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The Titanic Story of Evelyn
Lisa Wilkinson's The Titanic Story of Evelyn is the never-before-told true tale of the only Australian survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. It is the story of a brave young Australian nurse who wanted to see the world, fell in love, then almost lost it all in one of the greatest maritime tragedies the world has ever known. And yet somehow, few Australians know anything of Evelyn's existence, the courageous role she played in the hours after the Titanic was fatally hit by an iceberg, or the heartwarming love story behind it all, that even now, lives on.
Lisa Wilkinson's exhaustively researched and superbly written new book brings together the incredible drama of the sinking of the Titanic and Evelyn Marsden's own extraordinary, uniquely Australian story. It is a tale that will ensure the world is about to fall in love with this heroic young woman from South Australia.
Lisa Wilkinson's exhaustively researched and superbly written new book brings together the incredible drama of the sinking of the Titanic and Evelyn Marsden's own extraordinary, uniquely Australian story. It is a tale that will ensure the world is about to fall in love with this heroic young woman from South Australia.
- GenresNonfiction
Audible Audio
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 15, 2026
As a Titanic nerd from a very young age, I have read tons of books about Titanic, and even stayed at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast in the converted building where the mighty ship was designed and built. But this immersive book delivered information even I had never heard.
It tells the story of Titanic fromy the perspective of Evelyn Marsden, a South Australian nurse who becomes one of six Aussies on board the ill-fated ship as a first class stewardess and the only one to survive the tragedy. The thoroughly-researched story puts you right on the Titanic, in the first class staterooms alongside the celebrities and power brokers of the day and in the lifeboats, a witness to the ship’s final hours - which ironically sank 114 years ago today!
It also tells the story, specifically, of the amazing women on board that we so rarely hear about, like suffragettes Helen Candee and Elsie Bowerman, who ended up in the same lifeboat as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” and fought with the so-called man in charge to return and pluck desperate people out of the freezing North Atlantic after the ship sank. Or the many, many ordinary women who made brave decisions under extraordinary circumstances that night.
But ultimately, this is the story of Evelyn, a remarkable Aussie whose name we should know, and the untold love story between her and William James.
It tells the story of Titanic fromy the perspective of Evelyn Marsden, a South Australian nurse who becomes one of six Aussies on board the ill-fated ship as a first class stewardess and the only one to survive the tragedy. The thoroughly-researched story puts you right on the Titanic, in the first class staterooms alongside the celebrities and power brokers of the day and in the lifeboats, a witness to the ship’s final hours - which ironically sank 114 years ago today!
It also tells the story, specifically, of the amazing women on board that we so rarely hear about, like suffragettes Helen Candee and Elsie Bowerman, who ended up in the same lifeboat as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” and fought with the so-called man in charge to return and pluck desperate people out of the freezing North Atlantic after the ship sank. Or the many, many ordinary women who made brave decisions under extraordinary circumstances that night.
But ultimately, this is the story of Evelyn, a remarkable Aussie whose name we should know, and the untold love story between her and William James.
April 21, 2026
How can I rate it anything other than 5/5!
I’ve always been so fascinated by the devastating tragedy that was the Titanic and every single person that was onboard that I knew I had to start reading this book on the anniversary of her sinking. “April 15, 1912” is a date that forever lives rent free in my head as a piece of knowledge I do not need but can never forget. This book was so beautifully put together. Even with all my research over the past couple of decades fueled only by curiosity, I’d never known about the Australian woman onboard, Evelyn. I love that there were so many strong women onboard who fought before, during and after, for women’s rights.
Highly recommend this to anyone who has always been interested in the tragedy that’s still so well-known even 114 years later!
I’ve always been so fascinated by the devastating tragedy that was the Titanic and every single person that was onboard that I knew I had to start reading this book on the anniversary of her sinking. “April 15, 1912” is a date that forever lives rent free in my head as a piece of knowledge I do not need but can never forget. This book was so beautifully put together. Even with all my research over the past couple of decades fueled only by curiosity, I’d never known about the Australian woman onboard, Evelyn. I love that there were so many strong women onboard who fought before, during and after, for women’s rights.
Highly recommend this to anyone who has always been interested in the tragedy that’s still so well-known even 114 years later!
