Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson | Summary & Analysis

by SuperRead Books

Dead The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by bestselling author Erik Larson gives insight into the lives affected on May 7, 1915. The sinking of the British passenger ship the Lusitania by a German U-boat led to the start of WWI. This review and summary can be read in chronological order in relation to the original book and includes precise details in the story.
Larson has written this story by intertwining the lives of different characters in this story and shares the perspectives of the Captain of the Lusitania, The Commanded of the German U-Boat, the passengers on the Lusitania, High ranking British Naval officers, and U.S president Woodrow Wilson. The story is told in a chronological order alternating between different perspectives. Two main points are developed throughout the story. The first is that sympathy and forgiveness that the author gives to the Captain of the Lusitania after being blamed for being responsible for sinking the Lusitania. The second central point is that British Intelligence jeopardized the Lusitania knowing full well that an attack would generate support from the United States.

Larson is an experienced journalist and historical novelist. He has written four New York Times bestselling books. He has written for numerous publications and newspapers. He has a masters degree from colombia university.

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Available on PC, Mac, Kindle, Tablet, and Smartphone Devices.
© 2015 All Rights Reserved

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2015

Reviews

[Cynthia Tellekamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was eye-opening. I learned a great deal about the sinking of the Lusitania and its role in bringing the USA into WW1.
The German submarines that patrolled the waters off the English and Irish. Past were ruthless as they attacked ships they knew were carrying families, which was outside the lines of the rules of war.
Erik Larson’s descriptions of so many of the passengers made the horror come to life as the reader felt well acquainted with the victims by time the torpedos hit and the mad s ramble for survival began.
It is a chilling story which is exactly what I have come to expect from this brilliant author.

[Nancy Lauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched, and well written story of the unbelievable confluence of events that led to the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI. The author masterfully weaved into the story, the evolution of Germany's uboat program during the war, and events that led up to the sinking, and the how the sinking began a chain of events that led to the U.S. entering the war. Excellent story telling.

[Joannaandrosmsw · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like this genre, it's very interesting. Larson does a wonderful job of researching all the background and people involved in the last trip of the Lusitania. The insights into the u-boat captain, gained from his logs were interesting.

[Jennifer Knapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

I lied, I did not finish this book. It felt torturous and finally I just gave up. Very hard for me to recommend.