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On a Cold Dark Sea
On April 15, 1912, three women climbed into Lifeboat 21 and watched in horror as the Titanic sank into the icy depths. They were strangers then… Con artist Charlotte Digby lied her way through London and onto the Titanic . The disaster could be her chance at a new life―if she hides the truth about her past. Esme Harper, a wealthy American, mourns the end of a passionate affair and fears that everything beautiful is slipping from her grasp. And Anna Halversson, a Swedish farm girl in search of a fresh start in America, is tormented by the screams that ring out from the water. Is one of them calling her name? Twenty years later, a sudden death brings the three women back together, forcing them to face the impossible choices they made, the inconceivable loss, and the secrets they have kept for far too long.
279 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2018
1056 people are currently reading
4793 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Blackwell
6 books355 followersAs the daughter of a U.S. Foreign Service officer, Elizabeth Blackwell grew up in Washington, D.C., interspersed with stints in Africa, the Middle East and Europe--pretty much always with a book in hand. She majored in history at Northwestern University (hooray! more reading!) and received her master's in journalism from Columbia University, which led to a career as an editor and writer for a number of publications that have since gone out of business (surely just a coincidence?). She now writes fiction from her home office in the Chicago suburbs, in between wrangling her three children and fighting for a parking spot at the local Target.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
April 7, 2018
On a Cold Dark Sea by Elizabeth Blackwell is a historical fiction novel based around the sinking of the Titanic. Being a fan of fiction set around real life events I knew as soon as I saw this book that I needed to read it, especially being addicted to books centering around the Titanic.
The book is a completely fictional tale of three women who boarded the ill fated ship. The first section of the story introduces Charlotte, Esme and Anna in their own chapters that tell their stories of what events in their lives led them to eventually boarding the ship. All three are from different backgrounds and economical statuses bringing a glimpse at the diversity of the passengers.
Then we land in the second part which follows the ladies in their lives twenty years after they survived the sinking. The three had landed in the same lifeboat despite their vastly different backgrounds and it's hinted at what transpired that night but also shows what they did with their lives afterwards. The third section then takes a closer look at the night of the sinking that had been previously eluded to with then part four wrapping the story all up.
Despite Charlotte, Esme and Anna's differences I still easily connected to each as their stories were being told and felt that I was transported back to the early 1900's quite easily. When the actual events of that fateful night are brought into the story they were done quite well following what we've learned was going on that night and giving these characters their own personal narrative. Once I picked up the story I became totally engaged and just didn't want to put it down until the very end, definitely recommend checking this one out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The book is a completely fictional tale of three women who boarded the ill fated ship. The first section of the story introduces Charlotte, Esme and Anna in their own chapters that tell their stories of what events in their lives led them to eventually boarding the ship. All three are from different backgrounds and economical statuses bringing a glimpse at the diversity of the passengers.
Then we land in the second part which follows the ladies in their lives twenty years after they survived the sinking. The three had landed in the same lifeboat despite their vastly different backgrounds and it's hinted at what transpired that night but also shows what they did with their lives afterwards. The third section then takes a closer look at the night of the sinking that had been previously eluded to with then part four wrapping the story all up.
Despite Charlotte, Esme and Anna's differences I still easily connected to each as their stories were being told and felt that I was transported back to the early 1900's quite easily. When the actual events of that fateful night are brought into the story they were done quite well following what we've learned was going on that night and giving these characters their own personal narrative. Once I picked up the story I became totally engaged and just didn't want to put it down until the very end, definitely recommend checking this one out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 2, 2018
Thank-you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader's Edition.
I seem to always enjoy any book I receive from Lake Union Publishing. This was no different. The story of three women who survived the Titanic sinking and were together on a Lifeboat for hours in the deep, dark, cold sea. The story is told in four parts. Before the tragedy, After, on the Lifeboat and the Aftermath years later. I really enjoyed all the different stories from all three women. It was interesting to learn about their backgrounds and how the tragedy affected and linked them forever. I enjoyed Elizabeth Blackwell's writing very much. I would easily read another book by her. Very enjoyable and entertaining.
I seem to always enjoy any book I receive from Lake Union Publishing. This was no different. The story of three women who survived the Titanic sinking and were together on a Lifeboat for hours in the deep, dark, cold sea. The story is told in four parts. Before the tragedy, After, on the Lifeboat and the Aftermath years later. I really enjoyed all the different stories from all three women. It was interesting to learn about their backgrounds and how the tragedy affected and linked them forever. I enjoyed Elizabeth Blackwell's writing very much. I would easily read another book by her. Very enjoyable and entertaining.
April 24, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
…for the rest of his life, the pitiful tableau they formed was the first image that sprang to mind when he thought of the Titanic. The handsome young man in his evening dress, eyes haunted, one hand pressed protectively against his companion’s back. There was a girl hovering nervously behind them—a maid, by her cowed bearing and black dress. And then there was the lady, swathed in a fur coat over a shimmering green gown, a vision of ruined elegance.
Mr. Harper looked as if he hadn’t enjoyed himself since the last century. He offered Esme a wan smile, his cheek muscles straining with the effort.
She’d seen statues with more spirit than Mr. Harper.
Anna had never had new clothes of her own; she had always worn her sisters’ castoffs. Now, she would have a hand-me-down husband. Perhaps that was the best she could hope for.
There is a hypnotic quality to the ship’s leisurely descent. Esme imagines describing the scene to her friends, sometime in the future. The words “tragically magnificent ” come to mind, and she is swept up in the self-important gratification that comes from witnessing history.
…all those men who did their duty and went down with the ship. It sounds like a noble sort of death, but it isn’t: it’s loud and painful and terrifying.
One large picture window downstairs, two smaller windows on top, the sort of stolidly respectable dwelling the poor aspire to and the rich dismiss.
My Review:
I rarely read historical fiction and am undeniably choosy when I do. And I don’t mean to be self-aggrandizing or boastful when say I chose exceedingly well when I picked up this unexpected jewel. I quickly fell into Ms. Blackwell’s well-crafted vortex and effortlessly assimilated into the world of these fascinating and well-drawn characters. I was essentially held captive, willingly that is, as I was enthralled and entranced by Ms. Blackwell’s emotive and powerful word voodoo. Her writing was highly evocative and vividly descriptive, I held strong visuals in my head and could almost feel the damp chill while the characters were in the lifeboat and bobbing in the frigid arctic waters. This was a heart squeezing and thoughtfully written story, this talented scribe has mad skills!
