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Orphans of the Storm
From internationally bestselling author and celebrated actress Celia Imrie, an epic novel set against the backdrop of the sinking of the Titanic.
Nice, France, 1911: After three years of marriage, Marcella Navratil has finally had enough. Her husband, Michael, an ambitious tailor, may have charmed her during their courtship, but their few years of marriage have revealed a cruel and controlling streak. The 21-year-old mother of two is determined to get a divorce.
But while awaiting the Judges' decision on the custody of their children, Michael receives news that changes everything.
Meanwhile fun-loving New York socialite Margaret Hays is touring Europe with some friends. Restless, she resolves to head home aboard the most celebrated steamer in the world.
But as the ship sets sail for America, carrying two infants bearing false names, the paths of Marcella, Michael and Margaret cross and nothing will ever be the same again.
Orphans of the Storm dives into the waters of the past to unearth a sweeping, epic tale of the sinking of the Titanic that radiates with humanity and hums with life.
Nice, France, 1911: After three years of marriage, Marcella Navratil has finally had enough. Her husband, Michael, an ambitious tailor, may have charmed her during their courtship, but their few years of marriage have revealed a cruel and controlling streak. The 21-year-old mother of two is determined to get a divorce.
But while awaiting the Judges' decision on the custody of their children, Michael receives news that changes everything.
Meanwhile fun-loving New York socialite Margaret Hays is touring Europe with some friends. Restless, she resolves to head home aboard the most celebrated steamer in the world.
But as the ship sets sail for America, carrying two infants bearing false names, the paths of Marcella, Michael and Margaret cross and nothing will ever be the same again.
Orphans of the Storm dives into the waters of the past to unearth a sweeping, epic tale of the sinking of the Titanic that radiates with humanity and hums with life.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 495 reviews
June 20, 2021
3+
In this historical novel we follow the lives of three main characters. First of all, there’s Marcella Caretto, a young mother of two little boys who in 1911 is seeking a divorce from Michael Navratil whom she alleges is abusive. The second is Michael himself, a Hungarian born dressmaker who evades the authorities in several ways. The third is New York born Margaret Bechstein Hays who is on a European tour with her friend Olive Potter and Olive’s mother Lilian. They decide to cut short their tour and head home, embarking on the maiden voyage of The Titanic where her life coincides with that of Marcella and Michael in the most dramatic and heartbreaking of ways.
First of all, this is an exceptionally well researched novel based on true events and characters, it’s very evident at the end of the book the research for it has been exhaustive and kudos and absolute respect for that. Marcella’s youth is captured well with all her conflicting emotions, she’s hardly gown into an adult herself and is trying to be a wife and mother in increasingly difficult circumstances. It’s like she’s living with a weather system, sometimes Michael is benign and at others he’s a raging storm. I really like the character of Margaret, she’s lively with a great sense of humour and her resilience when meeting so much resistance post Titanic demonstrates her indomitable spirit. I can’t make entire sense of Michael, he’s a nasty piece of work that’s for sure but apart from his actions I can’t quite get to grips with him. The sections on The Titanic and afterwards are done very well and this part of the book is really good.
However, the pace for the first 60% is incredibly slow with events occasionally perking things up a bit. Some dialogue I’m sorry to say I find dreadful and some peripheral characters don’t feel authentic. The repetition of the song La Petite Tonkinoise gets on my nerves after a while!
Overall, it is worth reading especially since it’s factually based and so well researched but you do have to stick with it to get to the best bits!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for the arc in return for an honest review.
In this historical novel we follow the lives of three main characters. First of all, there’s Marcella Caretto, a young mother of two little boys who in 1911 is seeking a divorce from Michael Navratil whom she alleges is abusive. The second is Michael himself, a Hungarian born dressmaker who evades the authorities in several ways. The third is New York born Margaret Bechstein Hays who is on a European tour with her friend Olive Potter and Olive’s mother Lilian. They decide to cut short their tour and head home, embarking on the maiden voyage of The Titanic where her life coincides with that of Marcella and Michael in the most dramatic and heartbreaking of ways.
