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Heart of Disaster: A Titanic Novel of love and loss
Thursday, April 11, 1912
Inspired by true events, Heart of Disaster is the fictionalized story of the Irish steerage passengers who joined RMS Titanic. The legend says “Thursday’s child has far to go” but nobody knew just how troublesome this journey would prove.
Four single friends, a newly married couple and a stoker who works in the belly of the gigantic ship meet that fateful night. When disaster strikes, not all survive. Even the ones who live, have lost something forever in the freezing Atlantic Ocean.
Inspired by true events, Heart of Disaster is the fictionalized story of the Irish steerage passengers who joined RMS Titanic. The legend says “Thursday’s child has far to go” but nobody knew just how troublesome this journey would prove.
Four single friends, a newly married couple and a stoker who works in the belly of the gigantic ship meet that fateful night. When disaster strikes, not all survive. Even the ones who live, have lost something forever in the freezing Atlantic Ocean.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2019
307 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Wesson
111 books358 followersRachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 9, 2020
This book is a work of fiction but is based on true events and people who were aboard the only voyage Titanic would ever sail.
Although we all know the tragic story of the Titanic and its eventual demise after striking an iceberg, this book allows a peek into the lives of some of those on board, especially the Irish steerage passengers.
The Titanic had three levels of "service" - First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. History notes that people in first class were the most likely to survive the disaster, while those in the lower classes were often barred from crossing the gates that separated the classes to travel a shorter route to the lifeboats. While the rules may have been "women and children first", the vast majority of women and children who survived were first class passengers, while a much higher percentage of women and children in third class accomodations perished.
Author Rachel Wesson is a favorite of mine for her historical fiction and this book is no exception. The characters, with a few unlikable exceptions, are people you would want to know and come to care about very much. You will find yourself wanting to speed through to see if your favorites are among the survivors.
Some are on board seeking a better life. Some are employees of the White Star line who were thrilled to be chosen to work on the luxury liner - many of whom gave up their lives to save passengers. Some were rich and seeking a new adventure. All would share an unfortunate page in the history books.
You will root for the young lovers, mourn with survivors who desperately look for their loved one's names on survivor lists and don't find them, and hear the cries of the people as they froze in the icy waters surrounding the icebergs that claimed the beautiful ship.
The book also doesn't shy away from asking the questions history has also asked of what transpired on that fateful journey. Why were there not enough lifeboats for the number of passengers? Why did the "unsinkable" ship sink so quickly? Why were some lifeboats lowered with less than 1/3 of their capacity on board? Why were the rich deemed more worthy of saving? Why did the crew not act swiftly when warned of icebergs in the area as history notes there was ample warning to avoid the collision?
As a side note, I was able to view the traveling Titanic exhibit when it came to a nearby museum a few years ago. As I glanced on the displays of clothing, china, jewelry, and other artifacts, the passengers suddenly became real to me. One part of the display included an actual portion of the Titanic outer shell and it was interesting to note how quiet it suddenly became when our eyes connected with that piece of history. The rivets I've read so much about (they were poor quality) were suddenly there before my eyes. Also included in the exhibit was an enormous piece of ice which was cooled to the exact temperature of the iceberg that took Titanic. We were asked to put our hands on it and see how long we could take the cold. About 8-10 seconds was the most - and that suddenly made all of us realize how cold the water the people fell into really was.
I highly recommend the book.
Although we all know the tragic story of the Titanic and its eventual demise after striking an iceberg, this book allows a peek into the lives of some of those on board, especially the Irish steerage passengers.
The Titanic had three levels of "service" - First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. History notes that people in first class were the most likely to survive the disaster, while those in the lower classes were often barred from crossing the gates that separated the classes to travel a shorter route to the lifeboats. While the rules may have been "women and children first", the vast majority of women and children who survived were first class passengers, while a much higher percentage of women and children in third class accomodations perished.
Author Rachel Wesson is a favorite of mine for her historical fiction and this book is no exception. The characters, with a few unlikable exceptions, are people you would want to know and come to care about very much. You will find yourself wanting to speed through to see if your favorites are among the survivors.
Some are on board seeking a better life. Some are employees of the White Star line who were thrilled to be chosen to work on the luxury liner - many of whom gave up their lives to save passengers. Some were rich and seeking a new adventure. All would share an unfortunate page in the history books.
You will root for the young lovers, mourn with survivors who desperately look for their loved one's names on survivor lists and don't find them, and hear the cries of the people as they froze in the icy waters surrounding the icebergs that claimed the beautiful ship.
The book also doesn't shy away from asking the questions history has also asked of what transpired on that fateful journey. Why were there not enough lifeboats for the number of passengers? Why did the "unsinkable" ship sink so quickly? Why were some lifeboats lowered with less than 1/3 of their capacity on board? Why were the rich deemed more worthy of saving? Why did the crew not act swiftly when warned of icebergs in the area as history notes there was ample warning to avoid the collision?
As a side note, I was able to view the traveling Titanic exhibit when it came to a nearby museum a few years ago. As I glanced on the displays of clothing, china, jewelry, and other artifacts, the passengers suddenly became real to me. One part of the display included an actual portion of the Titanic outer shell and it was interesting to note how quiet it suddenly became when our eyes connected with that piece of history. The rivets I've read so much about (they were poor quality) were suddenly there before my eyes. Also included in the exhibit was an enormous piece of ice which was cooled to the exact temperature of the iceberg that took Titanic. We were asked to put our hands on it and see how long we could take the cold. About 8-10 seconds was the most - and that suddenly made all of us realize how cold the water the people fell into really was.
I highly recommend the book.
March 22, 2019
I’ve been a longtime fan of Rachel Wesson even since I discovered her WW2 novels. She writes fabulous historical fiction and never fails to transport you into the past with her compelling plots and unforgettable characters. “Heart of Disaster” was one of such incredibly touching, deeply tragic yet uplifting stories. In her latest work, Ms. Wesson follows the tragic voyage of the Titanic through the eyes of several different characters, which made the story even more fascinating. As the disaster strikes, she explores the depths of the human spirit and demonstrates how differently people act in times of mortal danger - some turn into heroes, some would stop at nothing to save their own lives. I also enjoyed the last few chapters in which the aftermath of the tragedy is brought to light, namely the White Star’s attempts to shift the guilt onto someone else’s shoulders. Vivid and beautifully written, “Heart of Disaster” is a true must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction. Highly recommended! (Prepare some tissues though - most likely you’ll be crying)
August 15, 2020
Great book about the Titanic
March 31, 2019
A quick light read. There's nothing here you won't have read before. I would have liked more depth to the characters. At times the story seemed to be rushing along with no objective in mind. The chapters were laid out a bit odd too. I was just getting into it in the first chapter when it stopped and chapter two came up and just carried on where it left off. Felt strange.
If you love anything to do with Titanic you'll enjoy the read.
If you love anything to do with Titanic you'll enjoy the read.
October 2, 2025
Definitely a good read.
Earlier this year I read Hazel Gaynor’s “The Girl Who Came Home”, which too was primarily the story of third class steerage passengers’ experience on The Titanic. It made me hungry to read other historical fiction about The Titanic to learn more, and this book did not disappoint. Many new insights and controversies about the fateful voyage were revealed in this novel.
Many of the characters in Heart of Disaster were also based on the experiences of actual passengers (both survivors and victims), which I greatly appreciate, as it brings the story to life and honors the courage of the survivors as well as those who sacrificed their lives so others could live.
I give this book 4⭐️s because, like Ms. Gaynor’s 5⭐️ novel it…
-was extremely well researched
-educated me with facts and details about this disaster
-makes me hungry to devour more novels like it
-transported me onto the ship to experience it as though I was among those on board
-touched my heart and emotions
Earlier this year I read Hazel Gaynor’s “The Girl Who Came Home”, which too was primarily the story of third class steerage passengers’ experience on The Titanic. It made me hungry to read other historical fiction about The Titanic to learn more, and this book did not disappoint. Many new insights and controversies about the fateful voyage were revealed in this novel.
Many of the characters in Heart of Disaster were also based on the experiences of actual passengers (both survivors and victims), which I greatly appreciate, as it brings the story to life and honors the courage of the survivors as well as those who sacrificed their lives so others could live.
I give this book 4⭐️s because, like Ms. Gaynor’s 5⭐️ novel it…
-was extremely well researched
-educated me with facts and details about this disaster
-makes me hungry to devour more novels like it
-transported me onto the ship to experience it as though I was among those on board
-touched my heart and emotions
March 17, 2019
Want to read a gripping story about the lives of those involved in the era of the Titanic? This is the book for you. Kate Maloney was headed for a new life in America; her friend, Cathy Madden was going with her; and, friends Daniel and Seamus, were sailing too. Some of those boarding the ship, had friends and family in America who had gone years before. This was a comfort to the families left behind in Ireland. The trip, it’s pitfall, the heartaches, and the people met on the journey is the story in this book. The writing is excellent and I felt I was on the trip with the group of immigrants that looked forward to a better life. Extremely interesting and informational Authors Notes at the end were perfect. Thanks for a great read.
March 17, 2019
The titanic was such a sad episode and the story was very good. The love stories that have come out of the titanic have been very entertaining. I have always been fascinated by the Titanic and have watched many movies about the Titanic including the one where they dove to the bottom of the sea. Very entertaining book.
August 13, 2019
I love learning about the Titanic, especially in historical fiction. This book didn't disappoint me.
August 12, 2020
Titanic Brings More Heartache !
Excellent novel about the inescapable Titanic.
Four friends leave Ireland with their destination being America and a new life.
Two of the four were brother and sister.
They were having the time of their lives,third class being like something they read about,but never expected to see.
When the iceberg was hit,there was unforgettable catastrophic events.
The differences in classes was in evidence almost immediately.
The lower classes were behind Gates and couldn't get to the life boats,but some of the men ignored the mores and overtook the men in charge.
When the Titanic went down,all but one of the 1st class children was saved with hardly any of the third class children.
The 1st.class women were saved over and above the 2nd.and 3rd class women.Rarely was there any lower class men saved at all.
Again,this is a very readable story with over 200 pages,but is very easy.
You will want to read about what happened to the four,that the story centers around.
Just a different take on the Titanic.
Excellent novel about the inescapable Titanic.
Four friends leave Ireland with their destination being America and a new life.
Two of the four were brother and sister.
They were having the time of their lives,third class being like something they read about,but never expected to see.
When the iceberg was hit,there was unforgettable catastrophic events.
The differences in classes was in evidence almost immediately.
The lower classes were behind Gates and couldn't get to the life boats,but some of the men ignored the mores and overtook the men in charge.
When the Titanic went down,all but one of the 1st class children was saved with hardly any of the third class children.
The 1st.class women were saved over and above the 2nd.and 3rd class women.Rarely was there any lower class men saved at all.
Again,this is a very readable story with over 200 pages,but is very easy.
You will want to read about what happened to the four,that the story centers around.
Just a different take on the Titanic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2019
Heart of Disaster by Rachel Wesson
5 Stars
Mar 7
I just love Rachel’s writing! I stayed up all night reading this book. I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with the plight of these characters as they sought a brighter future in America.
This book is based on the sinking of the Titanic, so it’s enthralling and emotional, devastating and hopeful! I could envision many of the scenes and hear the sounds as they fought to survive!
I loved how we got an epilogue, so to speak, for each of the major players at the end.
I would have liked to learn more about Cathy’s updated situation.
I enjoyed the court room scenes at the end, because it kind of settled the issues a bit.
Knowing things changed because of this incident gives you hope. Knowing people struggled to tell the truth or obey orders and keep their jobs is human!
I hope there’s a sequel! And I would love for this one to someday become an audiobook!