…for the rest of his life, the pitiful tableau they formed was the first image that sprang to mind when he thought of the Titanic. The handsome young man in his evening dress, eyes haunted, one hand pressed protectively against his companion’s back. There was a girl hovering nervously behind them—a maid, by her cowed bearing and black dress. And then there was the lady, swathed in a fur coat over a shimmering green gown, a vision of ruined elegance.
Mr. Harper looked as if he hadn’t enjoyed himself since the last century. He offered Esme a wan smile, his cheek muscles straining with the effort.
She’d seen statues with more spirit than Mr. Harper.
Anna had never had new clothes of her own; she had always worn her sisters’ castoffs. Now, she would have a hand-me-down husband. Perhaps that was the best she could hope for.
There is a hypnotic quality to the ship’s leisurely descent. Esme imagines describing the scene to her friends, sometime in the future. The words “tragically magnificent ” come to mind, and she is swept up in the self-important gratification that comes from witnessing history.
…all those men who did their duty and went down with the ship. It sounds like a noble sort of death, but it isn’t: it’s loud and painful and terrifying.
One large picture window downstairs, two smaller windows on top, the sort of stolidly respectable dwelling the poor aspire to and the rich dismiss.
My Review:
I rarely read historical fiction and am undeniably choosy when I do. And I don’t mean to be self-aggrandizing or boastful when say I chose exceedingly well when I picked up this unexpected jewel. I quickly fell into Ms. Blackwell’s well-crafted vortex and effortlessly assimilated into the world of these fascinating and well-drawn characters. I was essentially held captive, willingly that is, as I was enthralled and entranced by Ms. Blackwell’s emotive and powerful word voodoo. Her writing was highly evocative and vividly descriptive, I held strong visuals in my head and could almost feel the damp chill while the characters were in the lifeboat and bobbing in the frigid arctic waters. This was a heart squeezing and thoughtfully written story, this talented scribe has mad skills!
July 26, 2018
4 Stars.
Elizabeth Blackwell has written a winner of a story with On A Cold Black Sea. Poor choices, consequences, redemption, love and the Titanic all packed into one satisfying story.
Charlotte Digby, Esme Harper and Anna Halversson are three very different young women. Charlotte, less than honest, Esme, spoiled and Anna, afraid to express her own wishes. Each of them is now in a life and death situation. How will their past lives dictate their present actions?
This is deftly written character driven fiction at it's best. Blackwell has created characters that are multifaceted and believable; each flawed in their own way, displaying what is most annoying and frustrating about the human character. Yet it's possible to empathize with each of them, even when they're at their worst.
The book is bit slow to get going, but once it does, I found it impossible to put down. This one deserves all the praise it's received and more.
Elizabeth Blackwell has written a winner of a story with On A Cold Black Sea. Poor choices, consequences, redemption, love and the Titanic all packed into one satisfying story.
Charlotte Digby, Esme Harper and Anna Halversson are three very different young women. Charlotte, less than honest, Esme, spoiled and Anna, afraid to express her own wishes. Each of them is now in a life and death situation. How will their past lives dictate their present actions?
This is deftly written character driven fiction at it's best. Blackwell has created characters that are multifaceted and believable; each flawed in their own way, displaying what is most annoying and frustrating about the human character. Yet it's possible to empathize with each of them, even when they're at their worst.
The book is bit slow to get going, but once it does, I found it impossible to put down. This one deserves all the praise it's received and more.
May 7, 2025
"It was very dark and very cold. We did our best in trying circumstances. We survived."
Here are a few things you should know...
* Surprisingly, there is no upstairs/downstairs romance. It seems like it’s a requirement whenever there is a story set on the Titanic that an aristocratic woman/man falls in love with a third class passenger man/woman. It’s a total given. So for there to be no such plotline was sort of a surprise for me.
* No one gets painted like a French girl.
* There is no one named Jack or Rose, but if you listen carefully while reading this book you’ll probably hear their names being said. Lord knows if James Cameron wanted you know anything, he wanted you to know for damn sure that their names were Jack and Rose.
* The only Heart of the Ocean in this book is the big ass iceberg in the middle of the sea.
* No doors were involved in the making of this book, to my knowledge. Though there is a scene where the infamous door scenario comes to mind.
And finally....
JACK DAWSON COULD HAVE FIT ON THAT DOOR. NO ONE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE.
Here are a few things you should know...
* Surprisingly, there is no upstairs/downstairs romance. It seems like it’s a requirement whenever there is a story set on the Titanic that an aristocratic woman/man falls in love with a third class passenger man/woman. It’s a total given. So for there to be no such plotline was sort of a surprise for me.
* No one gets painted like a French girl.
* There is no one named Jack or Rose, but if you listen carefully while reading this book you’ll probably hear their names being said. Lord knows if James Cameron wanted you know anything, he wanted you to know for damn sure that their names were Jack and Rose.
* The only Heart of the Ocean in this book is the big ass iceberg in the middle of the sea.
* No doors were involved in the making of this book, to my knowledge. Though there is a scene where the infamous door scenario comes to mind.
And finally....
JACK DAWSON COULD HAVE FIT ON THAT DOOR. NO ONE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE.
March 16, 2021
في الليلة التي لا تُنسى،
يوم غرق التايتانيك،
جمع قارب نجاة ثلاث نساء،
من خلفيات مختلفة،
وحيوات مختلفة،
وآمال مختلفة!
..
"أدركت تشارلوت أن ليس المال أو المغامرة ما ستفتقده، بل إيمان ريج بها، والشعور الذي يعتريها حين يكون بجانبها."
"قالت إيسمي: هناك كنت، متزوجة مؤخراً من الرجل الذي ظننته حب حياتي، ولم يسبق لي أن شعرت بمثل تلك التعاسة.
وحالما تقبلت بؤسي، صارت الأمور أسهل."
"في تلك اللحظة، أدركت آنا أنها لم تغادر وطنها، بل عثرت عليه."
..
ثلاث نساء (تشارلوت، إيسمي، آنا)،
يجمعهم خبر وفاة الناجي الوحيد معهم من غرق التايتانيك بعد عشرين عاماً؛ لتروي لنا كل واحدة منهم قصتها قبل التايتانيك وعلى متنها وبعد النجاة!
...
بمجرد سماعي عن موضوع هذه الرواية قررت قراءتها،
أثارتني الفكرة، وأحببت أن أرى كيف ستكون حبكتها،
ما الإحساس الذي سيصلني منها!
