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The Lost Child
1912. As the steamship Carpathia takes the survivors of the Titanic to New York, a woman desperately searches the decks for her baby, thrust into the arms of another passenger as a lifeboat left, and now nowhere to be found. 2022. When archivist Jackie finds a notebook containing the stories of women saved by the Carpathia amongst an auction lot, she uncovers the story of a missing baby, a mysterious silver bracelet, and a journalist determined to share the truth with the world. ‘ I LOVED this book! … I was totally engrossed… I'd highly recommend it!’ NetGalley reviewer ‘An absolute page turner , it had me gripped and in its spell… From the first page I was absolutely hooked on this book .’ NetGalley reviewer ‘A brilliant book.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘An inspiring coming-of-age story, combined with a fascinating Irish history lesson… Five stars from me. ’ NetGalley reviewer ‘ Outstanding… I loved this from start to finish. ’ NetGalley reviewer ‘ Riveting … I loved it.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Beautifully written… A fabulous read with a teary ending. ’ NetGalley reviewer ‘ What a great novel! ’ NetGalley reviewer
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2024
531 people are currently reading
4647 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen McGurl
26 books476 followersKathleen McGurl lives in Bournemouth with her husband and cat. She has two grown-up sons who have now left home. She always wanted to write, and for many years was waiting until she had the time. Eventually she came to the bitter realisation that no one would pay her for a year off work to write a book, so she sat down and started to write one anyway. Since then she has sold dozens of short stories to women's magazines and written three books for writers. These days she is concentrating on longer fiction and has published several dual timeline novels with CarinaUK and HQ. She works full time in the IT industry and when she's not writing, she's often out running, slowly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 27, 2023
1912. The Carpathia is a transatlantic passenger steamship, aboard are Medeleine and Ralph Meyer and they are going on a European holiday. Ralph is a New York journalist and they can’t believe it when they hear whispers from the crew that the unsinkable Titanic has hit an iceberg and on it's maiden voyage. The Carpathia was the only ship in the area that could come to the survivors aid and they had no idea what they would find when they arrived at the location two hours later.
Madeleine tries to be useful and offers assistance to people as they make it on to the deck of the Carpathia. A stewardess from the Titanic called Violet Jessop hands her a baby and a woman quickly grabs the child and disappears into the crowd. Meanwhile Lucy Watts searches the decks for her baby Norah, she was given to a woman by her husband as the last lifeboat was launched, and she can’t find her anywhere. Madeleine helps Ralph who knows the story could be his major scoop, by interviewing the female survivors, and she meets Lucy, she promises to be on the lookout for an unaccounted infant and there seems to be some confusion around how many babies Lucy had?
The lost Child has a dual timeline and is told from the two main charters points of view, Madeleine and Jackie and a hundred and ten years apart.
2022. Jackie works for an antiques collector, he buys lots at auctions and Henry desperately wants to add to his White Star Line collection. While going through his latest boxes of acquisition, Jackie finds a notebook containing the stories of women who were aboard the Titanic when it hit the iceberg and were saved by the Carpathia. Jackie eventually works out it was written by Madeleine Meyers and one story in particular pulls at her heartstrings and it's about a lady called Lucy who lost her baby. Jackie is in her mid-thirties, she wants to start a family with her long term partner, she feels a real connection to both Medeleine and Lucy and her missing infant.
Both women’s stories are interesting and you’re drawn into their worlds, Madeleine doing what she can to help the survivors of the Titanic and you discover what happened aboard the Carpathia before it arrived in New York and Jackie who’s just spent the last two years battling the Covid pandemic and lock-downs and both women have suffered personal loss and don’t know if they will be blessed with the gift of raising a child themselves.
I received a copy of The Lost Child by Kathleen McGurl from HQ Digital and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Using real facts and details about passengers and the sinking of the Titanic and the Carpathia the ship that came to their rescue Ms. McGurl has written a interesting narrative that's thoroughly researched, and gives the reader a new and fresh insight into the world's most famous maritime tragedy.
Can you imagine how the families of the passengers aboard the Titanic's first voyage felt when they heard the ship might have sunk in North Atlantic Ocean, many didn’t believe it and all sorts of theories and ideas were shared by the press over the few days it took for the Carpathia to reach New York?
The author mentions in the story the new communication invention the Titanic and Carpathia both used, I had never heard about it before and it was a life saver. I highly recommend reading The Lost Child, and it’s an engrossing story that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page and it made me feel really emotional. I especially liked Ms. McGurl's dedication and she thanks my book friend Cindy Spear and fellow Australian blogger and I admire them both. Five stars big stars from me and a must read.
Madeleine tries to be useful and offers assistance to people as they make it on to the deck of the Carpathia. A stewardess from the Titanic called Violet Jessop hands her a baby and a woman quickly grabs the child and disappears into the crowd. Meanwhile Lucy Watts searches the decks for her baby Norah, she was given to a woman by her husband as the last lifeboat was launched, and she can’t find her anywhere. Madeleine helps Ralph who knows the story could be his major scoop, by interviewing the female survivors, and she meets Lucy, she promises to be on the lookout for an unaccounted infant and there seems to be some confusion around how many babies Lucy had?
The lost Child has a dual timeline and is told from the two main charters points of view, Madeleine and Jackie and a hundred and ten years apart.
2022. Jackie works for an antiques collector, he buys lots at auctions and Henry desperately wants to add to his White Star Line collection. While going through his latest boxes of acquisition, Jackie finds a notebook containing the stories of women who were aboard the Titanic when it hit the iceberg and were saved by the Carpathia. Jackie eventually works out it was written by Madeleine Meyers and one story in particular pulls at her heartstrings and it's about a lady called Lucy who lost her baby. Jackie is in her mid-thirties, she wants to start a family with her long term partner, she feels a real connection to both Medeleine and Lucy and her missing infant.
Both women’s stories are interesting and you’re drawn into their worlds, Madeleine doing what she can to help the survivors of the Titanic and you discover what happened aboard the Carpathia before it arrived in New York and Jackie who’s just spent the last two years battling the Covid pandemic and lock-downs and both women have suffered personal loss and don’t know if they will be blessed with the gift of raising a child themselves.
I received a copy of The Lost Child by Kathleen McGurl from HQ Digital and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Using real facts and details about passengers and the sinking of the Titanic and the Carpathia the ship that came to their rescue Ms. McGurl has written a interesting narrative that's thoroughly researched, and gives the reader a new and fresh insight into the world's most famous maritime tragedy.
Can you imagine how the families of the passengers aboard the Titanic's first voyage felt when they heard the ship might have sunk in North Atlantic Ocean, many didn’t believe it and all sorts of theories and ideas were shared by the press over the few days it took for the Carpathia to reach New York?
The author mentions in the story the new communication invention the Titanic and Carpathia both used, I had never heard about it before and it was a life saver. I highly recommend reading The Lost Child, and it’s an engrossing story that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page and it made me feel really emotional. I especially liked Ms. McGurl's dedication and she thanks my book friend Cindy Spear and fellow Australian blogger and I admire them both. Five stars big stars from me and a must read.
February 4, 2024
Big thanks to both #HQDigital and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Lost Child!
"A sweeping dual-timeline novel from the bestselling author of The Girl from Bletchley Park."
All she wanted was a child of her own…
I REALLY liked The Lost Child! The dual timelines featured Madeline, who was traveling aboard the Carpathia in 1912, and Jackie, who is an archivist in 2022 and finds a notebook from the Carpathia. Both were interesting, although I enjoyed the 1912 timeline story the most. The parts of the book about the Titanic were heartwrenching - followed by others that were heartwarming. The book and the afterword were utterly fascinating, especially finding out how much of the story was true.
I recommend The Lost Child!
#KathleenMcGurl #Carpathia
"A sweeping dual-timeline novel from the bestselling author of The Girl from Bletchley Park."
All she wanted was a child of her own…
I REALLY liked The Lost Child! The dual timelines featured Madeline, who was traveling aboard the Carpathia in 1912, and Jackie, who is an archivist in 2022 and finds a notebook from the Carpathia. Both were interesting, although I enjoyed the 1912 timeline story the most. The parts of the book about the Titanic were heartwrenching - followed by others that were heartwarming. The book and the afterword were utterly fascinating, especially finding out how much of the story was true.
I recommend The Lost Child!
#KathleenMcGurl #Carpathia
January 30, 2024
Pre-Review
I've been sitting here with my computer trying to find the words to express how much I was affected by ‘The Lost Child’. There really are no words to describe the emotions I felt from page one. When I first received a copy of this novel from Kathleen McGurl, I was so excited and leaped into the Prologue with an eager mind. I was immediately engulfed in tears from what I read. I knew then this was going to be a story I would never forget (on Carpathia-- the ship that rescued Titanic survivors). And was keen to continue but had to set the book down to attend another activity.