First of all, this is an exceptionally well researched novel based on true events and characters, it’s very evident at the end of the book the research for it has been exhaustive and kudos and absolute respect for that. Marcella’s youth is captured well with all her conflicting emotions, she’s hardly gown into an adult herself and is trying to be a wife and mother in increasingly difficult circumstances. It’s like she’s living with a weather system, sometimes Michael is benign and at others he’s a raging storm. I really like the character of Margaret, she’s lively with a great sense of humour and her resilience when meeting so much resistance post Titanic demonstrates her indomitable spirit. I can’t make entire sense of Michael, he’s a nasty piece of work that’s for sure but apart from his actions I can’t quite get to grips with him. The sections on The Titanic and afterwards are done very well and this part of the book is really good.
However, the pace for the first 60% is incredibly slow with events occasionally perking things up a bit. Some dialogue I’m sorry to say I find dreadful and some peripheral characters don’t feel authentic. The repetition of the song La Petite Tonkinoise gets on my nerves after a while!
Overall, it is worth reading especially since it’s factually based and so well researched but you do have to stick with it to get to the best bits!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for the arc in return for an honest review.
August 19, 2021
Orphans of the Storm is a captivating and compelling piece of narrative non-fiction set in actress and author Imrie’s second home of Nice, France. The novel follows the story of a mother’s quest to find her children against all odds, set against the epic backdrop of the sinking of the legendary Titanic. Beginning in Nice 1911, young French woman Marcella Caretto strives to protect her children from her husband, Michael Navratil, who has become cruel and controlling since their whirlwind romance. Marcella has finally had enough and determines to get a divorce, but Navratil has made a devastating plan of his own. When he disappears one night, smuggling their two toddler sons aboard RMS Titanic, she can’t possibly imagine the depths of tragedy and discovery that await her. Will she ever see her beloved sons again?
This is a moving, haunting and sweeping tale of love and loss with Imrie having intricately woven this touching literary historical fiction. Inspired by a real and astonishing true story, this novel is bursting full of compassion and humanity. It’s a beautiful, heart-rending and heart-soaring read that paints a vivid picture of the past, and readers will race through the pages, desperate to find out our heroine’s fate and won’t be disappointed in the most beautiful of endings. Set aboard the fateful 1912 voyage of RMS Titanic, Imrie’s richly atmospheric period novel entwines the destinies of a group of sharply drawn characters with humanity, compassion and page-turning aplomb. As the great ship sinks below the waves and with the violins gently weeping as fate takes hold, this tale will haunt long after the last page is turned.
This is a moving, haunting and sweeping tale of love and loss with Imrie having intricately woven this touching literary historical fiction. Inspired by a real and astonishing true story, this novel is bursting full of compassion and humanity. It’s a beautiful, heart-rending and heart-soaring read that paints a vivid picture of the past, and readers will race through the pages, desperate to find out our heroine’s fate and won’t be disappointed in the most beautiful of endings. Set aboard the fateful 1912 voyage of RMS Titanic, Imrie’s richly atmospheric period novel entwines the destinies of a group of sharply drawn characters with humanity, compassion and page-turning aplomb. As the great ship sinks below the waves and with the violins gently weeping as fate takes hold, this tale will haunt long after the last page is turned.
August 22, 2022
This read was a solid four star read for me until I got to the end. The end, detailing the research that went into writing the book, was when I realised that Orphans of the Storm was based on a real story. I had assumed there was probably some basis of truth but I had completely underestimated just how true. This might be the reason why Orphans of the Storm manages to do what so many historical fiction don't manage, have the narrative shine through the spectre of the disaster of Titanic.
Our story centres on Marcella. Young and naive she is swept up into a romance with Michael. Michael has plans and intends for Marcella to be part of them. He knows what to say to her and how to butter up her family. It takes some time, a marriage, a child and another on the way before his ugly side makes itself known. Much of the novel is the building of the foundation for the place that Marcella finds herself in, secretly visiting a divorce lawyer and relaying her story to him. It's about half way through the book that the event that dominates the cover and blurb occurs.
It's at this point where we split into two more perspectives, that of Michaels own and another passenger on the Titanic, Margaret Hays, to continue to follow the journey of children. The reading suffers a little for this. Swinging back and forth between these two and then back around to Marcella, occasionally dipping back and forth in time. The entire event of the sinking is written well, particularly from Margaret's perspective, the trauma of the event really shining in her struggle to grasp the situation.
This is a slow weaving of the tale. It's not about Titanic. Though, the event plays apart. It's about Marcella and her struggles as a mother and wife, a struggle that is deeply, deeply resonant today. It is beyond frustrating to see how little attitudes have changed, despite the hordes of evidence that Michael was a vile, abusive narcissist, it is constantly with him that we see the authorities side. It is Marcella's story that is consistently in doubt and questioned. She is always framed as the liar, never the well-documented liar that was her husband. Something that we still see today in domestic disputes. Misogyny. A tale as old as time.
Our story centres on Marcella. Young and naive she is swept up into a romance with Michael. Michael has plans and intends for Marcella to be part of them. He knows what to say to her and how to butter up her family. It takes some time, a marriage, a child and another on the way before his ugly side makes itself known. Much of the novel is the building of the foundation for the place that Marcella finds herself in, secretly visiting a divorce lawyer and relaying her story to him. It's about half way through the book that the event that dominates the cover and blurb occurs.
It's at this point where we split into two more perspectives, that of Michaels own and another passenger on the Titanic, Margaret Hays, to continue to follow the journey of children. The reading suffers a little for this. Swinging back and forth between these two and then back around to Marcella, occasionally dipping back and forth in time. The entire event of the sinking is written well, particularly from Margaret's perspective, the trauma of the event really shining in her struggle to grasp the situation.
This is a slow weaving of the tale. It's not about Titanic. Though, the event plays apart. It's about Marcella and her struggles as a mother and wife, a struggle that is deeply, deeply resonant today. It is beyond frustrating to see how little attitudes have changed, despite the hordes of evidence that Michael was a vile, abusive narcissist, it is constantly with him that we see the authorities side. It is Marcella's story that is consistently in doubt and questioned. She is always framed as the liar, never the well-documented liar that was her husband. Something that we still see today in domestic disputes. Misogyny. A tale as old as time.
December 27, 2021
A deeply poignant and heart wrenching tale based, not only on real life events but real people, too—albeit fictional versions. Set both in Nice, France and on board the doomed maiden voyage of the Titanic.
Set in 1911, after three years of marriage Marcella Carretto has decided to divorce her cruel and controlling husband, Michael. But while awaiting the judges’ decision on the custody of their two children, Michael receives news that changes everything.
Meanwhile, fun loving New York socialite, Margaret Hays has grown bored of her Grand Tour Of Europe and decides to head home on the most famous steamer ever built—RMS Titanic.
As the ship sets sail for America, carrying two children bearing false names, the lives of Marcella, Michael and Margaret cross—and nothing will ever be the same again.
I really enjoyed this one, it was undeniably gripping and had me emotionally invested in the fates of Imrie’s characters, particularly Marcella and her young sons.
The level of historical detail was absolutely incredible, it was easy to tell that Celia Imrie had done extensive research on the topic. The characters were also written incredibly well and imbued with the humanity (and flaws) that I found brought realism to their narrative.
It’s told from three separate POVs- Marcella, Michael and Margaret. The first half of the book starts with Marcella’s POV and chronicles the start and eventual deterioration of Marcella and Michael’s marriage—I found it quite slow at first but the pace does pickup in the second half.
Overall a pretty solid read!
Though Celine Dion wasn’t singing during the Titanic scenes (or the aftermath), nor was there a Jack or a Rose—I couldn’t help but cry several times whilst reading this, so—if emotionally charged historical fiction is your thing, then I thoroughly recommend you check this out.
Also, a Massive thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the ARC.