خاصة وأنا أحب مثل هذا النوع من الروايات،
ففكرة أخذ حدث حقيقي كأساس ونسج قصة من الخيال حوله تأثرني.
لكن، هذه الرواية لم تكن كما تصورت؛
فلم تكن بقوة الحدث!
نعم هى تصف التايتانيك في هذه الليلة، ولحظات الغرق، والإحساس الشنيع الذي أصاب الكل وقتها، لكنها أيضاً لم تكن قوية.
كانت جيدة فقط.
تمت
١٦ مارس ٢٠٢١
يوم غرق التايتانيك،
جمع قارب نجاة ثلاث نساء،
من خلفيات مختلفة،
وحيوات مختلفة،
وآمال مختلفة!
..
"أدركت تشارلوت أن ليس المال أو المغامرة ما ستفتقده، بل إيمان ريج بها، والشعور الذي يعتريها حين يكون بجانبها."
"قالت إيسمي: هناك كنت، متزوجة مؤخراً من الرجل الذي ظننته حب حياتي، ولم يسبق لي أن شعرت بمثل تلك التعاسة.
وحالما تقبلت بؤسي، صارت الأمور أسهل."
"في تلك اللحظة، أدركت آنا أنها لم تغادر وطنها، بل عثرت عليه."
..
ثلاث نساء (تشارلوت، إيسمي، آنا)،
يجمعهم خبر وفاة الناجي الوحيد معهم من غرق التايتانيك بعد عشرين عاماً؛ لتروي لنا كل واحدة منهم قصتها قبل التايتانيك وعلى متنها وبعد النجاة!
...
بمجرد سماعي عن موضوع هذه الرواية قررت قراءتها،
أثارتني الفكرة، وأحببت أن أرى كيف ستكون حبكتها،
ما الإحساس الذي سيصلني منها!
خاصة وأنا أحب مثل هذا النوع من الروايات،
ففكرة أخذ حدث حقيقي كأساس ونسج قصة من الخيال حوله تأثرني.
لكن، هذه الرواية لم تكن كما تصورت؛
فلم تكن بقوة الحدث!
نعم هى تصف التايتانيك في هذه الليلة، ولحظات الغرق، والإحساس الشنيع الذي أصاب الكل وقتها، لكنها أيضاً لم تكن قوية.
كانت جيدة فقط.
تمت
١٦ مارس ٢٠٢١
March 26, 2020
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Genre:
Historical Fiction
I was looking for a historical fiction that involves the Titanic ship. There were many options to choose so I chose On a Cold Dark Sea. The book follows three different female protagonists, Charlotte, Esme, and Anna. Each character has her own story and all of the stories will be intertwined as the three will be on the Titanic ship.
The first part tells us the background story of each one of them and how they will end up being on board of the ship. The author has done a formidable job of making the characters variable in regards to nationality and class. I liked all the three stories, not necessarily liking the characters though.
What I did not like about the book is that I would have preferred a linear story when it comes to the timeline. The story kept jumping between different timelines. I was OK with the background stories but then once they board on Titanic, there is just a brief timeline on the ship then the story jumps 20 years after the event. After that we are back to the event but this time when all the three protagonists are on a boat with other characters. I know the author has resorted to this kind of timeline because she wanted to add some mystery elements to the story. But I think that took away lots of thrill from the story. It would have been a 5-star book for me if the major part would have been on the ship and during the sinking. That was the part I loved a lot.
Despite that On a Cold Dark Sea was still a solid and enjoyable historical fiction and I give it 4 great stars.
Available on Kindle Unlimited
May 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this read! I love Titanic history so I knew I wanted to read this. No major romantic scenes to spoil it either of which I am so thankful. I loved the pacing and the different timelines within the three characters: Charlotte, Esme and Anna. The author gave us background info on each woman thru 20 years after the tragic event. I think many of us who find themselves drawn to the Titanic always want to know more about what happened out there and what became of those who survived. This story gives us a realistic possibility to these questions. I will remember the scenes as presented by Elizabeth Blackwell and I feel like she did a great job putting us there in the event with those who experienced it. She seems to have researched this pretty extensively.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of the ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of the ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 27, 2019
On a Cold Dark Sea is written in third person, with the narration being split between the three main characters, Charlotte, Esme and Anna. The story is then split into four parts, with each character getting a chapter each. The book is very easy to read and moves along at a steady place.
As mentioned above, the book centres on the three women, who all travel on the doomed Titanic as it makes its maiden and only voyage, The woman are remarkably different, Esme is the rich heiress in first class, Charlotte is a con woman, who is in second class, while Anna is a Swedish national who is in third class. They all have their reasons for being on the Titanic and their own secrets.
I did like this book, the characters were very interesting and the research into the sinking and the time was done very well. I really did feel like I was transported back in time and onto the ship while reading at times! The book is also provides a rather interesting look into what motivates people to do the things they do and how far they are really willing to go to survive. Some of the relationships explored in the book were very sweet and were very well done too.
But the book did feel a little flat for me, I admit that I had high hopes for this book and they sadly weren't met. I felt as though a lot of the book was summarised, which was helpful in explaining the characters at the start and letting us into what their motivations were, I never really felt as though I knew the characters. I also felt as though I was watching everything in the story unfold rather than being a part of it all as you are supposed to.
That being said, I did enjoy this book. The parts that the other did well, she really did well and although I wouldn't reread this book, I would definitely recommend it to others
As mentioned above, the book centres on the three women, who all travel on the doomed Titanic as it makes its maiden and only voyage, The woman are remarkably different, Esme is the rich heiress in first class, Charlotte is a con woman, who is in second class, while Anna is a Swedish national who is in third class. They all have their reasons for being on the Titanic and their own secrets.
I did like this book, the characters were very interesting and the research into the sinking and the time was done very well. I really did feel like I was transported back in time and onto the ship while reading at times! The book is also provides a rather interesting look into what motivates people to do the things they do and how far they are really willing to go to survive. Some of the relationships explored in the book were very sweet and were very well done too.
But the book did feel a little flat for me, I admit that I had high hopes for this book and they sadly weren't met. I felt as though a lot of the book was summarised, which was helpful in explaining the characters at the start and letting us into what their motivations were, I never really felt as though I knew the characters. I also felt as though I was watching everything in the story unfold rather than being a part of it all as you are supposed to.
That being said, I did enjoy this book. The parts that the other did well, she really did well and although I wouldn't reread this book, I would definitely recommend it to others
December 27, 2018
Historical fiction about three women on the same lifeboat after the sinking of the Titanic, their backstories, and their lives afterward. The three women are linked together by trauma. I felt the author did a decent job of developing the characters and giving them interesting quirks, each representing one “class” of passenger. Having just read a non-fiction account of the rescue effort, I noticed a few historical inaccuracies. I felt the author showed the after-effects of a traumatic experience, and how it can impact lives for many years after the event. At times it ventured into the realm of melodrama and the ending seemed abrupt. I am not sure it added much to the Titanic oeuvre, other than perhaps giving more thought to what the experience in the life boats could have been like. I found it an entertaining story, albeit one without a great deal of depth.
February 11, 2018
This book was an interesting and varied take on the Titanic tragedy. It's split into many parts and three different narrators, which makes the focus on the time during and immediately after the sinking less repetitive and drawn out. It also catches up with the survivors 20 years later, reflecting on their experiences with dealing with the grief and guilt.
I enjoyed this novel very much, I found it well written and well paced. The characters were strong, and varied, and the varying socioeconomic circumstances made for a strong look at the whole picture of Titanic's survivors.
Thanks to NetGalley, Elizabeth Blackwell, and Lake Union publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this novel very much, I found it well written and well paced. The characters were strong, and varied, and the varying socioeconomic circumstances made for a strong look at the whole picture of Titanic's survivors.
Thanks to NetGalley, Elizabeth Blackwell, and Lake Union publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2018
Loved it. So much better than I thought it would be. A delightful surprise with great writing.
As I started reading the characters seemed so familiar that, as I continued reading, I saw other characters from different books that I'd read before. The plot may have been different, but the characters were not. However, that view quickly changed as the lives of the characters became more complexed and, for me, intriguing. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It is one I'd read again because of the complexities of the characters lives. I was invested in the characters, when at first, I thought I would care more for the plot.
I don't know why I'm having trouble writing a review of this book. It might be because before the ship and after the sinking lies the meat and potatoes of the book. I enjoyed those parts best. I absolutely
recommend to lovers of historical fiction.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the eARC of this book.
As I started reading the characters seemed so familiar that, as I continued reading, I saw other characters from different books that I'd read before. The plot may have been different, but the characters were not. However, that view quickly changed as the lives of the characters became more complexed and, for me, intriguing. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It is one I'd read again because of the complexities of the characters lives. I was invested in the characters, when at first, I thought I would care more for the plot.
I don't know why I'm having trouble writing a review of this book. It might be because before the ship and after the sinking lies the meat and potatoes of the book. I enjoyed those parts best. I absolutely
recommend to lovers of historical fiction.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the eARC of this book.
April 15, 2020
الحياة ممكن تتغير في لحظة، لحظة لاتتوقعها ولم تكن في الحسبان.
تستهويني الروايات الخيالية بخلفية واقعية.
تستهويني الروايات الخيالية بخلفية واقعية.
April 26, 2018
There are two reasons this book interested me, one I love stories of the Titanic. I remember in the mid-80’s going to my grandma’s and seeing the National Geographic that had just come out with all the pictures after it had just been discovered. Pictures of the ship where if finally came to rest, the shoes lying on the ocean floor, the dishes still in stacks, the face from some little girl’s doll. Then I went to the Titanic Exhibit at the Science Museum in Chicago, which was very eye opening from touching ice the temperature of that night, to getting a card of a passenger and in the end seeing if you survived or perished. And of course the movie, who doesn’t like a good love story, however fictitious. Second, the character Anna Halversson. My middle name is Ann, my maiden name is Halverson (although we are Norwegian and from Iowa), so why could I not read this book.
The story is about three women, who come together in a single lifeboat, only to come together 20 years later, maybe not face to face, but through kindness in tragedy. Esme, a first-class passenger who was in a loveless marriage to an older man, but hopelessly in love with Charlie, of Boston elite. Charlotte, a pick-pocket and thief traveling in second-class with her “mentor” whom she was in love with, but he was in love with Georgie, a man Charlotte could not compete with. And Anna Halversson, traveling in third-class escorting a friend to Minnesota to be wed to the man Anna was hopelessly in love with, and his brother who loved Anna and would marry her just so she could be related to the one she loved. Fate overtakes everyone’s lives that fateful night, destroying so many, bringing others together, and finding the strength none thought they possessed. Esme and Charlie never find the happiness they had before the sinking, Charlotte found her strength of depending on herself, and Anna found the love she desperately wanted, but so later than she imagined.
I loved this story, however fictionalized it is, because it shows that sometimes in tragedy your inner strength is more powerful, that after time sometimes talking to someone who lived through that tragedy with you, sometimes makes life better. I would recommend this book to those that just need a good Titanic read or a good love story, and maybe not the kind of love story you normally get
The story is about three women, who come together in a single lifeboat, only to come together 20 years later, maybe not face to face, but through kindness in tragedy. Esme, a first-class passenger who was in a loveless marriage to an older man, but hopelessly in love with Charlie, of Boston elite. Charlotte, a pick-pocket and thief traveling in second-class with her “mentor” whom she was in love with, but he was in love with Georgie, a man Charlotte could not compete with. And Anna Halversson, traveling in third-class escorting a friend to Minnesota to be wed to the man Anna was hopelessly in love with, and his brother who loved Anna and would marry her just so she could be related to the one she loved. Fate overtakes everyone’s lives that fateful night, destroying so many, bringing others together, and finding the strength none thought they possessed. Esme and Charlie never find the happiness they had before the sinking, Charlotte found her strength of depending on herself, and Anna found the love she desperately wanted, but so later than she imagined.
I loved this story, however fictionalized it is, because it shows that sometimes in tragedy your inner strength is more powerful, that after time sometimes talking to someone who lived through that tragedy with you, sometimes makes life better. I would recommend this book to those that just need a good Titanic read or a good love story, and maybe not the kind of love story you normally get
May 3, 2018
On a Cold Dark Sea is the story of three women who survived the Titanic, much of the first third of the book is devoted to telling the history of these women and I found that very interesting. It gave a great first impression, Charlotte, Esme and Anna were from different social classes on the ship (1st, 2nd and 3rd class passengers) and they meet on the lifeboat, I was anxious to see what happened and what lay ahead.
There was really nothing new to add to the Titanic story, I think we all know how and what happened here with the iceberg, under loaded lifeboats and mostly women and children first. Though these 3 women are fictional characters the book is based on the real event.
