In spring of 1912, the world is reeling from the news that the largest ocean liner in the world, the Titanic, sunk in the North Atlantic with a tremendous loss of life. Marguerite Hartranft returns to Grenell to find her tiny island paradise has also suffered a loss—fire destroyed eight cottages since her departure last fall. As the smoke clears, the only thing certain is that change is imminent.
In spring of 1912, the world is reeling from the news that the largest ocean liner in the world — the Titanic — sunk in the North Atlantic with a tremendous loss of life. Marguerite Hartranft returns to Grenell to find her tiny island paradise has also suffered a loss—fire destroyed eight cottages since her departure last fall. As the smoke clears, the only thing certain is that change is imminent. At times, all these changes feel automobiles, gasoline-power boats, electric launches, and aeroplanes. At other times, it feels as if her world is being ripped apart. After years of sitting on the fence, Marguerite speaks out in favor of votes for women. Marguerite’s niece Vivi is thirteen, teetering on the verge of adulthood. Meanwhile, Marguerite awaits the return of her ardent correspondent Commander Percy Guilford. But after exchanging letters for eight long years, her mailbox is suddenly empty. Will there be another major change in Marguerite’s life?
The Thousand Islands Series Set in the sparkling blue waters of the St. Lawrence River between northern New York and Ontario, Canada, the Thousand Islands Series is the sweeping saga of Marguerite Hartranft, whose love for island life bolsters her spirit as she navigates her way through the changing social roles for women between 1881 and 1963. Grenell 1912 is the fourth book in the series.