Later when I was free, I picked up ‘The Lost Child ‘to start once more. This time, I went back to the front pages, then saw the dedication. To say I was stunned and honoured at the same time is an understatement! I certainly never expected that. The Author’s Notes states how I told Kathleen about Jay Ludowyke's non-fiction book 'Carpathia'. When reading it, I kept thinking of Kathleen and that there was an inspiring story to be told from all this amazing research and that she was the writer to create it. It is no secret that I'm a huge fan of her dual timelines. She has a special gift in relating historical events and persons in fiction and tying them in to worthy topics and themes that are relevant to future generations. When I cross back and forth between past and present timelines in her stories, I never feel jolted by the switch over. There’s no harsh break or interruption but always a seamless flow between the two.
Family ancestral connections are at the heart of her novels. These are the things that matter to all of us and help us connect to our families’ pasts. Reading her stories is truly like walking a mile in another person’s shoes as we feel their struggles, empathise with their emotions and harbour and glean from their secrets. They are beautifully spun tales that flow as naturally as the waves rolling in to the shore. And this one, The Lost Child (focusing on Carpathia – the ship that picked up Titanic’s survivors) is a worthy companion to one of her previous novels The Lost Sister about the Titanic. I loved that novel but this one goes even deeper and has even more layers in plot, thought and action. The details are meticulously and reverently utilised.
We will never grow tired of Titanic stories and all those that encircle the unsinkable ship (like Carpathia) for it carried the hopes and dreams of so many passengers from all walks of life. Their stories will never be lost beneath the waves as long as salvagers, researchers and writers keep digging through the buried debris and keep unearthing more and more personal ties to the living. This was a horrible tragedy that begs to be remembered. So, the lost voices will keep rising up from the deep through the waves and centuries and continue to speak to hearts that are open to listen.
My full review will follow soon. But I encourage all who are moved (like myself) by Titanic's loss and the stories that surround her and the rescue ship, to put this on your TB list: Out 30th of Jan. 2024!!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
THE REVIEW of THE LOST CHILD
What a moving and epic novel by Kathleen McGurl! The Lost Child exudes creative skill and exhibits amazing depth and stunning insight. From the start of the sensitive prologue, tears began forming in my eyes and the flow never shut off until after the last chapter. I was held captive by this beautifully written story and its characters. I truly had difficulty holding my emotions together in both timelines (1912 and 2022) as I could relate so well to the topics covered and the anguish experienced by the victims. Both threads tugged equally at my heart. I was reminded of the scars and long term effects of the loss of children. Whether it be the souls from the Titanic or anyone past or present who has suffered death of a child inside or outside the womb. Loss is loss. The pain is real. Both Madeleine and Jackie have experienced it in one form or another. While they each try to process that disappointment in their own era, new events occur that give them both another chance to channel that grief in a more positive direction. But although their husbands/partners mean well in trying to help them, they don’t quite understand the magnitude of their suffering.
As shown in the historic timeline, during the sinking of Titanic, a number of children died. In fact, of the one hundred and nine travelling, only fifty-three survived. One in First Class and fifty-two in steerage. A tragic day. Then you have the parents who have been rescued by Carpathia and separated from their child or children. Unable to find their little one(s) among the survivors (as shown in the story), severe panic sets in. What a horrible feeling that would be! And then there are other means of loss—including miscarriage (explored compassionately in The Lost Child). So as noted, the common theme in both 1912 and 2022 is loss of children in different ways. But it all spells tragedy whether it is the epic disaster of the Titanic hitting an iceberg and sinking or a much wanted child that never gets to be born. Either way, the waiting parent drowns in waves of fear, anguish and grief. It feels to each of them (seen in past and present timelines) as if their child has been taken by the cold Atlantic waves.
I’ve read a number of interesting Titanic inspired stories but Kathleen’s are truly extra special. The descriptions are vivid as she takes you on an unforgettable journey through time. Fresh, unique perspectives and important relatable topics are always sewn into the core. The Lost Sister was based on the tragic ‘unsinkable’ Titanic but The Lost Child focuses on Carpathia—the hero rescue ship. And with this historical story thread, the unknown survivor child—that ship stewardess Violet Jessop brings on board when she is rescued—comes into focus. We go on quite a journey trying to match child and parent. Then in the 2022 timeline, Jackie, working as a research assistant to a wealthy businessman who has an obsession with buying boxes of memorabilia from various sources, stumbles across a unique find. It becomes somewhat of a treasure hunt but while exploring the items from Carpathia, Jackie discovers a note book owned by a woman named Madeleine that contains testimonies of the survivors. One of which is a woman named Lucy who has a sad but intriguing story that unfolds.
While Jackie studies and researches this discovery and what it means, we are transported to 1912 to learn of the events in motion. We are put in the shoes of these characters who witnessed or were part of the rescue and this provides us with a strong emotional connection. One couple on the hero ship, is Madeleine and Ralph. She has experienced loss and tries to help with the survivors who board Carpathia. He is a journalist and keen to obtain the survivors’ stories and asks his wife to help. This takes them and us on a very personal journey through the heart of each person who was there. There’s nothing like first-hand accounts but this journalist’s hands are tied. The captain does not want to see the survivors utilised for news purposes. But is that really why Ralph wants their stories told? Is there a promotion in it for him? Or is he more concerned about getting the truth out to their families who have a right to know?
The novel in the historic timeline covers some fascinating information on the Marconi radio equipment that brought about the Titanic rescue. (Guglielmo Marconi invented radio communication in the 1890.) Without this fairly new apparatus, there probably would never have been any survivors as Carpathia could not have received the message and speeded forward to help rescue those left in the life boats.
The Lost Child expresses many areas that circled around the Titanic rescue. Carpathia is a hero. It also allowed the author to explore other emotionally charged topics that some women have experienced. This is a strong and sympathetic story that wrapped around my heart and squeezed out many tears. There are numerous tender and insightful moments. As always, there is a fascinating mystery to solve that begins in the historical timeline and is explored and solved in the modern one. A breathtaking read, that is powerful, passionate and perfect. Loved every page—including the cover that is just as stunning, atmospheric and haunting as the novel. 5 epic stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Kathleen McGurl and HQ for my review copy.
I've been sitting here with my computer trying to find the words to express how much I was affected by ‘The Lost Child’. There really are no words to describe the emotions I felt from page one. When I first received a copy of this novel from Kathleen McGurl, I was so excited and leaped into the Prologue with an eager mind. I was immediately engulfed in tears from what I read. I knew then this was going to be a story I would never forget (on Carpathia-- the ship that rescued Titanic survivors). And was keen to continue but had to set the book down to attend another activity.
Later when I was free, I picked up ‘The Lost Child ‘to start once more. This time, I went back to the front pages, then saw the dedication. To say I was stunned and honoured at the same time is an understatement! I certainly never expected that. The Author’s Notes states how I told Kathleen about Jay Ludowyke's non-fiction book 'Carpathia'. When reading it, I kept thinking of Kathleen and that there was an inspiring story to be told from all this amazing research and that she was the writer to create it. It is no secret that I'm a huge fan of her dual timelines. She has a special gift in relating historical events and persons in fiction and tying them in to worthy topics and themes that are relevant to future generations. When I cross back and forth between past and present timelines in her stories, I never feel jolted by the switch over. There’s no harsh break or interruption but always a seamless flow between the two.
Family ancestral connections are at the heart of her novels. These are the things that matter to all of us and help us connect to our families’ pasts. Reading her stories is truly like walking a mile in another person’s shoes as we feel their struggles, empathise with their emotions and harbour and glean from their secrets. They are beautifully spun tales that flow as naturally as the waves rolling in to the shore. And this one, The Lost Child (focusing on Carpathia – the ship that picked up Titanic’s survivors) is a worthy companion to one of her previous novels The Lost Sister about the Titanic. I loved that novel but this one goes even deeper and has even more layers in plot, thought and action. The details are meticulously and reverently utilised.
We will never grow tired of Titanic stories and all those that encircle the unsinkable ship (like Carpathia) for it carried the hopes and dreams of so many passengers from all walks of life. Their stories will never be lost beneath the waves as long as salvagers, researchers and writers keep digging through the buried debris and keep unearthing more and more personal ties to the living. This was a horrible tragedy that begs to be remembered. So, the lost voices will keep rising up from the deep through the waves and centuries and continue to speak to hearts that are open to listen.
My full review will follow soon. But I encourage all who are moved (like myself) by Titanic's loss and the stories that surround her and the rescue ship, to put this on your TB list: Out 30th of Jan. 2024!!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
THE REVIEW of THE LOST CHILD
What a moving and epic novel by Kathleen McGurl! The Lost Child exudes creative skill and exhibits amazing depth and stunning insight. From the start of the sensitive prologue, tears began forming in my eyes and the flow never shut off until after the last chapter. I was held captive by this beautifully written story and its characters. I truly had difficulty holding my emotions together in both timelines (1912 and 2022) as I could relate so well to the topics covered and the anguish experienced by the victims. Both threads tugged equally at my heart. I was reminded of the scars and long term effects of the loss of children. Whether it be the souls from the Titanic or anyone past or present who has suffered death of a child inside or outside the womb. Loss is loss. The pain is real. Both Madeleine and Jackie have experienced it in one form or another. While they each try to process that disappointment in their own era, new events occur that give them both another chance to channel that grief in a more positive direction. But although their husbands/partners mean well in trying to help them, they don’t quite understand the magnitude of their suffering.
As shown in the historic timeline, during the sinking of Titanic, a number of children died. In fact, of the one hundred and nine travelling, only fifty-three survived. One in First Class and fifty-two in steerage. A tragic day. Then you have the parents who have been rescued by Carpathia and separated from their child or children. Unable to find their little one(s) among the survivors (as shown in the story), severe panic sets in. What a horrible feeling that would be! And then there are other means of loss—including miscarriage (explored compassionately in The Lost Child). So as noted, the common theme in both 1912 and 2022 is loss of children in different ways. But it all spells tragedy whether it is the epic disaster of the Titanic hitting an iceberg and sinking or a much wanted child that never gets to be born. Either way, the waiting parent drowns in waves of fear, anguish and grief. It feels to each of them (seen in past and present timelines) as if their child has been taken by the cold Atlantic waves.
I’ve read a number of interesting Titanic inspired stories but Kathleen’s are truly extra special. The descriptions are vivid as she takes you on an unforgettable journey through time. Fresh, unique perspectives and important relatable topics are always sewn into the core. The Lost Sister was based on the tragic ‘unsinkable’ Titanic but The Lost Child focuses on Carpathia—the hero rescue ship. And with this historical story thread, the unknown survivor child—that ship stewardess Violet Jessop brings on board when she is rescued—comes into focus. We go on quite a journey trying to match child and parent. Then in the 2022 timeline, Jackie, working as a research assistant to a wealthy businessman who has an obsession with buying boxes of memorabilia from various sources, stumbles across a unique find. It becomes somewhat of a treasure hunt but while exploring the items from Carpathia, Jackie discovers a note book owned by a woman named Madeleine that contains testimonies of the survivors. One of which is a woman named Lucy who has a sad but intriguing story that unfolds.
While Jackie studies and researches this discovery and what it means, we are transported to 1912 to learn of the events in motion. We are put in the shoes of these characters who witnessed or were part of the rescue and this provides us with a strong emotional connection. One couple on the hero ship, is Madeleine and Ralph. She has experienced loss and tries to help with the survivors who board Carpathia. He is a journalist and keen to obtain the survivors’ stories and asks his wife to help. This takes them and us on a very personal journey through the heart of each person who was there. There’s nothing like first-hand accounts but this journalist’s hands are tied. The captain does not want to see the survivors utilised for news purposes. But is that really why Ralph wants their stories told? Is there a promotion in it for him? Or is he more concerned about getting the truth out to their families who have a right to know?
The novel in the historic timeline covers some fascinating information on the Marconi radio equipment that brought about the Titanic rescue. (Guglielmo Marconi invented radio communication in the 1890.) Without this fairly new apparatus, there probably would never have been any survivors as Carpathia could not have received the message and speeded forward to help rescue those left in the life boats.
The Lost Child expresses many areas that circled around the Titanic rescue. Carpathia is a hero. It also allowed the author to explore other emotionally charged topics that some women have experienced. This is a strong and sympathetic story that wrapped around my heart and squeezed out many tears. There are numerous tender and insightful moments. As always, there is a fascinating mystery to solve that begins in the historical timeline and is explored and solved in the modern one. A breathtaking read, that is powerful, passionate and perfect. Loved every page—including the cover that is just as stunning, atmospheric and haunting as the novel. 5 epic stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Kathleen McGurl and HQ for my review copy.
December 23, 2023
What an excellent book. I've always been interested by stories about The Titanic and this one was such a great story. A dual time-line it blends the two eras so well. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Lost Child by Kathleen McGurl. This book grabbed me from the beginning and it was hard to put down. An emotional read that I can't stop thinking about. It was beautifully written and I am seriously considering reading some of this author's other books. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I loved it. I gave it a 5 star rating.
July 17, 2024
The concept was interesting. I loved the idea of hearing about the Titanic sinking from the perspective of those on the Carpathia. However, the obsessive self dialogue from several characters about their childlessness and desire to be mothers overshadowed that plot.
The book’s dialogue and writing was on the amateurish side as well. It felt very simplistic, which seems odd for an author who has published more than once.
The book’s dialogue and writing was on the amateurish side as well. It felt very simplistic, which seems odd for an author who has published more than once.
April 10, 2024
Another brilliantly crafted story from McGurl. The more I read of this author, the more I enjoy her books. I definitely want to try and read all of her back catalogue!
This book is similar to a previous read from this author, in the fact that we are focusing on the time of the Titanic. I have a fascination with this devastating event and have always enjoyed reading fictional accounts of this fateful night. This time, it is more about the after math when the Carpathia ship comes to rescue the survivors. Madeleine is on the ship, welcoming the survivors and, with her journalist husband’s persuasion, talking to them and understanding their experiences. Madeleine and her husband work together, piecing together the survivors stories to create the informative newspaper article that the world is waiting for. It was interesting to observe how the Carpathia‘s captain refused to pass on this story when they reached closer to New York and this was a reflection of the time. As a result, newspapers were simply providing the awaiting public with speculation and false news.
The author’s end note again reflected the research undertaken and this made the story even more enjoyable. Whilst some elements were fictionalised, I liked how McGurl fused fact with fiction, especially when the after note helped you identify what was truth. Finishing this book made me feel even more informed about this event.
Like so many of McGurl’s stories, this is a dual timeline and in the present day, Jackie stumbles upon Madeleine’s notebook that had some of the interviews from the Titanic survivors. Jackie starts piecing together the information she has to find out more about a lost baby that was reported by Madeleine. It is this that brings the two time periods in almost perfect parallel.
The title of the story has so many layers to it and they impact a range of characters. Not only does it refer to the baby whom was lost after its mother arrived on the Carpathia, but also what it means to be a mother. Both Madeleine and Jackie share similar experiences and I felt the writer addressed this in a sensitive manner. Furthermore, it is not just the women that have been affected and I thought this made the characters more vivid and enriched.
Despite the story of the Titanic being so well-known, McGurl offers a new perspective and I hadn’t even considered before what the rescue ship went through, let alone the passengers that found themselves heading back to New York with the survivors. The reporting black-out was interesting to consider, as well as the rumours that swirled around the fate of the Titanic, showing that this is still relevant in today’s modern world, where communication is instant but not always accurate. The tales of Madeleine and Jackie were emotional and provocative and I enjoyed reading how they are also survivors of their own, personal tragedies.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is similar to a previous read from this author, in the fact that we are focusing on the time of the Titanic. I have a fascination with this devastating event and have always enjoyed reading fictional accounts of this fateful night. This time, it is more about the after math when the Carpathia ship comes to rescue the survivors. Madeleine is on the ship, welcoming the survivors and, with her journalist husband’s persuasion, talking to them and understanding their experiences. Madeleine and her husband work together, piecing together the survivors stories to create the informative newspaper article that the world is waiting for. It was interesting to observe how the Carpathia‘s captain refused to pass on this story when they reached closer to New York and this was a reflection of the time. As a result, newspapers were simply providing the awaiting public with speculation and false news.
The author’s end note again reflected the research undertaken and this made the story even more enjoyable. Whilst some elements were fictionalised, I liked how McGurl fused fact with fiction, especially when the after note helped you identify what was truth. Finishing this book made me feel even more informed about this event.
Like so many of McGurl’s stories, this is a dual timeline and in the present day, Jackie stumbles upon Madeleine’s notebook that had some of the interviews from the Titanic survivors. Jackie starts piecing together the information she has to find out more about a lost baby that was reported by Madeleine. It is this that brings the two time periods in almost perfect parallel.
The title of the story has so many layers to it and they impact a range of characters. Not only does it refer to the baby whom was lost after its mother arrived on the Carpathia, but also what it means to be a mother. Both Madeleine and Jackie share similar experiences and I felt the writer addressed this in a sensitive manner. Furthermore, it is not just the women that have been affected and I thought this made the characters more vivid and enriched.
Despite the story of the Titanic being so well-known, McGurl offers a new perspective and I hadn’t even considered before what the rescue ship went through, let alone the passengers that found themselves heading back to New York with the survivors. The reporting black-out was interesting to consider, as well as the rumours that swirled around the fate of the Titanic, showing that this is still relevant in today’s modern world, where communication is instant but not always accurate. The tales of Madeleine and Jackie were emotional and provocative and I enjoyed reading how they are also survivors of their own, personal tragedies.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2024
This one is hard to review. From the excerpt I couldn't imagine that I would struggle so much to read through this book. Don't get me wrong, the story, the view from Carpathia passengers, was great but the constant longing for a child ( both 1912 and 2022 ) was super annoying. Because let's be honest it is still a taboo in 2024 for a woman to simply not want to be a mother. Jackie was absolute the worst and I felt more for her Husband than her ( obviously he also had some problematic aspects but still ) I couldn't feel myself into the characters at all.
The 1912 part was great except towards the end it was just about their story being published ( nothing really happened except of this... )
From 2022 I was expecting way more mystery and research instead of Jackies constant moaning about a baby.
The 1912 part was great except towards the end it was just about their story being published ( nothing really happened except of this... )
From 2022 I was expecting way more mystery and research instead of Jackies constant moaning about a baby.
January 22, 2024
A woman, a baby and a secret hidden for a hundred years...
I simply adore Kathleen McGurl's dual timeline tales and although I didn't her previous two quite as much, THE LOST CHILD is the author at her tear-jerkingly best. What I also loved about this story was that she incorporated a couple of previous characters from "The Lost Sister" which also featured Titanic and beyond. I was thrilled to see Violet Jessop (who was a real person an stewardess on Titanic) and Emma Higgins (the main character in "The Lost Sister" ) searching for her missing sister Ruby, also a stewardess. I recognised them at once and was endeared to see them included, albeit briefly.
1912: Onboard the transatlantic steamship Carpathia, Madeleine and Ralph Meyer are on a three month sojourn after the tragic loss of their baby and any chance of motherhood. Their destination is Gibraltar, a far cry from the freezing climes of New York. Ralph is a journalist but all Madeleine wanted to be was a mother. The couple are finding the crossing somewhat tiresome with little to do other than drink, play cards and watch the ocean pass by and wish for something a little more exciting to fill their days with.
Be careful what you wish for...
In the early hours of 15th April, Madeleine is awoken from her sleep by Ralph shaking her. He tells her the engines are now running at capacity and they appeared to have changed direction, for the pole star which should have been to their left is now ahead of them. Why have they changed course and what's the hurry that all engines are chugging heavily away to get them there? And then they hear whispers on deck that Titanic has hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage and has transmitted a mayday call. The crew think that those on Titanic have jumped the gun and they will arrive to find they are not needed after all...after all, the ship was said to be unsinkable.
But when Carpathia arrives at the coordinates given, all they see are lifeboats laden with people with many more in the water crying and calling for help, debris all around them. But there was no sign of Titanic.
Madeleine assists the crew with the survivors as they are brought aboard by giving them blankets and leading them to where a doctor awaits their arrival to check them over. Many are freezing cold, most are in shock. As one woman is brought on board with a swaddled baby in her arms, she thrusts the child at Madeleine but before she could react, another woman exclaims "My baby!" and grabs the bundle, disappearing into the crowd.
Meanwhile, young mother Lucy Watts is brought aboard with her own bundle swaddled in her arms crying for her baby. The other women dismiss her as being doolally as the child is clearly in her arms. But as Lucy searches for baby Norah, her story touches Madeleine who begins to search the ship for her too. But is Lucy confused and in shocks as a result of the trauma she has suffered? Or is there a second baby that no one, except Lucy and Madeleine, is looking for?
2022: Archivist Jackie Summers has worked for an antiques collector for several years. It began as a short term job sorting some of her employer's old books and has morphed into collating his vast collection of antique everything. Having just acquired a box labeled as "Carpathia", Henry is hopeful of finding a medal that was awarded to all crew of the only ship that answered Titanic's distress call. But when Jackie comes across a notebook, what she unearths is a mystery that pulls at her heartstrings so much that she endeavours to uncover the truth behind what happened to Lucy Watts and her baby, and that of Madeleine Meyer.
In her mid-thirties herself and her desire to start a family with long term partner Tim, Jackie feels a kinship with Madeleine despite the years that separate them. Through Lucy's story in the notebook, Madeleine's own pain surfaces. And when Jackie discovers she's pregnant, she's thrilled. But is Tim really as excited as he says he is?
Through both women's stories the reader is drawn into their worlds - both on Carpathia and in the present day. McGurl draws on her research and uses factual details from the pages of history to draw her fictional characters and sweeping tale that spans one hundred and ten years. She has incorporated factual happenings, such as the news blackout as ordered by Carpathia's captain and the rumours that brewed back in New York as to Titanic's fate, into this fictional story and put her own stamp on it. Whilst not losing the emotions, the feeling of devastation and helplessness, the shock and trauma, the reality of the world's most famous maritime tragedy ever seen.
THE LOST CHILD is a tragic yet beautiful story that, while it is heartbreaking and bittersweet, is also an emotional and compelling read. If you enjoyed "The Lost Sister" , you will love this one even more.
A definite five star read I highly recommend.
I would like to thank #KathleenMcGurl, #Netgalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TheLostChild in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I simply adore Kathleen McGurl's dual timeline tales and although I didn't her previous two quite as much, THE LOST CHILD is the author at her tear-jerkingly best. What I also loved about this story was that she incorporated a couple of previous characters from "The Lost Sister" which also featured Titanic and beyond. I was thrilled to see Violet Jessop (who was a real person an stewardess on Titanic) and Emma Higgins (the main character in "The Lost Sister" ) searching for her missing sister Ruby, also a stewardess. I recognised them at once and was endeared to see them included, albeit briefly.
1912: Onboard the transatlantic steamship Carpathia, Madeleine and Ralph Meyer are on a three month sojourn after the tragic loss of their baby and any chance of motherhood. Their destination is Gibraltar, a far cry from the freezing climes of New York. Ralph is a journalist but all Madeleine wanted to be was a mother. The couple are finding the crossing somewhat tiresome with little to do other than drink, play cards and watch the ocean pass by and wish for something a little more exciting to fill their days with.
Be careful what you wish for...
In the early hours of 15th April, Madeleine is awoken from her sleep by Ralph shaking her. He tells her the engines are now running at capacity and they appeared to have changed direction, for the pole star which should have been to their left is now ahead of them. Why have they changed course and what's the hurry that all engines are chugging heavily away to get them there? And then they hear whispers on deck that Titanic has hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage and has transmitted a mayday call. The crew think that those on Titanic have jumped the gun and they will arrive to find they are not needed after all...after all, the ship was said to be unsinkable.
But when Carpathia arrives at the coordinates given, all they see are lifeboats laden with people with many more in the water crying and calling for help, debris all around them. But there was no sign of Titanic.
Madeleine assists the crew with the survivors as they are brought aboard by giving them blankets and leading them to where a doctor awaits their arrival to check them over. Many are freezing cold, most are in shock. As one woman is brought on board with a swaddled baby in her arms, she thrusts the child at Madeleine but before she could react, another woman exclaims "My baby!" and grabs the bundle, disappearing into the crowd.
Meanwhile, young mother Lucy Watts is brought aboard with her own bundle swaddled in her arms crying for her baby. The other women dismiss her as being doolally as the child is clearly in her arms. But as Lucy searches for baby Norah, her story touches Madeleine who begins to search the ship for her too. But is Lucy confused and in shocks as a result of the trauma she has suffered? Or is there a second baby that no one, except Lucy and Madeleine, is looking for?
2022: Archivist Jackie Summers has worked for an antiques collector for several years. It began as a short term job sorting some of her employer's old books and has morphed into collating his vast collection of antique everything. Having just acquired a box labeled as "Carpathia", Henry is hopeful of finding a medal that was awarded to all crew of the only ship that answered Titanic's distress call. But when Jackie comes across a notebook, what she unearths is a mystery that pulls at her heartstrings so much that she endeavours to uncover the truth behind what happened to Lucy Watts and her baby, and that of Madeleine Meyer.
In her mid-thirties herself and her desire to start a family with long term partner Tim, Jackie feels a kinship with Madeleine despite the years that separate them. Through Lucy's story in the notebook, Madeleine's own pain surfaces. And when Jackie discovers she's pregnant, she's thrilled. But is Tim really as excited as he says he is?