I won’t go into detail about what happens but 20 years later they are connected again where long kept secrets are finally revealed. In fact the majority of the story does not take place on the Titanic.
On a Cold Dark Sea is a story of survival, guilt and to be honest there were times I wondered if this was just a story of three women who survived the Titanic. I liked the book, it was well written but I felt something was missing and can't quite say what it was.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an advanced copy.
There was really nothing new to add to the Titanic story, I think we all know how and what happened here with the iceberg, under loaded lifeboats and mostly women and children first. Though these 3 women are fictional characters the book is based on the real event.
I won’t go into detail about what happens but 20 years later they are connected again where long kept secrets are finally revealed. In fact the majority of the story does not take place on the Titanic.
On a Cold Dark Sea is a story of survival, guilt and to be honest there were times I wondered if this was just a story of three women who survived the Titanic. I liked the book, it was well written but I felt something was missing and can't quite say what it was.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an advanced copy.
September 24, 2018
Obviously this book centers around the Titanic sinking. More specifically- if focuses on three women who survived the tragedy and their lives before, after, and (a brief time) on the ship. It reads like a true historical fiction- it's slow because there are details and events and emotions that must be built. It's similar to a British drama- slightly proper, slow builds, small twists, somewhat likable but very flawed characters...
I enjoyed how the author gave us a back story on each woman. The order of the story was interesting, as well. I liked that it wasn't completely straight forward with the timeline. That said, I'm not 100% sure there was ever a point to the whole thing. The ending felt abrupt and weird. No huge reveal or conclusion- just a strange thought from one of the women.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but it'd only recommend it to historical fiction buffs.
I enjoyed how the author gave us a back story on each woman. The order of the story was interesting, as well. I liked that it wasn't completely straight forward with the timeline. That said, I'm not 100% sure there was ever a point to the whole thing. The ending felt abrupt and weird. No huge reveal or conclusion- just a strange thought from one of the women.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but it'd only recommend it to historical fiction buffs.
January 17, 2024
" لأن الجمال دون ضوء ينحرف بشكل خطير باتجاه المأساة "
أصبحت كارثة غرق السفينة التايتانك من أشهر كوارث غرق السفن في العصر الحديث ، إذ اصطدمت السفينة التي وًصفت بأنها الأكثر متانة وفخامة ، وكأكبر ناقلة ركاب في العالم بذلك الوقت ، اصطدمت الساعة 2:20 صباحًا في الخامس عشر من أبريل عام 1912 ، بجبل جليدي بالمحيط الأطلسي قبالة سواحل جزيرة نيوفاوند لاند على الساحل الشرقي لكندا ، ما نتج عن مقتل أكثر من 1500 شخص غرقًا لتصبح هذه المأساة من المواضيع التي لا يُمل التطرق إليها
رواية خيالية تحاكي التاريخ حيث تقدم الكاتبة قصة ثلاث نساء صعدن على متن السفينة المنكوبة حيث تجري الأحداث على خلفية كارثة غرق التايتانك ومصائر تلك الشخصيات النسائية الثلاث اللائي عشن الحب والصداقة ، والخيانة ، والخيارات السيئة ، والعواقب .
أصبحت كارثة غرق السفينة التايتانك من أشهر كوارث غرق السفن في العصر الحديث ، إذ اصطدمت السفينة التي وًصفت بأنها الأكثر متانة وفخامة ، وكأكبر ناقلة ركاب في العالم بذلك الوقت ، اصطدمت الساعة 2:20 صباحًا في الخامس عشر من أبريل عام 1912 ، بجبل جليدي بالمحيط الأطلسي قبالة سواحل جزيرة نيوفاوند لاند على الساحل الشرقي لكندا ، ما نتج عن مقتل أكثر من 1500 شخص غرقًا لتصبح هذه المأساة من المواضيع التي لا يُمل التطرق إليها
رواية خيالية تحاكي التاريخ حيث تقدم الكاتبة قصة ثلاث نساء صعدن على متن السفينة المنكوبة حيث تجري الأحداث على خلفية كارثة غرق التايتانك ومصائر تلك الشخصيات النسائية الثلاث اللائي عشن الحب والصداقة ، والخيانة ، والخيارات السيئة ، والعواقب .
October 19, 2019
I was drawn into this story with an expert hand; I quickly came to care about each character. All so different, all with so much ahead of them, all sailing head-on with an iceberg that would change fates. I enjoyed the “testimonial” follow ups that trailed the beginning sections, and that the book dove deeper into the “after” lives of the main characters. Great job!
Yes, we’ve seen the Titanic, but this is well
done, will make you see it and care all over again.
Yes, we’ve seen the Titanic, but this is well
done, will make you see it and care all over again.
December 23, 2020
ثلاث نساء ناجيات من السفينة الغارقة الأشهر عالميا
بين ماضيهن وهناته وحاضرهن وأشباح المأساة تراودهن لتنغّص عليهن اللحظات
وحاولاتهن للوصول إلى التصالح مع الذات
ربما كنت سأعطيها ثلاث نجوم لولا قصة جورجي
بين ماضيهن وهناته وحاضرهن وأشباح المأساة تراودهن لتنغّص عليهن اللحظات
وحاولاتهن للوصول إلى التصالح مع الذات
ربما كنت سأعطيها ثلاث نجوم لولا قصة جورجي
April 15, 2018
4* https://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogsp...
I am always up for anything ‘Titanic’ related, some are good and some ... not so good. I am happy to say, that this is one of the good ones - a unique take on this infamous tale.
‘... men who did their duty and went down with the ship. It sounds like a noble sort of death, but it isn’t: it’s loud and painful and terrifying. No one surrenders to the water without a fight.’
For this particular tale, we have three women who survived the sinking of the Titanic and found themselves together on a lifeboat on ‘a cold, dark sea’. The story is told from their alternating viewpoints, as we gradually learn a bit about each woman's past, her interpretation of the tragedy and what occurred in the years to follow. All up, ‘On A Cold Dark Sea’ is a captivating tale of survival and how one tries to start over after witnessing and being part of such a tragedy.
‘I hate to think where I’d have ended up if the Titanic hadn’t sunk.’
The book is divided into four parts: life before then life after the tragedy, what occurred on Lifeboat 21 and finally, many years later. I really enjoyed the different stories from all three women who came from such contrasting backgrounds, yet together experienced a tragedy that would link them for a lifetime. This is a very well written tale with the pacing being just right. All characters, not just the three main women, are strong and engaging, highlighting three very different lifestyles in the early years of the twentieth century.
Two points that make this book a standout for me: one, although a work of fiction, the necessary research has been done and it came across as a most realistic portrayal of this well documented tragedy. Everything from how passengers were evacuated, to the crew and the implications of them of not having enough training or necessary equipment. Secondly, the background stories really made this tale. It was definitely not just about the sinking, it was more about these three women and how they came to be on the ship in the first place and how they handled what occured in both the short and long term. How could three women from such varying socioeconomic backgrounds forever be linked together? My only slight disappointment was the ending, it did not really tidy things up enough for my liking.
‘The moment she’d pulled Charlie into the lifeboat—without even thinking, simply reaching out in need—was the moment she’d lost him.’
Reading this book you get a first hand account of how lives were before and after being part of such a tragedy. And how, some twenty years on, they were still very much dealing with haunting memories and critical decisions made on that fateful lifeboat.
‘On that night, it was impossible to imagine that each small decision might later be magnified beyond reason, or that one spontaneous gesture could be held up as evidence in the court of public opinion.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
I am always up for anything ‘Titanic’ related, some are good and some ... not so good. I am happy to say, that this is one of the good ones - a unique take on this infamous tale.
‘... men who did their duty and went down with the ship. It sounds like a noble sort of death, but it isn’t: it’s loud and painful and terrifying. No one surrenders to the water without a fight.’
For this particular tale, we have three women who survived the sinking of the Titanic and found themselves together on a lifeboat on ‘a cold, dark sea’. The story is told from their alternating viewpoints, as we gradually learn a bit about each woman's past, her interpretation of the tragedy and what occurred in the years to follow. All up, ‘On A Cold Dark Sea’ is a captivating tale of survival and how one tries to start over after witnessing and being part of such a tragedy.
‘I hate to think where I’d have ended up if the Titanic hadn’t sunk.’
The book is divided into four parts: life before then life after the tragedy, what occurred on Lifeboat 21 and finally, many years later. I really enjoyed the different stories from all three women who came from such contrasting backgrounds, yet together experienced a tragedy that would link them for a lifetime. This is a very well written tale with the pacing being just right. All characters, not just the three main women, are strong and engaging, highlighting three very different lifestyles in the early years of the twentieth century.
Two points that make this book a standout for me: one, although a work of fiction, the necessary research has been done and it came across as a most realistic portrayal of this well documented tragedy. Everything from how passengers were evacuated, to the crew and the implications of them of not having enough training or necessary equipment. Secondly, the background stories really made this tale. It was definitely not just about the sinking, it was more about these three women and how they came to be on the ship in the first place and how they handled what occured in both the short and long term. How could three women from such varying socioeconomic backgrounds forever be linked together? My only slight disappointment was the ending, it did not really tidy things up enough for my liking.
‘The moment she’d pulled Charlie into the lifeboat—without even thinking, simply reaching out in need—was the moment she’d lost him.’
Reading this book you get a first hand account of how lives were before and after being part of such a tragedy. And how, some twenty years on, they were still very much dealing with haunting memories and critical decisions made on that fateful lifeboat.
‘On that night, it was impossible to imagine that each small decision might later be magnified beyond reason, or that one spontaneous gesture could be held up as evidence in the court of public opinion.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
April 5, 2018
3.5 Stars...
The Titanic is my all time favorite movie, so when I read that this centered around the events of the Titanic I had to read it. This particular story is about three women, Esme, Charlotte and Anna and their experiences. Esme is a first class traveler on her honeymoon, while Charlotte who happens to be posing as a married woman is traveling in second class. Then there is Anna, she is traveling with Theo of her friends in third class. These three women come from very different walks of life, and each were strong in their own ways but they soon find themselves thrown together on a lifeboat as the Titanic starts to sink.
The story is told in 4 parts. The first being a little bit about the women before the sailing of the ship. It was nice to get to know some about them before they went through all that they did. Second, we are introduced to the characters 20 years after the Titanic tragedy and what their lives were like then. The story then shifts back to the awful night when the ship is sinking, and the events that took place both on the ship and in the life boat.
From everything we learn from these women as we’re reading, it was clear that their lives were changes in the most traumatic way, and each were still dealing with those haunting memories and decisions of that night, and that their lives would be forever entwined. But, I also found myself a little disappointed that their time spent trying to survive the sinking was given to us so late in the book, we had already learned how they fared 20 years later, so it was a bit anticlimactic for me. I know others will probably have no problem with the story being told this way. But I will say the ending did have a bit a twist to it, and that I really did enjoy.
Overall, this was a great read for me, and was a haunting story of survival and moving on.
The Titanic is my all time favorite movie, so when I read that this centered around the events of the Titanic I had to read it. This particular story is about three women, Esme, Charlotte and Anna and their experiences. Esme is a first class traveler on her honeymoon, while Charlotte who happens to be posing as a married woman is traveling in second class. Then there is Anna, she is traveling with Theo of her friends in third class. These three women come from very different walks of life, and each were strong in their own ways but they soon find themselves thrown together on a lifeboat as the Titanic starts to sink.
The story is told in 4 parts. The first being a little bit about the women before the sailing of the ship. It was nice to get to know some about them before they went through all that they did. Second, we are introduced to the characters 20 years after the Titanic tragedy and what their lives were like then. The story then shifts back to the awful night when the ship is sinking, and the events that took place both on the ship and in the life boat.
From everything we learn from these women as we’re reading, it was clear that their lives were changes in the most traumatic way, and each were still dealing with those haunting memories and decisions of that night, and that their lives would be forever entwined. But, I also found myself a little disappointed that their time spent trying to survive the sinking was given to us so late in the book, we had already learned how they fared 20 years later, so it was a bit anticlimactic for me. I know others will probably have no problem with the story being told this way. But I will say the ending did have a bit a twist to it, and that I really did enjoy.
Overall, this was a great read for me, and was a haunting story of survival and moving on.
March 14, 2020
الشهر الاجمل 🌸
قد ايه ممكن حادث يغير مسار حياه بالكامل يدفن سر ويبداء حياه جديده بشخصيه جديده عن ما قبل
ثلاث حيوات تم تغير حياتهم ومسارها بالكامل وتم دفت سرهم بل موته
كانت تفكر في وجه اميل اكان متصلبا من البرد ام من الرعب سيتبعها هذا الوجة بقية حياتها 💔
اذ ان المصلحة الشخصية حورت الشعور بالذنب الي غضب اسرعوا وموتوا فلننته من هذا كيلا نظل مرغمين علي سماعكم. ثم لايعود هناك شيء لا صوت سوي صفع الماء لبدن القارب 💔
قد ايه ممكن حادث يغير مسار حياه بالكامل يدفن سر ويبداء حياه جديده بشخصيه جديده عن ما قبل
ثلاث حيوات تم تغير حياتهم ومسارها بالكامل وتم دفت سرهم بل موته
كانت تفكر في وجه اميل اكان متصلبا من البرد ام من الرعب سيتبعها هذا الوجة بقية حياتها 💔
اذ ان المصلحة الشخصية حورت الشعور بالذنب الي غضب اسرعوا وموتوا فلننته من هذا كيلا نظل مرغمين علي سماعكم. ثم لايعود هناك شيء لا صوت سوي صفع الماء لبدن القارب 💔
May 3, 2022
في بحر مظلم وبارد رواية عن ثلاث سيدات من طبقات وبيئة حياتية مختلفة نجو من غرق تايتانيك وتشاركو قارب إنقاذ واحد
الكتاب مقسم الي اربع أقسام وكل قسم مقسم الي مجموعة من الفصول بأسم احد الشخصيات الثلاث شارلوت ، ايسمي و آنا
القسم الأول يتطرق الي حياتهم قبل غرق السفينة والثاني بعد الغرق والثالث اثناء الغرق والأخير العافية وختام للرواية
الرواية جيدة جدا الفصول الخاصة بغرق السفينة كانت مؤثرة وتوضح طريقة تفكير الناجيين بشكل مفصل
الترجمة جيدة ومفهومة لكن في بعض الاحيان كنت أشعر أن المترجم يختار كلمات صعبة لها بدائل اسهل ،لا ادري هل النص الانجليزي كان مكتوب بلغة صعبة لتتناسب مع تلك المرحلة الزمنية ام هي بصمة المترجم
الكتاب مقسم الي اربع أقسام وكل قسم مقسم الي مجموعة من الفصول بأسم احد الشخصيات الثلاث شارلوت ، ايسمي و آنا
القسم الأول يتطرق الي حياتهم قبل غرق السفينة والثاني بعد الغرق والثالث اثناء الغرق والأخير العافية وختام للرواية
الرواية جيدة جدا الفصول الخاصة بغرق السفينة كانت مؤثرة وتوضح طريقة تفكير الناجيين بشكل مفصل
الترجمة جيدة ومفهومة لكن في بعض الاحيان كنت أشعر أن المترجم يختار كلمات صعبة لها بدائل اسهل ،لا ادري هل النص الانجليزي كان مكتوب بلغة صعبة لتتناسب مع تلك المرحلة الزمنية ام هي بصمة المترجم
June 19, 2019
This was a wonderful different perspective on the Titanic tragedy. This book took the perspectives of 3 women 1st class, 2nd class and 3rd class. The focus was more on how the events of that night changed their lives rather than the actual tragedy of the boat skinking being the main point. I loved how all three women were on the same life boat and how they stories all collided several years later.
May 22, 2018
Another novel that has a plot involving the Titanic, do I have to read it? Well, of course I do. Thanks to Goodreads and some of my friends on it I noticed this one and lucky for me I was able to find a copy of it in my local library.
February 9, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Titanic?! Did someone say Titanic! Ohh my gosh yes. Right away I knew I had to have this book. Plus look at that cover! If that's not stunning to you then I just dont understand that. This story did not disappoint. It was gripping and interesting and I really enjoyed reading it. I did notice the few small references to the big, was it 1997, movie release which made me smile. The Titanic is one of those stories that can be told from many points of view and not get boring. This book is just one of them but is definitely a clear favourite among them.
I really want to re-read this in the future and will probably be purchasing it in actual book format aswell.
4 stars.
Titanic?! Did someone say Titanic! Ohh my gosh yes. Right away I knew I had to have this book. Plus look at that cover! If that's not stunning to you then I just dont understand that. This story did not disappoint. It was gripping and interesting and I really enjoyed reading it. I did notice the few small references to the big, was it 1997, movie release which made me smile. The Titanic is one of those stories that can be told from many points of view and not get boring. This book is just one of them but is definitely a clear favourite among them.
I really want to re-read this in the future and will probably be purchasing it in actual book format aswell.
June 26, 2018
This is a very interesting exploration of three women from three different classes aboard the fateful Titanic.
The intensity of the first part of the book as it perfectly recaptures the events of April 15 (not to mention the opulence of the first class cabins and the crammed quarters of the lower class steerage) is just as suspenseful regardless of dramatic irony.
From there, Charlotte ( a con artist), Esme, a socialite with an illustrious love affair of a past and Anna carry on their lives as best they can until the trio intersects 20 years later.
A riveting and deeply readable novel of three immensely different women bound by a unique and everlasting bond. Also, a perfect snapshot of two riveting times in history.
The intensity of the first part of the book as it perfectly recaptures the events of April 15 (not to mention the opulence of the first class cabins and the crammed quarters of the lower class steerage) is just as suspenseful regardless of dramatic irony.
From there, Charlotte ( a con artist), Esme, a socialite with an illustrious love affair of a past and Anna carry on their lives as best they can until the trio intersects 20 years later.
A riveting and deeply readable novel of three immensely different women bound by a unique and everlasting bond. Also, a perfect snapshot of two riveting times in history.
November 30, 2020
في مثل هذه كارثه ، لا اعلم كيف للمال كل تلك السلطة ، ألمجرد انك تملك نقودا اكثر من غيرك ، سيتم إنقاذك ، و غيرك ممن يفتقر اليها ، سيترك لمواجهة الغرق ، و الماء المتجمدة ؟!
ما نفع كل النقود ، في تلك الاوقات ؟! يال الحقارة !!
ايسمي تلك المرأة التافهة ، التي شاهدت زوجها هيرام و هو على علم تام بأنه سيموت ، بعد أن تأكد من نجاتها ، هي و تشارلي ، من كانت تحبه ، و بكل وقاحة ، حمدت الله على نجاة تشارلي و هي ، لكنها لم تعلم بانها غرقت مع غرق زوجها هيرام هاربر و غرق التايتنك ، ما بني على باطل و على ثمن روح انسان ، لن يدوم !!
اما تشارلوت ، تلك الفتاة التي بدأت حياتها بالنصب و الخداع ، و محاولتها ايجاد زوج لتستمر حياتها ، حول إنقاذها من الغرق منحى حياتها ، فأصبحت صحفية ناجحة .
اما آنا ، التي تركت بلدها ، لتشهد زواج من أحبته " جوزيف " بصديقة عمرها " سونيا" ، و كانت هي لتبقى هناك قريبة منهم ، ستتزوج " بأيميل " ، لكنها لم تعلم ، بأن هذه الرحلة ، ستغير كل شيء ، ستنجوا هي بأعجوبة ، بينما يموت البقية ، هي من لم ترد السفر ، ستصل أمريكا ، بينما سيغرق الآخرون ، هي ستتزوج من " جوزيف " ، و سيبقوا " سونيا و إيميل " ذكرى تلاحقها للابد .
كان كتابا مرعبا ، فاصلا بين الموت و الحياة ، سييقى البشر دوما ينظرون ، لكن في تلك اللحظة ، سيكون الصواب هو ما تراه صوابا ، لكن صدقني ستلاحقك أشباح من خذلتهم دوما ، و كيف اذا كان الخذلان ، هو تركك لهم يموتون تجمدا ؟! .
ما نفع كل النقود ، في تلك الاوقات ؟! يال الحقارة !!
ايسمي تلك المرأة التافهة ، التي شاهدت زوجها هيرام و هو على علم تام بأنه سيموت ، بعد أن تأكد من نجاتها ، هي و تشارلي ، من كانت تحبه ، و بكل وقاحة ، حمدت الله على نجاة تشارلي و هي ، لكنها لم تعلم بانها غرقت مع غرق زوجها هيرام هاربر و غرق التايتنك ، ما بني على باطل و على ثمن روح انسان ، لن يدوم !!
اما تشارلوت ، تلك الفتاة التي بدأت حياتها بالنصب و الخداع ، و محاولتها ايجاد زوج لتستمر حياتها ، حول إنقاذها من الغرق منحى حياتها ، فأصبحت صحفية ناجحة .
اما آنا ، التي تركت بلدها ، لتشهد زواج من أحبته " جوزيف " بصديقة عمرها " سونيا" ، و كانت هي لتبقى هناك قريبة منهم ، ستتزوج " بأيميل " ، لكنها لم تعلم ، بأن هذه الرحلة ، ستغير كل شيء ، ستنجوا هي بأعجوبة ، بينما يموت البقية ، هي من لم ترد السفر ، ستصل أمريكا ، بينما سيغرق الآخرون ، هي ستتزوج من " جوزيف " ، و سيبقوا " سونيا و إيميل " ذكرى تلاحقها للابد .
كان كتابا مرعبا ، فاصلا بين الموت و الحياة ، سييقى البشر دوما ينظرون ، لكن في تلك اللحظة ، سيكون الصواب هو ما تراه صوابا ، لكن صدقني ستلاحقك أشباح من خذلتهم دوما ، و كيف اذا كان الخذلان ، هو تركك لهم يموتون تجمدا ؟! .
November 29, 2018
On a Cold Dark Sea tells the story of three women who ended up on the same life boat together during the sinking of the Titanic. It alternates between points of view and time periods to describe each woman's life including who they were before boarding the ship, those they lost, and how the tragedy affected their lives after.
I really enjoyed the different perspectives told through each of the three women. It was interesting to read about, and I appreciated the opportunity to gain a better understanding of that harrowing night on the titanic. I found this story to be a bit slow and repetitive at times due to how the different time periods were used. After hearing about where the women are twenty years after the titanic, it tells the story of their time on the lifeboat. Overall this is a nice, light, but inspiring story of overcoming grief and trauma.
I really enjoyed the different perspectives told through each of the three women. It was interesting to read about, and I appreciated the opportunity to gain a better understanding of that harrowing night on the titanic. I found this story to be a bit slow and repetitive at times due to how the different time periods were used. After hearing about where the women are twenty years after the titanic, it tells the story of their time on the lifeboat. Overall this is a nice, light, but inspiring story of overcoming grief and trauma.
April 4, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Three women: Esme, Charlotte and Anna. All survivors of the Titanic whom have to bear the burden of being rescued when so many others didn't - including their loved ones.
Esme - born and married into wealth, returning to the United States on her honeymoon.
Charlotte - lower class English-woman who is seeking to escape her options in England.
Anna - in love with someone who has already immigrated to the States but travelling on the Titanic with his fiancée.
The beauty of this story is that it's not strictly about the sinking of the Titanic -rather we get each character's perspective of what she survived and then we skip ahead twenty years.
Divided into 4 parts, we get a glimpse into the night of the sinking; then skip ahead 20 years, get a glimpse into their lives; we are then thrown into the lifeboat that saved all three women and get some clarification as to what bonded them together; and finally we tie up some loose ends (perhaps a little too neatly, but not in a way that ruins the rest of the novel).
This is a story that is nicely told; each character holds her own and brings along with her a great little backstory. It was well written, didn't lag and didn't spend too much time detailing something that we already all know so well. It really was built on the strength of the characters - and I liked each one of them individually.
If you enjoy historical-fiction I think you should give this book a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Engaging, well written and well paced. It doesn't get water-logged with too much historical detail, but allows these women to come to life.
Recommended read.
Three women: Esme, Charlotte and Anna. All survivors of the Titanic whom have to bear the burden of being rescued when so many others didn't - including their loved ones.
Esme - born and married into wealth, returning to the United States on her honeymoon.
Charlotte - lower class English-woman who is seeking to escape her options in England.
Anna - in love with someone who has already immigrated to the States but travelling on the Titanic with his fiancée.
The beauty of this story is that it's not strictly about the sinking of the Titanic -rather we get each character's perspective of what she survived and then we skip ahead twenty years.
Divided into 4 parts, we get a glimpse into the night of the sinking; then skip ahead 20 years, get a glimpse into their lives; we are then thrown into the lifeboat that saved all three women and get some clarification as to what bonded them together; and finally we tie up some loose ends (perhaps a little too neatly, but not in a way that ruins the rest of the novel).
This is a story that is nicely told; each character holds her own and brings along with her a great little backstory. It was well written, didn't lag and didn't spend too much time detailing something that we already all know so well. It really was built on the strength of the characters - and I liked each one of them individually.
If you enjoy historical-fiction I think you should give this book a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Engaging, well written and well paced. It doesn't get water-logged with too much historical detail, but allows these women to come to life.
Recommended read.
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