April 25, 2026
I was hoping to read and enjoy this book, however I found it difficult to continue due to the tone of the writing, which at times came across as strongly biased against men. The author’s introduction, including a statement implying men were responsible for sinking the Titanic, set a very particular tone that I personally found off-putting. This feeling continued in the way Evelyn’s thoughts about men were presented.
Additionally, some of the claims made about Evelyn’s perspective did not feel well-supported by clear historical evidence or sourcing in the footnotes provided. Because of this, I was unable to finish the book, as I prefer nonfiction that maintains a clearer separation between fact and interpretation.
Additionally, some of the claims made about Evelyn’s perspective did not feel well-supported by clear historical evidence or sourcing in the footnotes provided. Because of this, I was unable to finish the book, as I prefer nonfiction that maintains a clearer separation between fact and interpretation.
April 30, 2026
Dit boek was perfect voor mij: titanic + australië + entertaining goed geresearchde historische fictie gebasseerd op een echt persoon
April 26, 2026
I was lumped with this for book club (not my usual genre) but ended up totally engrossed!
Read
April 23, 2026OMG. This book gave me a new perspective on the Titanic. For part of the book brought out emotion and shock and almost had me in tears. I really enjoyed the read!
May 1, 2026
I literally never read historical non-fiction (or fiction) but something compelled me to open The Titanic Story of Evelyn; omg, I could not put it down!!! So beautifully written & so wonderful to finally read of the heroic efforts of the women on the ship. Evelyn’s story could easily have quietly been forgotten, as most people’s are, but now instead her story is forever captured; an “ordinary” woman who was in so many ways extraordinary. I devoured every page. Congratulations to Lisa Wilkinson on telling Evelyn’s story; she was the perfect person to tell it.
Review of advance copy
BookMob Episode 99 The Titanic Story of Evelyn by Lisa Wilkinson
A Three dog Night. A fantastic Narrative History. 'The Titanic Story of Evelyn' by Lisa Wilkinson
https://youtu.be/-gUGfoOOxsU
About Evelyn Marsden a young South Australian nurse who traveled the world as a hostess in the golden age of ocean liners. She ended up as a first class stewardess on the Titanic.
This wonderful narrative history is Lisa Wilkinson’s second book and a very entertaining and engaging read. The journey of a young woman from country South Australia who works on the Titanic is part of this great story. Humble beginnings set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of capitalism.
To be in awe of the brilliance and technological race to builds the world’s greatest unsinkable ocean liner is so interesting. However, the men and women who work for these complies are hidden in the bowles of these livery liners. That’s what Lisa brings out in my trading. She speaks of the rich and their lives and then she through Evelyn’s story communicates the challenges, difficulties and social barriers. Two worlds. And this for me is the heart of the ultimate end of the Titanic.
We all know what happens to the titanic and Lisa Wilkinson beautifully tells Evelyn’s story and brings you the reader right into the night to remember.
A must read for winter. A book I could hardly put down and being more of a fiction lover this narrative history brings a life into being. You know who Evelyn is. You of course know Evelyn survives but it’s the story behind her survival.
One would think that we are over doses on the titanic but no. This history simply opens up a whole new historical avenue. The life of a young Australian woman at the beginning of the 20th century. Evelyn’s courageous survival as a an employee on the most expensive and technologically advanced ocean liner of its time.
This is a fantastic and highly entertaining read. I mean it’s one of those books that can be read and most importantly enjoyed. Take an hour a night in bed or having a coffee in the morning and slip into this Titanic universe.
Themes
Capitalism
Mythology
Anecdotes
Destiny
900 employees
Love
Survival
Eugene Daly (a survivor)
Footnotes are great
Epilogue gives reader some closure as to the outcomes of major players in the story
Tragic moment (might read out on Page 220) with Stanley remaining at his evening watch post.
Humour
Great names like Bill Nutbean, Alfred Penny & the three Slade brothers Alfie, Bertie & Tommy.
Also read the passage on Page 148
Passage on quote for what the Titanic is on Page 71.
A Three dog Night. A fantastic Narrative History. 'The Titanic Story of Evelyn' by Lisa Wilkinson
https://youtu.be/-gUGfoOOxsU
About Evelyn Marsden a young South Australian nurse who traveled the world as a hostess in the golden age of ocean liners. She ended up as a first class stewardess on the Titanic.
This wonderful narrative history is Lisa Wilkinson’s second book and a very entertaining and engaging read. The journey of a young woman from country South Australia who works on the Titanic is part of this great story. Humble beginnings set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of capitalism.