Through both women's stories the reader is drawn into their worlds - both on Carpathia and in the present day. McGurl draws on her research and uses factual details from the pages of history to draw her fictional characters and sweeping tale that spans one hundred and ten years. She has incorporated factual happenings, such as the news blackout as ordered by Carpathia's captain and the rumours that brewed back in New York as to Titanic's fate, into this fictional story and put her own stamp on it. Whilst not losing the emotions, the feeling of devastation and helplessness, the shock and trauma, the reality of the world's most famous maritime tragedy ever seen.
THE LOST CHILD is a tragic yet beautiful story that, while it is heartbreaking and bittersweet, is also an emotional and compelling read. If you enjoyed "The Lost Sister" , you will love this one even more.
A definite five star read I highly recommend.
I would like to thank #KathleenMcGurl, #Netgalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TheLostChild in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 20, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. The premise was good, but I felt that the characters were extremely one dimensional and really pretty annoying most of the time.I didn’t feel like the two stories meshed well together, and the resolutions of the storylines were pretty amateurish. I also felt like the prose was awkward and offputting. If I’m noticing the way sentences are structured and the way ideas are put down on paper as being stilted and awkward, it makes it hard for me to enjoy the story. Also, there were a lot of things wrong with the plots of both timelines and I struggled to finish this book.
Read
December 29, 2023This was a beauitfully written story focusing on two women, Madeline traveling aboard the Carpathia in 1912 and Jackie an archivist in 2022 who finds a notebook from the Carpathia.
I loved the parallels between both women's lives and the way their experiences influenced their choices for the better.
I enjoyed the focus on the aftermath of the Titanic disaster and the actions of the Carpathia. It balanced real-life events and fiction really well.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this great book!
I loved the parallels between both women's lives and the way their experiences influenced their choices for the better.
I enjoyed the focus on the aftermath of the Titanic disaster and the actions of the Carpathia. It balanced real-life events and fiction really well.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this great book!
September 7, 2024
Maybe I've read too many Titanic related books lately. 🤔 I found this book somewhat lacking. I had hoped the plot would focus more information on finding the lost child from the Titanic rescue. The 'suspense' of that search seemed more of an afterthought that was quickly and neatly wrapped up at the end.
I found the storyline to focus more on the miscarriage connection between the past character and the present character. There was an interesting comparison made between the communication available today during tragic events versus what was available during the Titanic tragedy.
Also feel it should be noted a historical inaccuracy...the passengers from the Carpathia departed FIRST upon arrival at New York. Captain Rostron wanted to protect the Titanic survivors from the press and prevent or postpone the tumultuous that may ensue upon their arrival.
I found the storyline to focus more on the miscarriage connection between the past character and the present character. There was an interesting comparison made between the communication available today during tragic events versus what was available during the Titanic tragedy.
Also feel it should be noted a historical inaccuracy...the passengers from the Carpathia departed FIRST upon arrival at New York. Captain Rostron wanted to protect the Titanic survivors from the press and prevent or postpone the tumultuous that may ensue upon their arrival.
March 24, 2025
A dual time line historical novel set between the Carpathia in 1912 and modern day. I enjoyed the historical setting the most, the chapters in 2022 felt, at times, clumsy and awkward. I would have preferred a whole book set around the 1912 characters rather than two half baked concepts.
Aboard the Carpathia as it is sent to rescue stranded titanic survivors was a really good setting for this novel. So much has been written surrounding the Titanic, so it was interesting to find this new angle from the time.
Also, it’s 2022 and grown men in their thirties don’t txt lyk ths n e more do they?! Come on now.
Aboard the Carpathia as it is sent to rescue stranded titanic survivors was a really good setting for this novel. So much has been written surrounding the Titanic, so it was interesting to find this new angle from the time.
Also, it’s 2022 and grown men in their thirties don’t txt lyk ths n e more do they?! Come on now.
July 19, 2025
I had been looking so forward to receiving this book and digging into it after seeing the description on Goodreads.
I don’t want to merely read books; I want to experience them. This experience was somewhat disappointing.
I generally enjoy books written from the vantage point of two different eras, provided there’s a reasonably clear connection between the two eras (1912 and 2022 here), and transitions between the two timelines are smooth. Unfortunately, for much of this book I felt I was being jerked back and forth between two completely different, unrelated books, with only a hint of a connection. The hint seemed to evaporate, and I became so frustrated with the interruption of the characters and their unrelated storyline going on in 2022, that it became difficult to be endeared to them when the connection was finally developed.
Kudos to the author for her excellent research into actual people aboard Titanic and Carpathia, and weaving a fictional story within their real experiences in the 1912 storyline. That aspect of the book was both enlightening and intriguing.
In all honesty, it was not the page-turner I had hoped for.
I don’t want to merely read books; I want to experience them. This experience was somewhat disappointing.
I generally enjoy books written from the vantage point of two different eras, provided there’s a reasonably clear connection between the two eras (1912 and 2022 here), and transitions between the two timelines are smooth. Unfortunately, for much of this book I felt I was being jerked back and forth between two completely different, unrelated books, with only a hint of a connection. The hint seemed to evaporate, and I became so frustrated with the interruption of the characters and their unrelated storyline going on in 2022, that it became difficult to be endeared to them when the connection was finally developed.
Kudos to the author for her excellent research into actual people aboard Titanic and Carpathia, and weaving a fictional story within their real experiences in the 1912 storyline. That aspect of the book was both enlightening and intriguing.
In all honesty, it was not the page-turner I had hoped for.
March 30, 2025
I listened to this on BorrowBox and it was brilliant!
A dual timeline set between 1912 and 2022. The 1912 story followed the rescue of passengers of Titanic when they were picked up by the Carpathia.
2022 follows Jackie’s story. She works for a man who collects Titanic memorabilia and he buys a box of things where she finds a notebook from a passenger on the Carpathia who spoke to the passengers that were rescued.
I’m so interested in reading and watching things about the Titanic so that part of the story was my favourite. When you listen to the authors notes she has based some of the story set in 1912 on events that happened and the Titanic stewardess who brings a baby on board is a real person who has released her memoirs. I’m definitely going to be buying that to read!
This author is fast becoming one of my favourites. I can’t recommend her books enough. Absolutely loved this one.
A dual timeline set between 1912 and 2022. The 1912 story followed the rescue of passengers of Titanic when they were picked up by the Carpathia.
2022 follows Jackie’s story. She works for a man who collects Titanic memorabilia and he buys a box of things where she finds a notebook from a passenger on the Carpathia who spoke to the passengers that were rescued.
I’m so interested in reading and watching things about the Titanic so that part of the story was my favourite. When you listen to the authors notes she has based some of the story set in 1912 on events that happened and the Titanic stewardess who brings a baby on board is a real person who has released her memoirs. I’m definitely going to be buying that to read!
This author is fast becoming one of my favourites. I can’t recommend her books enough. Absolutely loved this one.
June 20, 2025
Wonderful Story!
How can a few lives be intertwined over a hundred years?
This was so good! A little twist on the Titanic story, and for once, it wasn't about the Titanic.
The author paints a fascinating picture of what it might've looked like on the Carpathia when she picked up the survivors....and how their stories can still impact the future.
Christa
How can a few lives be intertwined over a hundred years?
This was so good! A little twist on the Titanic story, and for once, it wasn't about the Titanic.
The author paints a fascinating picture of what it might've looked like on the Carpathia when she picked up the survivors....and how their stories can still impact the future.
Christa
June 26, 2025
I did the audio version and loved the British accent which well represented the main character. I loved the dual story and also learning more about the ship that came to the rescue of Titanic survivors. Great tie in with current time period, well matched and a fitting story to relate to the Titanic storyline. Loved it. Off to read another one from this author.
May 3, 2025
Loosely based on real events. Loved it!
May 30, 2025
I liked the way they tied the past into the future.
February 4, 2024
This story is told in dual timelines. First we go back to the year 1912 and the ship Carpathia hears a distress call from the nearby ship Titanic. The ship turns to help rescue many survivors.
The Lost Child, tells the gut wrenching story of a few of the Titanic survivors. It's a story of three women, past and present trying to solve a one hundred year old mystery.
First, there was Madeleine a survivor, aboard The Titanic. She meets another survivor named Lucy Watts who is crying for her baby Norah. Both of them search for Norah, but the question remains, with all of the shock and devastation Lucy has suffered, is there really a baby to find?
Fast forward one hundred years to 2022 and we meet Jackie Summers. Jackie is an Archivist and antiques collector. Her employer Henry has recently acquired a box labeled "Carpathia". He was looking for medals that were awards to the ship's crew who answered the Titanic's distress call. But when Jackie comes across a notebook she is now determined to find out what has happened to the passengers Lucy Watts and Madeleine Meyer.
This was a compelling story both past and present. In fact, I truly enjoyed both timelines as I ended up rooting for Jackie to find out any information she could find regarding Lucy and Madeline.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the genre of Historical Fiction!
The Lost Child, tells the gut wrenching story of a few of the Titanic survivors. It's a story of three women, past and present trying to solve a one hundred year old mystery.
First, there was Madeleine a survivor, aboard The Titanic. She meets another survivor named Lucy Watts who is crying for her baby Norah. Both of them search for Norah, but the question remains, with all of the shock and devastation Lucy has suffered, is there really a baby to find?
Fast forward one hundred years to 2022 and we meet Jackie Summers. Jackie is an Archivist and antiques collector. Her employer Henry has recently acquired a box labeled "Carpathia". He was looking for medals that were awards to the ship's crew who answered the Titanic's distress call. But when Jackie comes across a notebook she is now determined to find out what has happened to the passengers Lucy Watts and Madeleine Meyer.
This was a compelling story both past and present. In fact, I truly enjoyed both timelines as I ended up rooting for Jackie to find out any information she could find regarding Lucy and Madeline.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the genre of Historical Fiction!
April 13, 2025
I have so many issues with this book. I’ve read lots of this author’s books and I have mostly loved them all. I just struggled with this one unfortunately. I liked the idea of the story of Titanic being told from the viewpoint of passengers on the Carpathia that rescued it. However I just felt that the characters were quite unlikable in that part of the story and the rush to get the news story told felt in bad taste (despite its apparent historical accuracy according to the author’s end note?!).
There really wasn’t that much connection with the modern story - the focus in 2022 was more about the couple wanting a baby. Tim however was so petulant it was cringeworthy! Jackie far too forgiving in his attitude towards Jackie’s pregnancy and it was all far too repetitive with large sections repeated again and again. (Yes we know you’d like a baby Jackie and Tim isn’t sure!!) The earthquake and subsequent narrative was also far too cheesy and far fetched! With the connection with the Titanic very tenuous! It was annoying constantly hearing Jackie moan about why Tim hadn’t been in touch despite being told communication was down!
Back in the 1912 story I just really didn’t get how the baby was taken and why - why did Madeline not tell Lucy whilst still on the ship that her baby might have been taken by another passenger so that Lucy could have also looked out for her? Why was Lucy so forgiving to Madeline when she told her in New York? That’s so unrealistic, most women would have gone mad! Why did the woman who took the baby keep the baby’s bracelet given she’d effectively stolen the baby and that was the baby’s identity and way of knowing she’d be stolen? Why did she steal her in the first place, surely there is more story there we should have known?
For me, this story was too repetitive, too many bits that didn’t add up and too cheesy and far fetched! I don’t usually leave such critical reviews but I felt this book required it! Sorry Kathleen! I will still continue to read your books but this was not your finest imho!
This story should also come with a bit of a warning that it features baby loss in various forms throughout the book.
There really wasn’t that much connection with the modern story - the focus in 2022 was more about the couple wanting a baby. Tim however was so petulant it was cringeworthy! Jackie far too forgiving in his attitude towards Jackie’s pregnancy and it was all far too repetitive with large sections repeated again and again. (Yes we know you’d like a baby Jackie and Tim isn’t sure!!) The earthquake and subsequent narrative was also far too cheesy and far fetched! With the connection with the Titanic very tenuous! It was annoying constantly hearing Jackie moan about why Tim hadn’t been in touch despite being told communication was down!
Back in the 1912 story I just really didn’t get how the baby was taken and why - why did Madeline not tell Lucy whilst still on the ship that her baby might have been taken by another passenger so that Lucy could have also looked out for her? Why was Lucy so forgiving to Madeline when she told her in New York? That’s so unrealistic, most women would have gone mad! Why did the woman who took the baby keep the baby’s bracelet given she’d effectively stolen the baby and that was the baby’s identity and way of knowing she’d be stolen? Why did she steal her in the first place, surely there is more story there we should have known?
For me, this story was too repetitive, too many bits that didn’t add up and too cheesy and far fetched! I don’t usually leave such critical reviews but I felt this book required it! Sorry Kathleen! I will still continue to read your books but this was not your finest imho!
This story should also come with a bit of a warning that it features baby loss in various forms throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
"We are sent trials, and we are tested, and we must endeavour to respond positively at all times no matter what, doing our best for the good of all, rather than allowing ourselves to become self-pitying."
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for giving me an ARC of The Lost Child in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts that follow are my own.
1912- Madeline Meyer is sailing on the steamship Carpathia when word is received that Titanic is foundering. After the survivors are rescued and brought on board, Madeline meets one of the survivors named Lucy, who is desperately searching for her child that went missing during the sinking. Feeling a strong kinship to Lucy, Madeline promises to help find the missing child while also helping her husband, Ralph, interview the female survivors.
2022- Archivist Jackie comes across a box filled with Carpathia and Titanic memorabilia. Within the box is a journal with the initials M.M. inside and Jackie discovers the story of the missing baby. After a tragedy of her own, she quickly decides to dig deeper. What she finds will unearth a 110-year-old mystery....
This book was super interesting because the POV in 1912 was not that of a Titanic survivor but instead a passenger on the rescue ship, Carpathia. This isn't something you see too often in the historical fiction genre and that was what initially drew me to this book. Madeline was tenacious and wanted to do everything within her power to help the people that survived. I thought that there were quite a few similarities between Madeline and Jackie which kept me intrigued since the summary of the book didn't mention anything about them being family in any way. The best part of the book for me was the last 20-30% when everything came together and I enjoyed the connections between all the characters.
The winner of the character development award was Tim, Jackie's boyfriend. I absolutely hated him at the beginning of the book and ended up loving him at the end. He went through so much and learned a lot about what it was to be in a relationship and what it takes to keep a relationship together when things get difficult.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is not only interested in Titanic but also what happened after the Titanic sank. I would also recommend it to anyone looking for something different. Check trigger warnings for this novel before you read. 4/5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for giving me an ARC of The Lost Child in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts that follow are my own.
1912- Madeline Meyer is sailing on the steamship Carpathia when word is received that Titanic is foundering. After the survivors are rescued and brought on board, Madeline meets one of the survivors named Lucy, who is desperately searching for her child that went missing during the sinking. Feeling a strong kinship to Lucy, Madeline promises to help find the missing child while also helping her husband, Ralph, interview the female survivors.
2022- Archivist Jackie comes across a box filled with Carpathia and Titanic memorabilia. Within the box is a journal with the initials M.M. inside and Jackie discovers the story of the missing baby. After a tragedy of her own, she quickly decides to dig deeper. What she finds will unearth a 110-year-old mystery....
This book was super interesting because the POV in 1912 was not that of a Titanic survivor but instead a passenger on the rescue ship, Carpathia. This isn't something you see too often in the historical fiction genre and that was what initially drew me to this book. Madeline was tenacious and wanted to do everything within her power to help the people that survived. I thought that there were quite a few similarities between Madeline and Jackie which kept me intrigued since the summary of the book didn't mention anything about them being family in any way. The best part of the book for me was the last 20-30% when everything came together and I enjoyed the connections between all the characters.
The winner of the character development award was Tim, Jackie's boyfriend. I absolutely hated him at the beginning of the book and ended up loving him at the end. He went through so much and learned a lot about what it was to be in a relationship and what it takes to keep a relationship together when things get difficult.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is not only interested in Titanic but also what happened after the Titanic sank. I would also recommend it to anyone looking for something different. Check trigger warnings for this novel before you read. 4/5 stars!
December 25, 2023
Both heartwrenching and heartwarming this a beautifully told story or tragedy, loss and love.
If all history lessons were told like this I might have got better grades in my history exam 😹
Blending mainly facts with fiction the story is told from two women, set over a hundred years apart, Jackie in 2022 and Madeleine in 1912.
Both women have the loss of a baby in common so when both women are introduced to the story of Titanic survivor, Lucy Watts, both women are touched by her story and her missing daughter, and both go about trying to find out what happened to the little missing baby girl.
Madeleine is aboard the ship Carpathia and witnesses the rescue of the survivors of the sunken Titanic and it is as she is helping the survivors board the Carpathia that she is handed a bundle from one of the Titanic’s stewardess, only to have the bundle which contained a baby snatched straight back out of her arms.
Madeleine’s husband is a journalist and sets her the task of interviewing some of the women survivors to get their story of what really happened to the Titanic which is how she learns of Lucy’s lost child and vows to help her finding her missing baby.
Jackie is a research assistant to a wealthy businessman who is an avid collector, so when he buys a box of miscellaneous items from the ship, Carpathia, she discovers Madeleine’s notebook containing the interviews she carried out, one of which is Lucy’s story.
She is immediately drawn to the story still feeling her own recent loss and begins digging into the story.
Both women’s stories are equally as compelling and both storylines draw you into their worlds and lives as it follows their own personal losses along with the huge disaster and loss of live from the sinking of the Titanic.
It is beautifully written, full of compassion for the tragedy and it is a story that will haunt you, in a good way!, long after you have finished the last page.
I was completely invested in both storylines and loved all the nonfictional elements of the book. It is a book that once you start reading you cannot put it down.
I highly recommend reading this book to anyone and everyone, and I would go so far as to say it is one of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading this year.
If all history lessons were told like this I might have got better grades in my history exam 😹
Blending mainly facts with fiction the story is told from two women, set over a hundred years apart, Jackie in 2022 and Madeleine in 1912.
Both women have the loss of a baby in common so when both women are introduced to the story of Titanic survivor, Lucy Watts, both women are touched by her story and her missing daughter, and both go about trying to find out what happened to the little missing baby girl.
Madeleine is aboard the ship Carpathia and witnesses the rescue of the survivors of the sunken Titanic and it is as she is helping the survivors board the Carpathia that she is handed a bundle from one of the Titanic’s stewardess, only to have the bundle which contained a baby snatched straight back out of her arms.
Madeleine’s husband is a journalist and sets her the task of interviewing some of the women survivors to get their story of what really happened to the Titanic which is how she learns of Lucy’s lost child and vows to help her finding her missing baby.
Jackie is a research assistant to a wealthy businessman who is an avid collector, so when he buys a box of miscellaneous items from the ship, Carpathia, she discovers Madeleine’s notebook containing the interviews she carried out, one of which is Lucy’s story.
She is immediately drawn to the story still feeling her own recent loss and begins digging into the story.
Both women’s stories are equally as compelling and both storylines draw you into their worlds and lives as it follows their own personal losses along with the huge disaster and loss of live from the sinking of the Titanic.
It is beautifully written, full of compassion for the tragedy and it is a story that will haunt you, in a good way!, long after you have finished the last page.
I was completely invested in both storylines and loved all the nonfictional elements of the book. It is a book that once you start reading you cannot put it down.
I highly recommend reading this book to anyone and everyone, and I would go so far as to say it is one of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading this year.
May 27, 2024
1912. Ten week old twins, Frederick and Norah are separated with their parents when disaster strikes on the Titanic.
Frederick gets into a lifeboat with his Mother and Norah's life is saved by her Father handing her to a female crew member on the final lifeboat and sacrificing his own life as he realises there's no room for him, and no more lifeboats.
When Frederick and Lucy are later rescued by the Carpathia, Lucy is distraught to learn her husband hasn't made it, but is convinced that her daughter is still alive.
2022. Post Pandemic. Tim and Jacqui want the same thing. One last adventure before they settle down in to adulthood. Marriage, babies etc.
When Jacqui finds out she is pregnant, it puts their final trip in jeopardy. Believing that Jacqui got pregnant on purpose Tim is resentful towards his partner, unable to feel any excitement for his future parenthood.
A tragic miscarriage drives the couple further apart, and Tim ultimately makes the decision to go on the planned trip without her.
Realising that they may want different things in life, Jacqui lets him, and suggests that they take a break from each other for a while.
When tragedy strikes in the most unexpected way, Jacqui throws herself further in to her work to take her mind of things that she cannot control. As an archivist, she works for a man who has more than a passing interest in the titanic, and his latest purchase at auction may just be more than either of them bargained for.
Amongst the items is a notebook, containing first hand stories from the Carpathia of those rescued from the Titanic, and those lost. It is there that she comes across Lucy's name for the first time, and is determined to find out how that story ended.
This a beautiful story and love, loss and hope, and I hope to read more from this author.
Frederick gets into a lifeboat with his Mother and Norah's life is saved by her Father handing her to a female crew member on the final lifeboat and sacrificing his own life as he realises there's no room for him, and no more lifeboats.
When Frederick and Lucy are later rescued by the Carpathia, Lucy is distraught to learn her husband hasn't made it, but is convinced that her daughter is still alive.
2022. Post Pandemic. Tim and Jacqui want the same thing. One last adventure before they settle down in to adulthood. Marriage, babies etc.
When Jacqui finds out she is pregnant, it puts their final trip in jeopardy. Believing that Jacqui got pregnant on purpose Tim is resentful towards his partner, unable to feel any excitement for his future parenthood.
A tragic miscarriage drives the couple further apart, and Tim ultimately makes the decision to go on the planned trip without her.
Realising that they may want different things in life, Jacqui lets him, and suggests that they take a break from each other for a while.
When tragedy strikes in the most unexpected way, Jacqui throws herself further in to her work to take her mind of things that she cannot control. As an archivist, she works for a man who has more than a passing interest in the titanic, and his latest purchase at auction may just be more than either of them bargained for.
Amongst the items is a notebook, containing first hand stories from the Carpathia of those rescued from the Titanic, and those lost. It is there that she comes across Lucy's name for the first time, and is determined to find out how that story ended.
This a beautiful story and love, loss and hope, and I hope to read more from this author.
February 10, 2024
Kathleen McGurl’s latest novel, The Lost Child, is a poignant and gripping tale that spans over a century, weaving together the tragic true story of a baby lost in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster and a modern-day woman’s quest to uncover the mystery behind the child’s disappearance.
McGurl hooks readers from the very first page, bringing us aboard the Titanic’s sister ship, the Carpathia, in the emotional hours following the Titanic’s sinking. We meet Madeleine, a woman who helps others despite dealing with her own grief and young mother Lucy, frantically searching for the infant daughter she handed to a stranger amid the lifeboat chaos. McGurl does an excellent job conveying both the panic of that dreadful night and Lucy’s visceral pain at being separated from her child.
The narrative then switches to 2022, as archivist Jackie discovers mention of the missing Titanic baby amongst documents she’s cataloging for auction. Unable to get Lucy and her lost little one out of her mind, Jackie decides to play amateur detective. As a woman struggling with infertility, she feels a special kinship with the long-ago mother and becomes obsessed with unearthing out what happened to the child.
As the tales of these two women weave together across the decades, McGurl keeps the intrigue high and emotions authentic. The stories connect in profoundly moving ways, building towards reveals and resolutions that pack a serious punch. Thoroughly researched and vividly told, The Lost Child offers the perfect melding of mystery, family drama, and illuminating history. Readers will devour this book quicker than a Titanic survivor would have wolfed down their first hot meal aboard the Carpathia. I highly recommend giving The Lost Child a read—just have some tissues at hand!
McGurl hooks readers from the very first page, bringing us aboard the Titanic’s sister ship, the Carpathia, in the emotional hours following the Titanic’s sinking. We meet Madeleine, a woman who helps others despite dealing with her own grief and young mother Lucy, frantically searching for the infant daughter she handed to a stranger amid the lifeboat chaos. McGurl does an excellent job conveying both the panic of that dreadful night and Lucy’s visceral pain at being separated from her child.
The narrative then switches to 2022, as archivist Jackie discovers mention of the missing Titanic baby amongst documents she’s cataloging for auction. Unable to get Lucy and her lost little one out of her mind, Jackie decides to play amateur detective. As a woman struggling with infertility, she feels a special kinship with the long-ago mother and becomes obsessed with unearthing out what happened to the child.
As the tales of these two women weave together across the decades, McGurl keeps the intrigue high and emotions authentic. The stories connect in profoundly moving ways, building towards reveals and resolutions that pack a serious punch. Thoroughly researched and vividly told, The Lost Child offers the perfect melding of mystery, family drama, and illuminating history. Readers will devour this book quicker than a Titanic survivor would have wolfed down their first hot meal aboard the Carpathia. I highly recommend giving The Lost Child a read—just have some tissues at hand!
February 2, 2025
As a library assistant at my local town library, I requested that we get this book in stock the second I learned of its existence, and read it as soon as it arrived!
This book was lovely - it covered some taboo topics that many women have to deal with in a sensitive and sympathetic way. The two stories parallel each other beautifully as two women come to terms with loss, and later, feel hope for the future.
I do want to talk about the character of Tim, though. I appreciate that he's not demonised for his feelings and we get his point of view. I loved his journey as much as I enjoyed other point of view characters. On that note I love how EVERY character is allowed to feel their feelings, even the ones they aren't proud of. Madeleine's immediate thoughts when she meets Violet and the baby, for example, are not right, but also entirely understandable given what she's been through. Tim's reactions to Jackie's situation are hurtful, but we also get to see how scared he is and watch him face his fears and grow. There are no perfect heroes in this story of loss and healing. Only hurt humans trying their best. I loved them all.
I also made a mistake reading the "chapter at the campsite" while at work during a quiet period, because I definitely had a little cry! 😂
My only criticism is that I don't feel the author needed to explicity draw the parallels between the situations in both timelines ("she realised this must be how the relatives Titanic's passengers must have felt" etc). But I also realise that this might have been required by an editor for folks who don't read very closely or pay much attention, so it's hardly a crime.
This book was lovely - it covered some taboo topics that many women have to deal with in a sensitive and sympathetic way. The two stories parallel each other beautifully as two women come to terms with loss, and later, feel hope for the future.
I do want to talk about the character of Tim, though. I appreciate that he's not demonised for his feelings and we get his point of view. I loved his journey as much as I enjoyed other point of view characters. On that note I love how EVERY character is allowed to feel their feelings, even the ones they aren't proud of. Madeleine's immediate thoughts when she meets Violet and the baby, for example, are not right, but also entirely understandable given what she's been through. Tim's reactions to Jackie's situation are hurtful, but we also get to see how scared he is and watch him face his fears and grow. There are no perfect heroes in this story of loss and healing. Only hurt humans trying their best. I loved them all.
I also made a mistake reading the "chapter at the campsite" while at work during a quiet period, because I definitely had a little cry! 😂
My only criticism is that I don't feel the author needed to explicity draw the parallels between the situations in both timelines ("she realised this must be how the relatives Titanic's passengers must have felt" etc). But I also realise that this might have been required by an editor for folks who don't read very closely or pay much attention, so it's hardly a crime.
May 27, 2025
Dual timeline story about the Carpathia and its role in the rescue of Titanic survivors in April 1912. In 2022 Jackie is an archivist working for a wealthy collector who is obsessed with Carpathia memorabilia. She finds a notebook of interview notes with Titanic survivors, taken by Madeleine Meyer. In 1912 Madeleine Meyer and her husband, Ralph, are (fictional) passengers on the Carpathia. Ralph is a journalist and is eager to be the first to get the scoop on the disaster, so he interviews Titanic survivors and enlists his wife to help.
In both timelines, the women are suffering from loss and that is a strong element running through the story.
This was fine but for me it suffered by comparison to another book set on board the Carpathia in April 1912, which is A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice. This book is much better, more satisfying, and avoids some of the unfortunate tendencies that you run into in dual-timeline stories. In that one you are just there on the Carpathia.
Besides just being overall at a lower level, some specific factors that took this book down a notch for me:
- I found the character of Ralph Meyer to be highly irritating, as he was on his high horse about being a journalist the whole time.
- The Meyers in 1912 sometimes used anachronistic language, which authors and editors HAVE to know takes a reader right out of the story.
- We all love a Happily Ever After but everything here tied up in a bow that was just a little too neat and tidy for my taste.
In both timelines, the women are suffering from loss and that is a strong element running through the story.
This was fine but for me it suffered by comparison to another book set on board the Carpathia in April 1912, which is A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice. This book is much better, more satisfying, and avoids some of the unfortunate tendencies that you run into in dual-timeline stories. In that one you are just there on the Carpathia.
Besides just being overall at a lower level, some specific factors that took this book down a notch for me:
- I found the character of Ralph Meyer to be highly irritating, as he was on his high horse about being a journalist the whole time.
- The Meyers in 1912 sometimes used anachronistic language, which authors and editors HAVE to know takes a reader right out of the story.
- We all love a Happily Ever After but everything here tied up in a bow that was just a little too neat and tidy for my taste.
February 21, 2024
The Lost child
HQ Digital
Publication 30/1/24
By Kathleen McGurl
1912. As the steamship Carpathia takes the survivors of the Titanic to New York, Lucy desperately searches the decks for her baby, thrust into the arms of another woman as a lifeboat left, and now nowhere to be found.
Madeleine is helping her journalist husband to interview the survivors, and when she meets Lucy, she promises she will do anything she can to help her find her lost child.
2022. When archivist Jackie finds a notebook containing the stories of women saved by the Carpathia amongst an auction lot, she learns the story of the missing baby.
Desperate to start a family of her own, she feels compelled to dig further. And her search will lead her to a century-old mystery.
So being obsessed with Titanic , I have read a number of books about it. I liked how this was about characters from the Carpathia. The ship that saved so many lives that night.
Also this was a dual timeline, which is also a favourite of mine.
This book was well written and I followed the dual time no problem. You will go through a range of emotions but who doesn’t love a happy ending. Though don’t take that as a sign that this book is predictable. It absolutely isn’t ! Enjoy!
#likes #like #follow #likeforlikes #love #instagood #instagram #followforfollowback #followme #photooftheday #photography #bhfyp #instalike #l #instadaily #likeforfollow #picoftheday #fashion #beautiful #me #followers #smile #likeforlike #myself #followback #f #comment #followforfollow #likesforlikes #art
HQ Digital
Publication 30/1/24
By Kathleen McGurl
1912. As the steamship Carpathia takes the survivors of the Titanic to New York, Lucy desperately searches the decks for her baby, thrust into the arms of another woman as a lifeboat left, and now nowhere to be found.
Madeleine is helping her journalist husband to interview the survivors, and when she meets Lucy, she promises she will do anything she can to help her find her lost child.
2022. When archivist Jackie finds a notebook containing the stories of women saved by the Carpathia amongst an auction lot, she learns the story of the missing baby.
Desperate to start a family of her own, she feels compelled to dig further. And her search will lead her to a century-old mystery.
So being obsessed with Titanic , I have read a number of books about it. I liked how this was about characters from the Carpathia. The ship that saved so many lives that night.
Also this was a dual timeline, which is also a favourite of mine.
This book was well written and I followed the dual time no problem. You will go through a range of emotions but who doesn’t love a happy ending. Though don’t take that as a sign that this book is predictable. It absolutely isn’t ! Enjoy!
#likes #like #follow #likeforlikes #love #instagood #instagram #followforfollowback #followme #photooftheday #photography #bhfyp #instalike #l #instadaily #likeforfollow #picoftheday #fashion #beautiful #me #followers #smile #likeforlike #myself #followback #f #comment #followforfollow #likesforlikes #art
March 25, 2024
Thank yo to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
Another dual time-line book done right. This book takes place in 1912 and 2022. In 1912, our main character, Madeleine Meyer is aboard the Carpathia, on the fateful night that the Titantic sinks. She is there when the survivors are brought aboard and helps out as much as she can.. Madeleine's husband Ralph is a journalist and he asks his wife to try to get the stories from the survivors to get their story out and so the lost won't be forgotten. Madeleine finds a woman who is looking for her lost baby and she wonders if the child she saw being brought aboard earlier belonged to her, but they cannot seem to locate the child. In 2022, we find Jackie, who works for an antiquities dealer who is interested in the White Star Line. Jackie also wants to start a family with her partner, but starts to worry that they are not on the same page. meanwhile, Jackie comes across a journal that appears to tell the soties of Titantic survivors, initialed MM and finds herself diving into the story and wanting to kow more about the story of Lucy, the lady who lost her baby. Such a good story, so heartfelt and well written.
I love Kathleen McGurl's books. The stories always pull me right in. Her charcters are real and honest, she always sets a great scene and I do love a dual timeline story. Looking forward to many more books by this author.
Another dual time-line book done right. This book takes place in 1912 and 2022. In 1912, our main character, Madeleine Meyer is aboard the Carpathia, on the fateful night that the Titantic sinks. She is there when the survivors are brought aboard and helps out as much as she can.. Madeleine's husband Ralph is a journalist and he asks his wife to try to get the stories from the survivors to get their story out and so the lost won't be forgotten. Madeleine finds a woman who is looking for her lost baby and she wonders if the child she saw being brought aboard earlier belonged to her, but they cannot seem to locate the child. In 2022, we find Jackie, who works for an antiquities dealer who is interested in the White Star Line. Jackie also wants to start a family with her partner, but starts to worry that they are not on the same page. meanwhile, Jackie comes across a journal that appears to tell the soties of Titantic survivors, initialed MM and finds herself diving into the story and wanting to kow more about the story of Lucy, the lady who lost her baby. Such a good story, so heartfelt and well written.
I love Kathleen McGurl's books. The stories always pull me right in. Her charcters are real and honest, she always sets a great scene and I do love a dual timeline story. Looking forward to many more books by this author.
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