5 Stars
Mar 7
I just love Rachel’s writing! I stayed up all night reading this book. I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with the plight of these characters as they sought a brighter future in America.
This book is based on the sinking of the Titanic, so it’s enthralling and emotional, devastating and hopeful! I could envision many of the scenes and hear the sounds as they fought to survive!
I loved how we got an epilogue, so to speak, for each of the major players at the end.
I would have liked to learn more about Cathy’s updated situation.
I enjoyed the court room scenes at the end, because it kind of settled the issues a bit.
Knowing things changed because of this incident gives you hope. Knowing people struggled to tell the truth or obey orders and keep their jobs is human!
I hope there’s a sequel! And I would love for this one to someday become an audiobook!
March 18, 2019
This is a great Titanic story. It is written from the point of view of a couple of different characters. There are Kate, Cathy, Daniel and Seamus who wants to leave Ireland to build a new life in America. And Delia who got married to her true love Conor and they are running away from her horrible aunt . And Jerry who is one of the workers on the Titanic. You know by forehand not everyone will survive. You will sympathize with them all while asking yourself What would I have done if I was on the Titanic.
I loved the story, it was romantic and dramatic and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the story, it was romantic and dramatic and I couldn’t put it down.
April 15, 2019
Excellent book
This book brings light to the class differences and how it affected the survival rate of 1st Class passengers to 3rd Class passengers. It really pulls at your heartstrings to realize just how many people died because others felt they were less than them. The author did a wonderful job in creating people who you could relate to and feel their fears and pain. I highly recommend this book.
This book brings light to the class differences and how it affected the survival rate of 1st Class passengers to 3rd Class passengers. It really pulls at your heartstrings to realize just how many people died because others felt they were less than them. The author did a wonderful job in creating people who you could relate to and feel their fears and pain. I highly recommend this book.
February 28, 2021
Titanic
Rachel Wesson has a talent for writing a story that puts the reader as part of the story. Several years ago a Titanic display came to the local museum. Each person was given a character 's name and history .It was so real. Reading this book made it once again so real. The pain of losing so many people, the wrong decisions made by so many staff, the noise, the icy water, it mase the story real,personal.
Rachel Wesson has a talent for writing a story that puts the reader as part of the story. Several years ago a Titanic display came to the local museum. Each person was given a character 's name and history .It was so real. Reading this book made it once again so real. The pain of losing so many people, the wrong decisions made by so many staff, the noise, the icy water, it mase the story real,personal.
February 4, 2022
A Heart-Rending Book About the Tragic Sinking of the Titanic!
I have read other books about the Titanic, but this book by Rachel Wesson brings to life the people aboard and made them and their lives more real to me. I have read other books by Rachel Wesson and feel as if I am returning to stories told by a dear friend when I select one of her books. I enjoyed this book and hope you will enjoy it also.
I have read other books about the Titanic, but this book by Rachel Wesson brings to life the people aboard and made them and their lives more real to me. I have read other books by Rachel Wesson and feel as if I am returning to stories told by a dear friend when I select one of her books. I enjoyed this book and hope you will enjoy it also.
June 29, 2023
Very good book. There were some events that happened in the book that I know to be not true at all or just rumors during the sinking but nothing based on actual fact so that was a little bothersome to me being a huge Titanic buff. It almost felt like rewriting history in a way but fortunately it was only certain tiny sections and not throughout the entire book. Still a very good read and in some parts it was very hard to put down.
July 28, 2023
I'm on a big Titanic kick right now and this was definitely a great read for it. The story flowed smoothly, I enjoyed the characters and the different perspectives. I do wish more time had been spent with the sinking, that was the only part where the timing felt off. It spent a bit too much with the aftermath than I'd have preferred. But I loved the references to how the different classes were treated, a bit of tension between Protestants and Catholics as well, and other things we don't see with each viewing of the 1997 film. It didn't have the same emotional impact, but it told a sweet story. Even if not everyone got the ending they expected.