To be in awe of the brilliance and technological race to builds the world’s greatest unsinkable ocean liner is so interesting. However, the men and women who work for these complies are hidden in the bowles of these livery liners. That’s what Lisa brings out in my trading. She speaks of the rich and their lives and then she through Evelyn’s story communicates the challenges, difficulties and social barriers. Two worlds. And this for me is the heart of the ultimate end of the Titanic.
We all know what happens to the titanic and Lisa Wilkinson beautifully tells Evelyn’s story and brings you the reader right into the night to remember.
A must read for winter. A book I could hardly put down and being more of a fiction lover this narrative history brings a life into being. You know who Evelyn is. You of course know Evelyn survives but it’s the story behind her survival.
One would think that we are over doses on the titanic but no. This history simply opens up a whole new historical avenue. The life of a young Australian woman at the beginning of the 20th century. Evelyn’s courageous survival as a an employee on the most expensive and technologically advanced ocean liner of its time.
This is a fantastic and highly entertaining read. I mean it’s one of those books that can be read and most importantly enjoyed. Take an hour a night in bed or having a coffee in the morning and slip into this Titanic universe.
Themes
Capitalism
Mythology
Anecdotes
Destiny
900 employees
Love
Survival
Eugene Daly (a survivor)
Footnotes are great
Epilogue gives reader some closure as to the outcomes of major players in the story
Tragic moment (might read out on Page 220) with Stanley remaining at his evening watch post.
Humour
Great names like Bill Nutbean, Alfred Penny & the three Slade brothers Alfie, Bertie & Tommy.
Also read the passage on Page 148
Passage on quote for what the Titanic is on Page 71.
May 21, 2026
As a person living in Australia, fascinated by the Titanic (visits to Belfast dockyard etc) and a book enthusiast (belonging to two book clubs, one for over 20 years), I was so excited to read about this young Australian woman.
I found it a rather insipid read; although I enjoyed the statistics and facts, the style of writing was virtually identical to her husband’s, Peter Fitzsimons ie very flowery, with many imaginative scenes. I do understand why this style might have been chosen, but it made the book a weird combination of historical non-fiction and reconstructed fiction.
It also seemed to copy a number of points from the book published in 1988 ‘Titanic Survivor - The Memoirs of Violet Jessop, Stewardess’ by John Maxtone-Graham, starting right at the beginning with the explanation of the name ‘liner’. This book used the actual words of Violet Jessop and included her genuine opinions, rather than imagined thoughts.
I also, disappointingly, found it was quite anti-British and anti-American (plus anti-men) and it appeared that this Australian writer needed to prove something to the rest of the world. The references to Australia would probably appeal to many Australians and I did enjoy this part.
Overall, it was an interesting read, but too light on Evelyn Marsden, which it was supposed to be about, and too heavy on the make believe.
I found it a rather insipid read; although I enjoyed the statistics and facts, the style of writing was virtually identical to her husband’s, Peter Fitzsimons ie very flowery, with many imaginative scenes. I do understand why this style might have been chosen, but it made the book a weird combination of historical non-fiction and reconstructed fiction.
It also seemed to copy a number of points from the book published in 1988 ‘Titanic Survivor - The Memoirs of Violet Jessop, Stewardess’ by John Maxtone-Graham, starting right at the beginning with the explanation of the name ‘liner’. This book used the actual words of Violet Jessop and included her genuine opinions, rather than imagined thoughts.
I also, disappointingly, found it was quite anti-British and anti-American (plus anti-men) and it appeared that this Australian writer needed to prove something to the rest of the world. The references to Australia would probably appeal to many Australians and I did enjoy this part.
Overall, it was an interesting read, but too light on Evelyn Marsden, which it was supposed to be about, and too heavy on the make believe.
May 11, 2026
Evelyn Marsden was the sole Australian of the 675 people who survived the collision between the SS Titanic and an iceberg in 1912. Nearly 1500 died due to an unforgivable shortage of lifeboats and an ocean so cold that a few minutes in the water was sufficient to freeze.
The opening chapters introduce us to Evelyn and many of the passengers (from billionaires to penniless migrants) and the circumstances that led them to the Titanic. The next part is the first four days of the voyage. The bulk of the book is about striking the iceberg, the sinking and the rescue. The final chapters are the aftermath, including inquiries, fake news and recriminations, and the fate of some of the survivors.
The Titanic’s story has been told countless times, but I was absorbed by this well-crafted narrative, in which the author’s presence is felt, but rarely heard. It is told largely through the eyes of those on board and Evelyn, as a strong and resilient woman, adds a new dimension.
See the full review at: https://www.queenslandreviewerscollec...
The opening chapters introduce us to Evelyn and many of the passengers (from billionaires to penniless migrants) and the circumstances that led them to the Titanic. The next part is the first four days of the voyage. The bulk of the book is about striking the iceberg, the sinking and the rescue. The final chapters are the aftermath, including inquiries, fake news and recriminations, and the fate of some of the survivors.
The Titanic’s story has been told countless times, but I was absorbed by this well-crafted narrative, in which the author’s presence is felt, but rarely heard. It is told largely through the eyes of those on board and Evelyn, as a strong and resilient woman, adds a new dimension.
See the full review at: https://www.queenslandreviewerscollec...
May 20, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - the research was really in depth and facts and figures were quite enlightening - I didn’t know about the inferior rivets used in the bow causing them to shear on impact with the iceberg.
The character descriptions made the story more personal and the follow up post the disaster gave the story more finality.
I disagree with one rating that voiced her disappointment regarding unfair treatment of men. Not all were criticised and those who were deserved it - who else was to blame but them for the many mistakes, design flaws and egotistical attitudes of some of the crew?
Remember in that era, women kdid not in any way have equality with men- they were not able to vote and had little say in anything - they were subservient to men apart from the wealthy and earnings were a fraction of their male counterpart- hence the women’s movement and the “ unsinkable Molly Brown” - despite her wealth supported the women who had little means and influence.
The character descriptions made the story more personal and the follow up post the disaster gave the story more finality.
I disagree with one rating that voiced her disappointment regarding unfair treatment of men. Not all were criticised and those who were deserved it - who else was to blame but them for the many mistakes, design flaws and egotistical attitudes of some of the crew?
Remember in that era, women kdid not in any way have equality with men- they were not able to vote and had little say in anything - they were subservient to men apart from the wealthy and earnings were a fraction of their male counterpart- hence the women’s movement and the “ unsinkable Molly Brown” - despite her wealth supported the women who had little means and influence.
April 30, 2026
This book tells a huge story about the passengers and crew aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Evelyn is an ordinary young woman who lives through extraordinary times. I really enjoyed Evelyn’s back story.
The focus is sometimes sidetracked by the author telling so many people’s stories. Everyone has a story and the author delves into the real lives of dozens of those aboard ship.
It is interesting content and narrated beautifully by Lisa Wilkinson. Such a tragic event that unfolds with much suffering and loss. It has captured the attention of the entire world and still fascinates today.
A thoroughly researched manuscript with many quotes and facts based upon the recollections of survivors, newspaper reports and maritime records.
The focus is sometimes sidetracked by the author telling so many people’s stories. Everyone has a story and the author delves into the real lives of dozens of those aboard ship.
It is interesting content and narrated beautifully by Lisa Wilkinson. Such a tragic event that unfolds with much suffering and loss. It has captured the attention of the entire world and still fascinates today.
A thoroughly researched manuscript with many quotes and facts based upon the recollections of survivors, newspaper reports and maritime records.
May 1, 2026
This was a really good narrative of the history of the Titanic from conception to sinking, with Evelyn positioned as a main character whom we follow through the book. The writing is excellent (I expect nothing less from Lisa Wilkinson!) and I found myself staying up later and later each night to read just one more chapter.
I had expected more details about Evelyn and her perspective regarding the events of the Titanic, however this gap was filled with many tales from other passengers (the sheer number of whom I lost track of by the end). Lisa does employ a certain amount of creative licence to fill the gaps between fact and thought, but in my opinion this made the book more enjoyable to read.
I had expected more details about Evelyn and her perspective regarding the events of the Titanic, however this gap was filled with many tales from other passengers (the sheer number of whom I lost track of by the end). Lisa does employ a certain amount of creative licence to fill the gaps between fact and thought, but in my opinion this made the book more enjoyable to read.
May 9, 2026
I’m not typically a non-fiction reader, but the prospect of reading about an Australian female nurse on the Titanic was too much for me to pass over.
I adored this book. I loved the recounts of Evelyn’s life before the Titanic, during the time Titanic as well as the accounts and experiences of the other passengers. The book was so thorough, and so immersive that when I closed my eyes and listened to the author telling me the story I could truly feel like I was there. I felt so invested in the tales of each of the passenger’s we came to know.
I knew what the end result of the Titanic would be, and yet I sat on the edge of my seat for every second of it. I would recommend this book to everyone!
I adored this book. I loved the recounts of Evelyn’s life before the Titanic, during the time Titanic as well as the accounts and experiences of the other passengers. The book was so thorough, and so immersive that when I closed my eyes and listened to the author telling me the story I could truly feel like I was there. I felt so invested in the tales of each of the passenger’s we came to know.
I knew what the end result of the Titanic would be, and yet I sat on the edge of my seat for every second of it. I would recommend this book to everyone!
May 1, 2026
This was a fascinating and captivating, couldn't put it down read! The amount of detail and personal accounts, made me feel like I was there. As devastating and heartbreaking as the story is, it is also filled with touching moments of kindness, love, selflessness and the strength of the human spirit. The book was very well written, and it was heart-warming to learn about the lives of the people who were tragically lost as well as those who survived, like the wonderful Evelyn. Highly recommended!
May 12, 2026
What a read that was, the Titanic has always been fascinating to me and getting to read about a woman and an Australian at that serving onboard and surviving was just wow.
Lisa’s writing kept you captivated throughout while also had you yelling at the page when there were so many missed opportunities to avoid the disaster, you know how it ends but you can’t help but hope for another outcome. It felt as if you were there.
Evelyn’s story has been so beautifully captured and also bought to the surface it’s definitely a story i will tell everyone to read
Lisa’s writing kept you captivated throughout while also had you yelling at the page when there were so many missed opportunities to avoid the disaster, you know how it ends but you can’t help but hope for another outcome. It felt as if you were there.
Evelyn’s story has been so beautifully captured and also bought to the surface it’s definitely a story i will tell everyone to read
May 6, 2026
i love how this is told in the perspective of Evelyn Marsden who was a nurse in South Australia and mange to survive the tragedy. I always have been very intrigued with the Titanic and the stories . But i was very intrigued how the story is also told by these amazing women on board that we dont rarely hear about, like suffragettes Helen Candee and Elsie Bowerman. I love the untold love story that is between her and William James.
May 12, 2026
At the start of this book I felt like it was a bit too factual so it took me a bit to get into it. At the start of the sinking I was totally hooked and read right to the finish. I learned a lot more about the people and the titanic. I can’t believe Evelyn lived in Cessnock at the end of the war and I didn’t know that fact.
So much research has gone into this book and I’m so glad you found the final resting place of Evelyn. Definitely worth a read, I loved it.
So much research has gone into this book and I’m so glad you found the final resting place of Evelyn. Definitely worth a read, I loved it.
May 15, 2026
Absolutely loved this book, for me it was unputdownable! Beautifully and sensitively written, she has interwoven so many characters from history including Evelyn into the story, they were all fascinating to read about. She has highlighted well the tragic calamity of circumstances that led to the sinking which, if acted upon, could have changed history. I hope she writes more!
May 12, 2026
Definitely a 3.5 and not a 3. I enjoyed this! I read a My Story book about the Titanic as a kid and I’ve always found it to be really interesting. I liked that we weren’t just covering Evelyn’s story, but that we were looking at the broader picture, from first through to third class.
May 21, 2026
Not a bad story but treat it as just a story, riddled with historical inaccuracies and often repeated but disproven myths about Titanic. The author was clearly more concerned with telling a good story than the truth, but given the author is a journalist that’s not surprising.
April 18, 2026
Really couldn’t put it down. Even when you know the outcome.
May 12, 2026
I thought this book was very well written & well edited. Highly recommended
May 14, 2026
There is so much detail in this story. My heart breaks for all who were on board. Very well written. Lisa has done a wonderful job telling Evelyn's story.
May 16, 2026
Well researched story, I loved the details from actual accounts of the Titanic's sinking from survivors. I've been a Titanic nerd since way back but this brought new things to life.
May 19, 2026
Omg I could not put it down
May 19, 2026
I am obsessed with anything to do with The Titanic and this did not disappoint. Impossible to put down!
May 11, 2026
A perfect way to honour the survivors and the fallen of the infamous Titanic. Especially the women that saved countless lives.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews