The Mourning Wave: A Novel of the Great Storm

by Gregory Funderburk

Before moving, Will announced his intentions. "We feel obliged to insist you take us to St. Mary's Hospital and Infirmary in the city proper. We aim to tell Mother Gabriel we're alive."

No one responded.

"We're from the orphanage," he added, conferring further heft to his position. 

"Expect they know what happened," the soldier carrying Albert said.

"They don't know the part about us," Will said, standing solid on the beach.



The Mourning Wave recounts the moment the most deadly storm in American history made landfall on the beaches of Galveston Island in 1900 and a young orphan's fight for survival inside the doomed St. Mary's Orphan Asylum. Populated with real-life characters, historic figures, and powerful recollections from actual storm survivors, The Mourning Wave is a turbulent ride back through time which presents not merely history, but guidance for facing grief, uncertainty, and anxiety in tragedy's aftermath. Historically gripping, yet proximate, it asks if moments of indelible beauty and redemption can dependably arise from chaos in our storm-driven world.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2020

Reviews

[Shelly Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mourning Wave uses a tragic setting in the 1900 Galveston Storm to weave a larger story of perserverance, faith, hope, and redemption. Centered on the only survivors from St. Mary's orphanage (located at 63rd & Seawall, where the Walmart stands today), Funderburk weaves with a pastoral spirit into their journey through and after the storm. This is historical fiction - so while the boys encounter a number of real people, their stories are not completely factual. If you become more interested in a specific person, there are plenty of non-fiction sources to read more. This tale is their journey in spirit and faith through the Storm's horror, immense destruction, and loss of life, bringing about survivor's guilt and discovering the goodness of others. At times it was challenging to continue reading in just one sitting and I'd put it aside, but the ending unfolded with such comfort that it really buoyed my spirits.

Four stars only because I kept getting distracted by the illogical progression across the island, which I know only because of my intimate familiarity with the Island and the Storm. For those who haven't made an in-depth non-fiction study of the Storm, be swept away in the story that reawakens life and recruits hope.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I picked it up at the bookstore in Downtown Galveston and was interested because Galvy is my fav vacay spot, I learned so much about 1900 hurricane from this book- it was factual yet engaging. The characters were rich, the events filled with hope and humanity, despite this huge huge tragedy. I will treasure this book.

[david portugal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! Its a spiritual journey interwoven amongst a tale of extreme tragedy. Being told from the perspective of a youth is so enjoyable and intriguing. It has one of the best lines ( expressed by a child) to describe the human condition that I can ever remember reading.
This new author clearly has a bright future, and I cannot wait to see what he chooses as his next subject matter.

[Laura Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely surprise.

You expect a book about the 1900 hurricane that devastated Galveston to be depressing, and parts of it were. But it wound up being such a book of grace and restored faith. It was also so well written. It was truly a pleasure to read it. I even bought a copy, which for me is the highest honor I can bestow.

[Cara Fuller Engelbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a firsthand perspective of the terrible hurricane in Galveston. Though fiction, the realities of the effects of the disaster were brought forth.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I saw that there was a book about the children from St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum during Galveston’s devastating 1900 storm, I couldn’t wait to read it. I can’t even describe how disappointed I am in this book. The author has zero imagination. It’s as if he read a bunch of newspapers articles and pasted them into a story. There was absolutely no character development. The main character, Will Murney deserved so much more than what this guy was capable of writing. The other 2 boys who survived the storm had no character development either. Actually no one in the entire book had any character development. In addition, he failed miserably to describe the surroundings. I had to google buildings such as the orphanage. You’d think he could have at least described that one. He also was wordy for absolutely no reason other than to hear himself talk. He tried to make it sound like he knew how the people spoke in 1900 (from reading newspaper articles no doubt) but he failed miserably. Perhaps he should stick to his professions. Lawyer and Pastor. Lol. If you want to read a good book about the 1900 storm, read A Weekend in September by John Edward Weems.

[Cindy Vanous · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, so I began reading several books about this tragic event. Unfortunately, none of them truly captured my attention. I never felt fully drawn in, and after only a few chapters of each, I found myself setting them aside.

Then I discovered this story.

Told through the lived experiences of three boys in an orphanage who survived the horrific storm, this book immediately pulled me in. Gregory Funderburk’s extensive research—through archives, family letters, and conversations with the children of survivors—brings an authenticity and emotional depth that sets this account apart.

The story unfolds through the boys’ perspectives as the hurricane approached, as it bore down upon them, and as they struggled to survive in its aftermath. I was completely engrossed. Gregory writes in a way that made me feel as though I were walking beside the boys, experiencing their fear, confusion, and resilience as their story unfolded.

This is not just a recounting of a historical disaster, it is a deeply human story of survival, courage, and hope in the face of unimaginable devastation.

[Sandra Kraemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book . I had already read Issac's Storm by Eric Larson which was wonderfully done . This is a good takeoff from Mr. Larson's book. It has an account of 3 of the orphans from the convent who survived with some very spiritual and mystical accounts of the other orphans and nuns who passed. It also proceeds to follow thru the immediate aftermath of the storm . the chaos of trying to find friends and family and burying the dead.

This story also brings to life the role Clare Barton of the American Red Cross played in helping the city of Galveston to recover from this trajedy.

[Janie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't forget this story for a long time! I've read a few other stories, fiction and nonfiction on The Great Storm, but this one left a profound impact, on me. I have in the past, gone through some hurricanes,and have witness some damaged of relatives' homes. Yet, nothing compared to the lives of so many lost and the terrible wreckage done by the Great Storm of 1900. I really admired the brave and resilient characters of some of the characters, especially the orphans-Will, Albert, Frank,and Sam Caulk. Some of those characters and a lot of the story was based on true facts.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was riveting. As I read it, it was like hearing and watching a movie in my head. The author made the storm, its aftermath and its characters come alive (and dead) in my head. Reading about the death and destruction during the storm and after the storm was difficult, but it is based on a real storm that destroyed Galveston.

Thank you to the employee in the gift shop at The Bryan Museum in Galveston for suggesting I buy and read this book.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the 1900 Galveston hurricane from this book! The fictional story behind the history was a bit weaker. The three surviving young boys who are the primary characters were charming but not quite believable.

[Ann Daigrepont · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story of Galveston’s tragic 1900 storm

Fast read a recount thru the eyes of an orphan who survived .
Well written incorporating names of famous Galveston past and present
Inhabitants.

[J.M. Kirkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

With my research on the Great Storm, I'd always been intrigued with the children who had survived the collapse of the St. Mary's orphanage. That this novel was about their story hooked me before I read the first page; to see and experience the aftermath of the Storm through their young eyes.

The author had a way of taking the deadliest natural disaster in American history and weaving a tale of resilience and hope, despite the utter devastation. It's noteworthy that he wove in the relief effort of the American Red Cross, led by its founder, Clara Barton. His depiction of Miss Barton was superb.

I loved the way the novel ended on a very uplifting note, and I highly recommend The Mourning Wave.

[Richard Maddox]

A bold and frightening historical novel which reveals the power of hurricanes and the reslience of people who experience all that they bring. I live in Galveston and will never see it the same as before reading this book.

[Dodie Zant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel provided a different perspective of the Great Storm that hit Galveston. Living near Galveston, I have seen some of the history of this storm. However, seeing it through the eyes of a fictional survivor pulled at my heartstrings.

Very well written.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written story of tragedy and hope.

[Dr. Steve Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeful

Well written and respectful to God by lavishing attention on His creation, the people. The last chapter is powerfully written.