March 31, 2019
Rachel Wesson is an excellent writer. Since I love historical fiction, I always learn something new in her books. I have read other books about the Titanic but she wrote from a different perspective. One of my favorite writers. Great reading. Highly recommend this and any book by Rachel Wesson.
February 17, 2023
This author writes about the Titanic disaster and focuses on both the third class passengers and the average crewman who worked the lowly but important jobs (and who were under the orders of the officers).
She developed a few characters from these two classes and how they were affected through it all.
She developed a few characters from these two classes and how they were affected through it all.
April 9, 2019
Excellent! This is a must read. You think you know the whole Titanic story, but this fictionalized version makes the tragedy to the next level. I adored this book and fell in love with the characters. I can't wait for more books by this author!
April 24, 2019
Wonderful, wonderful book.
This book was so interesting, sad but a great read, Rachel Wesson did a wonderful job of writing this book, it keep my interest all the though, I felt so sorry for the family's, who lost friends and relatives. Thank you Rachel Wesson.
This book was so interesting, sad but a great read, Rachel Wesson did a wonderful job of writing this book, it keep my interest all the though, I felt so sorry for the family's, who lost friends and relatives. Thank you Rachel Wesson.
January 13, 2020
Good book
I never read this author 's books but l was very impressed. Yes l know the story of the Titanic but l do !like the people she put in there. She wraps up this story very good.
I never read this author 's books but l was very impressed. Yes l know the story of the Titanic but l do !like the people she put in there. She wraps up this story very good.
April 14, 2020
Titanic12
I enjoy all books and articles about MRS titanic,this was a well written story and follows the various accounts as we know them.My thoughts as always when I read Titanic stories are with Captain Smith and all those who perished. Good story,well written.
I enjoy all books and articles about MRS titanic,this was a well written story and follows the various accounts as we know them.My thoughts as always when I read Titanic stories are with Captain Smith and all those who perished. Good story,well written.
April 23, 2020
A Different Perspective
This story is told from a different perspective than most Titanic stories are. This one tells the story from the third class travellers . Their lives before, during and after the disaster. The good, the bad and the ugly. I loved this perspective.
This story is told from a different perspective than most Titanic stories are. This one tells the story from the third class travellers . Their lives before, during and after the disaster. The good, the bad and the ugly. I loved this perspective.
September 27, 2020
As usual, Ms. Wesson being history to life with her heart wrenching story of the Titanic disaster. Fully developed characters give the reader a very real sense of the way the tragedy affected the survivors, as well as highlighting some of the stories of those who died.
October 31, 2020
You think you know
I had to force myself to start this one because I knew there would be tragedy and this author has a great talent for making you feel.
I'm glad I read it. It's a new perspective.
I had to force myself to start this one because I knew there would be tragedy and this author has a great talent for making you feel.
I'm glad I read it. It's a new perspective.
October 23, 2021
right away I fell in love with the main characters. and you will cry and you will become a bit upset because you see another time greed killed many many people. I am just now trying to find out what is next.
February 21, 2022
Many books written and movies made about the Titanic from the perspective of the First Class passengers.. this was told from the side ot the Third Class or steerage passengers view. Was interesting to see a different point of view.
October 23, 2022
Must Read!
Rachel Wesson never disappoints. This book grabbed me from page one till the end. I love everything Rachel writes. I felt like I was there in the book with all the characters and their stories.
Rachel Wesson never disappoints. This book grabbed me from page one till the end. I love everything Rachel writes. I felt like I was there in the book with all the characters and their stories.
July 2, 2023
Pageturner
Enjoyed reading this book. It had a very human slant on the events surrounding Titanic. Very easy to read and containing lots of actual historic facts in a good strong story line. Will read other books by this author soon.
Enjoyed reading this book. It had a very human slant on the events surrounding Titanic. Very easy to read and containing lots of actual historic facts in a good strong story line. Will read other books by this author soon.
March 20, 2019
I loved reading this wonderful book! I loved everything about this wonderful book! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews