation and Irene on her way home. Tragedy strikes though with the iceberg. Irene made sure that Ella made it onto a lifeboat and then went back to help the children...(we learn later to give them ether to help them sleep and not have to suffer drowning or freezing to death.)
Ella was rescued by the Carpathia, headed to Austria. She meets Jonathan Moreau, who is one of the crewman on the Carpathia. He too is drawn to Ella and helps to make her as comfortable as possible. While Ella is feeling all alone, friends like Jonathan and another older lady from the lifeboat tend to look out for her well being.
She goes home with Jonathan to his family home and Bistro business where she is welcomed with open arms. The family atmosphere, along with the kindness of Jonathan's mother and himself help her to open up and talk about the experience she has lived through.
Feelings grown between Jonathan and Ella, but Jonathan still feels that Ella is holding back something from her past. When he touches on the subject, ella is determined to run away to prevent him from knowing the truth,but he too thinks that she will do this and has his mother talk to her.
After finding out about Ella's hardship, abuse and her meeting of Irene, he still loves Ella and asks her to marry him. Ella finds that he too has some baggage from the past. His lost love that took her life when she couldn't cope with her sister's death from cancer leaves a cloud over him. Together they work through their pasts and onto the future. Ella writes to Irene's parents and receives "Irene's favorite book" that she was given and now lays at the bottom of the ocean. She finally starts to have closure to the titanic experience when she has the dream of Irene administering ether to the children left on board and feels what Irene felt in the last moments of her life. Amazing story!
March 21, 2012
When I read through a newsletter from Anita a few weeks ago that her newest novel would soon be released and that it was about the Titanic, I knew I had to get it and get it quickly, as I'm a HUGE Titanic fan and have read a lot of books on this subject. Since Anita usually writes a series of books when she writes, I was hoping there would be a sequel, but at this point, I'm not sure. We'll just have to wait and see.
The story starts out with the sinking of the ship, with the main characters Ella Brown, who is a fictional character and with incorporating a real-life character into the story. This person happens to be Irene Corbett, an LDS woman from Utah, who strongly feels she needs to further her nursing skills in London in midwifery. She prays about this important undertaking, as she'll need to leave her husband and three young children for 6 months or more.
Ella, a young English girl, loses both of her parents, so is forced to live an impoverished life on the streets of London, winding up in the hospital in a life-threatening state, the same hospital Irene is working in. Irene feels a strong connection with Ella and they bond quickly. Irene finds a place for Ella to live, where in time, she finds work as a nanny. When Irene has finished her schooling, she books passage on this new ship that has been touted as being unsinkable. Ella is totally surprised when the family she works for also books passage on the Titanic for a vacation in America. Both women find the ship wonderful, especially with knowing the Titanic has many pianos onboard.
When both ladies hear and feel the ship hitting the iceberg, they begin to gather a few things together. Ella loses sight of Irene when Irene puts her in a lifeboat. The next morning, when the ship Carpathia arrives where they expected the Titanic to be, they see nothing but lifeboats with survivors in them.
Deeply shaken by this catastropic event, Ella finds comfort and healing in the care of rescue crewman Jonathan Moreau and his loving family. Can Ella ever find peace and happiness with the constant nightmares over this devastating event? This powerful novel evokes compassion, redemption, hope and survival as never before, as this really happened.
The story starts out with the sinking of the ship, with the main characters Ella Brown, who is a fictional character and with incorporating a real-life character into the story. This person happens to be Irene Corbett, an LDS woman from Utah, who strongly feels she needs to further her nursing skills in London in midwifery. She prays about this important undertaking, as she'll need to leave her husband and three young children for 6 months or more.
Ella, a young English girl, loses both of her parents, so is forced to live an impoverished life on the streets of London, winding up in the hospital in a life-threatening state, the same hospital Irene is working in. Irene feels a strong connection with Ella and they bond quickly. Irene finds a place for Ella to live, where in time, she finds work as a nanny. When Irene has finished her schooling, she books passage on this new ship that has been touted as being unsinkable. Ella is totally surprised when the family she works for also books passage on the Titanic for a vacation in America. Both women find the ship wonderful, especially with knowing the Titanic has many pianos onboard.
When both ladies hear and feel the ship hitting the iceberg, they begin to gather a few things together. Ella loses sight of Irene when Irene puts her in a lifeboat. The next morning, when the ship Carpathia arrives where they expected the Titanic to be, they see nothing but lifeboats with survivors in them.
Deeply shaken by this catastropic event, Ella finds comfort and healing in the care of rescue crewman Jonathan Moreau and his loving family. Can Ella ever find peace and happiness with the constant nightmares over this devastating event? This powerful novel evokes compassion, redemption, hope and survival as never before, as this really happened.
May 19, 2012
As with each new Stansfield book marketed in the last 5 years, I will read it and then I will complain about it. On one hand it's comforting to always know what you are going to get....like going to your grandma's house where she has NOTHING to do and will only turn the TV on Jeopard! and Hee Haw. You hate it but you keep going back and feeling like you belong. Stansfield's books are that way. I know when I pick one up I am going to hear the same words issued by the same characters no matter the setting......and yet I do it.
Historical fiction is something that I quite like. I had a small.....although unreasonable, hope that because this was branching out a tad for Stansfield that she would be inspired to write differently. The historical significance and the sheer horror of the Titanic disaster was a wonderful setting to really put forth that effort that has been lacking in her writing in the past decade. The actual events on the Titanic and of Irene, an actual passenger, were quickly dismissed and only used as a vessel to yeild the same old bloody story (much like I use carrots as a vessel for ranch dressing, I care nothing for the carrot, and she cared nothing for the amazing history she COULD have used for a story).....heart wrenching psychological drama between two excessively morally clean people that have terrible conversations.
Unlike many, I don't really mind the spirituality or religious parts. I liked the history. I loved that the story made me consider the horror of a massive city sinking into the black, cold ocean within a short frame of time, and the impact this may have had on survivors and rescuers. I always love the love. And I do appreciate that Stansfield widely makes her characters very generous and giving people.
So there we are......clean, fast, romantic-ish, meatless.
Historical fiction is something that I quite like. I had a small.....although unreasonable, hope that because this was branching out a tad for Stansfield that she would be inspired to write differently. The historical significance and the sheer horror of the Titanic disaster was a wonderful setting to really put forth that effort that has been lacking in her writing in the past decade. The actual events on the Titanic and of Irene, an actual passenger, were quickly dismissed and only used as a vessel to yeild the same old bloody story (much like I use carrots as a vessel for ranch dressing, I care nothing for the carrot, and she cared nothing for the amazing history she COULD have used for a story).....heart wrenching psychological drama between two excessively morally clean people that have terrible conversations.
Unlike many, I don't really mind the spirituality or religious parts. I liked the history. I loved that the story made me consider the horror of a massive city sinking into the black, cold ocean within a short frame of time, and the impact this may have had on survivors and rescuers. I always love the love. And I do appreciate that Stansfield widely makes her characters very generous and giving people.
So there we are......clean, fast, romantic-ish, meatless.
March 13, 2012
First off I need to say that the cover bothers me. It is a little too much Kate Winslet looking for me. I know that the author has nothing to do with the cover selection, so this is not a comment on her writing, but it really bothered me. A lot.
Having gotten that off my chest. I did enjoy the story. I had never considered the trauma that the survivors likely experienced, both physically and emotionally. This was a fresh perspective for me.
I did think that the meeting between the two romantic interest characters was a bit contrived, but the romance was sweet and exactly what you'd expect from an Anita Stansfield book.
I was also confused about the whole situation with Ella in the first part of the book. I get that she was manipulated and coerced by an unscrupulous woman and found herself in a situation she didn't realize she was getting into, but unless she was physically forced I am not sure how everyone could tell her she had zero responsibility for what happened. Is there a reason she didn't leave when she figured out what was really going on?
I also would have liked to have more of a feel of what it was like to be a passenger on the Titanic with more time spent on the ship, or rather more details about it.
This sounds like I didn't like the book, but I did. Anita Stansfield is always a good indulgence in a bit of "guilty pleasure" and she really does try to show growth and learning from her characters.
Having gotten that off my chest. I did enjoy the story. I had never considered the trauma that the survivors likely experienced, both physically and emotionally. This was a fresh perspective for me.
I did think that the meeting between the two romantic interest characters was a bit contrived, but the romance was sweet and exactly what you'd expect from an Anita Stansfield book.
I was also confused about the whole situation with Ella in the first part of the book. I get that she was manipulated and coerced by an unscrupulous woman and found herself in a situation she didn't realize she was getting into, but unless she was physically forced I am not sure how everyone could tell her she had zero responsibility for what happened. Is there a reason she didn't leave when she figured out what was really going on?
I also would have liked to have more of a feel of what it was like to be a passenger on the Titanic with more time spent on the ship, or rather more details about it.
This sounds like I didn't like the book, but I did. Anita Stansfield is always a good indulgence in a bit of "guilty pleasure" and she really does try to show growth and learning from her characters.
April 10, 2012
I am not a "fan" of Mormon fiction by any stretch of the word. I find the genre as a whole uninspired and droll. There have been a few diamonds in the rough. This however, was almost one of them. I know I gave it 4 stars, so I guess I better explain. I loved the concept, the characters, and the setting. The main character, Ella, I could relate to on a level I have never done so with a fictional character. I found her relationship with Irene wonderful and I truly routed for her. However, a lot of the issues I with LDS fiction were present in this book. The constant reminder of the Mormon faith, the skirting around deep emotion, and the handling of sin with kid gloves. I must say, that these issues were less than in other LDS fiction. Plus the interesting concept and characters helped me to get past the annoyances. When a character bore their testimony, it felt genuine. There were deep and agonizing feelings, however I feel that they could have been delved into more. And such a "hot button" word as rape was implied but never said. This book could have been amazing and wonderful to the point that I recommended it to non-LDS friends, but it does fall short of its potential. I do have to admit it is still an interesting and enjoyable read despite its faults and therefore earns 4 stars.
June 2, 2015
I've read quite a bit about the Titanic tragedy but this story had a different perspective for me. The historical details rang true. I loved that it focused as much on the survivors AFTER the sinking insead of just endng with knowing they survived. In this era of Post Tramatic Stress Syndrome, it is easy to understand that their problems weren't solved simply by being rescued. What a tragic event. An enjoyable read.
July 29, 2013
I was interested in this book because of Irene Corbett. When I picked it up from the library, it was in the Romance section and I guess that should have given me some idea that this would be a different reading experience than what I was hoping for but I decided to read it anyways. I'm not a big fan of romance or Stansfield's writing style.
July 20, 2012
This really made me think about what a great tragedy the sinking of the Titanic was -- how incredibly tragic it was for so many people.
December 11, 2018
Predictable (and not because the Titanic sinks), boring and ridiculously inundated with LDS gospel topic conversations (in the first half). I'm a member of the church, but I found myself rolling my eyes and the cheesy religious conversations between Irene and Ella. Especially the part where Irene tells Ella she is a princess, with a Heavenly King as a father, and will go back to live happily ever after with Him. Bleh! It sounds like she is talking to a 4 year old. I almost stopped reading after that. I probably should have, but I kept thinking it would get better. It didn't.
December 28, 2017
Interesting read, it's not too often I read one that is based on true events with some characters who actually existed! I liked the factual aspect, but didn't really like the ending; too boring with no real conclusion. Would've liked to look into more of the life of Irene, but overall a good story.
December 23, 2025
Reading about the Titanic
This is a wonderful book. It can really teach
People how to grieve. Very tender story - deeply touching at the heart . I recently went to an exhibition of the Titanic . Having read this deepened my understanding of experiencing what the survivors went through and the rescuers. Highly recommend!
This is a wonderful book. It can really teach
People how to grieve. Very tender story - deeply touching at the heart . I recently went to an exhibition of the Titanic . Having read this deepened my understanding of experiencing what the survivors went through and the rescuers. Highly recommend!
October 11, 2019
I am one of those who is fascinated by the Titanic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the glimpses of the true life heroes of the titanic as well as some fictional a characters who likely went through the same kinds of emotions as those who might have sailed on the Titanic. Well done!
October 7, 2020
I'm oscillating between three and four stars on this one. I enjoyed the story of Irene, but am not sold on Ella. I think she needed more to her character than being kind and a victim of tragic circumstance.
September 1, 2025
A nicely written, quick read for fans of the Titanic. A story of one fictional survivor interwoven with two actual passengers on the ship. This novel explores the mental aftermath faced by survivors as they strive to overcome and lead fulfilling lives.
January 3, 2018
This was a good book, but not my favorite from Anita Stansfield. I never 'fell in love' with the characters as I have in her other books.
July 16, 2018
I wish it’d had more information on the titanic but it was still a really good book I loved her journey to finding peace.
February 17, 2021
fabulous book It really helps one think where their priorities lie.
March 1, 2023
This was a great historical fiction! Sometimes I don't love LDS novels but this was great. It was interesting to learn more about the titanic and some of the real life heros there.
April 19, 2024
I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but I listened to it straight through and enjoyed it.
May 13, 2025
One of my teen daughter's absolute favorites.
March 9, 2017
Historical fiction that was very entertaining! A little unnerving to read while on a cruise, however!
May 15, 2012
We follow the fictional character of Ella Brown who is forced from a a life of safety and abundance to one of scarcity and fear. When Ella arrives at the hospital in a life-threatening state, she needs an angel of mercy, and one soon arrives: Irene Corbett, an American midwife in England for advanced training. The story follows their friendship and the decision to travel to America aboard the Titanic.
**from the encyclopedia titanica
Irene Colvin Corbett is a Titanic victim. Irene was married to Walter Corbett and had three children. She had traveled to London in the winter of 1911-1912 to study nursing while her children stayed with her parents. Irene's parents received a letter from her on April 15th in which she said she would take passage on the Titanic. Irene Corbett boarded the Titanic in Southampton. After the sinking, Bishop Colvin telegraphed New York to find out what had happened to his daughter. He received in answer a telegram: "New York, April 19, Levi Colvin, Provo, Utah. Now find name of Mrs Irene C. Corbett is on the list of passengers having sailed from Southampton, but regret is not a survivor on Carpathia. WHITE STAR LINE." Irene Corbett was one of 14 second class women who perished in the sinking, it is commonly believed that being a nurse she was helping those in need and that is why she did not get on one of the life boats.
**from the encyclopedia titanica
Irene Colvin Corbett is a Titanic victim. Irene was married to Walter Corbett and had three children. She had traveled to London in the winter of 1911-1912 to study nursing while her children stayed with her parents. Irene's parents received a letter from her on April 15th in which she said she would take passage on the Titanic. Irene Corbett boarded the Titanic in Southampton. After the sinking, Bishop Colvin telegraphed New York to find out what had happened to his daughter. He received in answer a telegram: "New York, April 19, Levi Colvin, Provo, Utah. Now find name of Mrs Irene C. Corbett is on the list of passengers having sailed from Southampton, but regret is not a survivor on Carpathia. WHITE STAR LINE." Irene Corbett was one of 14 second class women who perished in the sinking, it is commonly believed that being a nurse she was helping those in need and that is why she did not get on one of the life boats.
March 7, 2012
WOW! This novel was very different from Stansfields usual book. Absolutely heartwrenching. I liked it a lot, but it was a tough subject. I loved the real characters mixed with the fictional ones. I felt the beginning of the book was very "preachy" but that was the real-life part, so I can't complain about it too much. Ella grew up in a privileged home, but when her family lost everything, she found herself struggling to survive on Londons filthy streets. Irene soothes Ella's pains, and joins her on the titanic, to travel to America. Epic disaster awaits the two friends. I absolutly love Anita Stansfields books! She has the power to move me in each of her novels. I have read almost all of them, and enjoyed each of them. I only gave 4 of 5 stars, because I don't love it when the last chapter seems like the author is trying to "wrap it up" quickly, rather than finishing the story. I would like to have known more of Irene's family. I felt like we were left hanging with that character. I did love knowing more about what the survivors went through. This was a great read, and I would suggest it for anyone!
September 9, 2015
Anita Stansfield is a well known LDS author with a wide variety of books under her belt. "Passage on the Titanic" is one she recently came out with, and she says it's her first attempt at trying to tie real people into a fictional story.
She tells the story of Irene, an American who went to England for nursing school and took one of her patients, Ella, under her wing. The two become fast friends and end up traveling to America on the Titanic. I thought the whole book would be about their time on the Titanic, but there is so much more to the story. The author focuses on who they were before getting on the ship, and then goes in to great detail about their rescue and what their lives were like after surviving that great tragedy. She takes the well known story of the Titanic and makes it very personal for the reader as you try to put yourself in Ella's shoes. It's an incredible story and well worth your time. The book is fairly short and easy, so it should only take a couple of days to read. Enjoy :)
She tells the story of Irene, an American who went to England for nursing school and took one of her patients, Ella, under her wing. The two become fast friends and end up traveling to America on the Titanic. I thought the whole book would be about their time on the Titanic, but there is so much more to the story. The author focuses on who they were before getting on the ship, and then goes in to great detail about their rescue and what their lives were like after surviving that great tragedy. She takes the well known story of the Titanic and makes it very personal for the reader as you try to put yourself in Ella's shoes. It's an incredible story and well worth your time. The book is fairly short and easy, so it should only take a couple of days to read. Enjoy :)
May 26, 2015
While the story telling was not high caliber, I appreciated this book for its themes. It does however merit trigger warnings for suicide, stillbirth, PTSD and sex trafficking in addition to the well-known fact that over a thousand people died when the Titanic sank. I felt that the author dealt with the tragic themes compassionately and realistically. I wanted to read the book because it featured the story of Irene Corbett, an LDS midwife. I had been hoping for more birth scenes but I was pleasantly surprised that the latter half of the book focused on healing and recovery from trauma. The characters set a beautiful example of mourning with one who mourns and providing comfort to one who knows terrible suffering. This may make it one of my favorite books for all time for that reason. It is rare indeed to find fiction that realistically portrays difficult human emotion with such accuracy.
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