Set in 1911, after three years of marriage Marcella Carretto has decided to divorce her cruel and controlling husband, Michael. But while awaiting the judges’ decision on the custody of their two children, Michael receives news that changes everything.
Meanwhile, fun loving New York socialite, Margaret Hays has grown bored of her Grand Tour Of Europe and decides to head home on the most famous steamer ever built—RMS Titanic.
As the ship sets sail for America, carrying two children bearing false names, the lives of Marcella, Michael and Margaret cross—and nothing will ever be the same again.
I really enjoyed this one, it was undeniably gripping and had me emotionally invested in the fates of Imrie’s characters, particularly Marcella and her young sons.
The level of historical detail was absolutely incredible, it was easy to tell that Celia Imrie had done extensive research on the topic. The characters were also written incredibly well and imbued with the humanity (and flaws) that I found brought realism to their narrative.
It’s told from three separate POVs- Marcella, Michael and Margaret. The first half of the book starts with Marcella’s POV and chronicles the start and eventual deterioration of Marcella and Michael’s marriage—I found it quite slow at first but the pace does pickup in the second half.
Overall a pretty solid read!
Though Celine Dion wasn’t singing during the Titanic scenes (or the aftermath), nor was there a Jack or a Rose—I couldn’t help but cry several times whilst reading this, so—if emotionally charged historical fiction is your thing, then I thoroughly recommend you check this out.
Also, a Massive thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 9, 2021
I’ve read Celia Imrie’ s books before and enjoyed them so, I was pleased to see she’d written another one but, this one disappointed me somewhat. The book was slow to get going and I found the only interesting bit was on the Titanic. After hat I found myself thinking of giving up but, I didn’t hence only giving this book three stars. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
2.5
This wasn't bad, but it wasn't particularly good either. The writing didn't wow me, the characters were meh and I would have liked to have more descriptions on the surroundings etc.
This is a true story and knowing that made the reading experience more pleasant. The last scene before the epilogue also brought a few tears to my eyes.
So yeah, not terrible but I wouldn't necessarily recommend this.
This wasn't bad, but it wasn't particularly good either. The writing didn't wow me, the characters were meh and I would have liked to have more descriptions on the surroundings etc.
This is a true story and knowing that made the reading experience more pleasant. The last scene before the epilogue also brought a few tears to my eyes.
So yeah, not terrible but I wouldn't necessarily recommend this.
October 26, 2022
This wasn't one of the best historical fictions that I have read. Parts of the book was really good and it kept me wanting to read more - but as it went on, I felt it dragged on and on and on........... I have to admit - I did skim parts of the book . Having said that if you don't read it, you really aren't missing all that much.
September 9, 2021
Overall I found this book a little boring. I didn’t particularly care about the adult characters and I felt that it took quite some time for the story to get anywhere. Although some of the details about the Titanic were interesting it just wasn’t for me I’m afraid!
April 17, 2023
This is a book of 2 halves, the first half was too long, too descriptive and took some time to get to the story. The second half was good enough but felt rushed, unfortunately.
December 4, 2022
I have been using Good Reads now for over six months and I have not yet loved or disliked a book enough to write a review...until now. The section at the end detailing all of the research that went into the book is fascinating and it has the potential to be a really gripping story. Unfortunately it is let down by some of the worst writing I have ever read in a published novel.
The characters lack any depth or development, the dialogue is unconvincing and the prose is just awful. I should have known it didn't bode well when the blurb stated that "a young seamstress decides to divorce her cruel husband". This exemplifies the writing in this book. Nothing is inferred or implied. Every thought, action and character trait is spelled out in words of one syllable, as if the reader lacks the ability to interpret anything for themselves. AAAARRGH!!!
Also, if you picked up this book because you wanted an interesting read about The Titanic and/or two orphans (as the title and cover of the book would suggest) then be warned that they don't set foot on the flippin' boat until page 190 and the section of the story that concerns the aforementioned orphans goes from 'orphaned in the wreck of The Titanic' to neat resolution in just 100 pages (or, in other words, a mere 25% of the book).
**Deep breath** Anyway...lots of people seem to have loved this book but, sadly, it definitely wasn't for me! Hopefully the next time I feel compelled to write a review will be for much more positive reasons!
The characters lack any depth or development, the dialogue is unconvincing and the prose is just awful. I should have known it didn't bode well when the blurb stated that "a young seamstress decides to divorce her cruel husband". This exemplifies the writing in this book. Nothing is inferred or implied. Every thought, action and character trait is spelled out in words of one syllable, as if the reader lacks the ability to interpret anything for themselves. AAAARRGH!!!
Also, if you picked up this book because you wanted an interesting read about The Titanic and/or two orphans (as the title and cover of the book would suggest) then be warned that they don't set foot on the flippin' boat until page 190 and the section of the story that concerns the aforementioned orphans goes from 'orphaned in the wreck of The Titanic' to neat resolution in just 100 pages (or, in other words, a mere 25% of the book).
**Deep breath** Anyway...lots of people seem to have loved this book but, sadly, it definitely wasn't for me! Hopefully the next time I feel compelled to write a review will be for much more positive reasons!
June 28, 2021
I'm going to be honest, this was very hit or miss for me. I didn't like any of the main characters, I found them boring and irritating. The plot took a while to get started (almost half of the book), but once it did I was interested. I just wish there was more to love, the writing was easy to read and understand and the ending was sweet. It was an amalgamation of good writing but bad characters, unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #OrphansOfTheStorm #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #OrphansOfTheStorm #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2022
Another fantastic suggestion from Arlen Graves at Northshire Bookstore. Set during the time of the sinking of the Titanic, this historical novel explores the backstory of two little boys who were orphaned in the disaster. In actuality their mother was still alive but she was an ocean away and had no idea of their whereabouts.
The story is very illuminating about the attitudes toward women and divorce in France during the early 1900’s although I’m sure it wasn’t any better in America.
This book was written by Celia Imrie who doesn’t have much name recognition in the U.S. but you will know her from her acting roles in Calendar Girls, Bridget Jones Diary, Nanny McFee and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. She also narrates the audiobook which I highly recommend.
The historical research was done by Fidelis Morgan.
Pick this one up if you want a real page-turner with lots of heart and emotion.
The story is very illuminating about the attitudes toward women and divorce in France during the early 1900’s although I’m sure it wasn’t any better in America.
This book was written by Celia Imrie who doesn’t have much name recognition in the U.S. but you will know her from her acting roles in Calendar Girls, Bridget Jones Diary, Nanny McFee and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. She also narrates the audiobook which I highly recommend.
The historical research was done by Fidelis Morgan.
Pick this one up if you want a real page-turner with lots of heart and emotion.
May 5, 2022
3 1/2 ... good, but very slow pace.
February 10, 2023
A titanic book with Marcella as the protagonist — this book was made for me!! Surprisingly this book only had a few chapters that took place on the actual ship. The factual tidbits at the end where perhaps the best part of the book. Love that the author had real facts & connections for this story. Historical fiction, but a load of family drama.
April 27, 2023
a disappointing bore.
i couldn’t even finish it which i hate doing- i’ve gotten to page 72 (end of chapter 9) and i really tried with it but there’s just no point. i skipped ahead for a second and the first real mention of the titanic isn’t until page 191 even though the cover, title and blurb only talk about the event (it’s why i picked it up- why anyone would pick it up).
Marcella (the main character) is childish, un-relatable, and a shallow character. her ‘love’ interest during the flashbacks/storytelling is a walking red flag and although i always try to see situations from the pov of the people in them, in this it’s honestly just infuriating reading what she says and does. it’s impossible to connect with any of the characters, sympathise with them, or become invested in their story.
i cannot finish this book, it feels like a chore to pick it up which is such a shame because i was really looking forward to it.
no shame or hate to anybody who enjoyed this book, i do hope someone can but for me it’s just not it im afraid.
i couldn’t even finish it which i hate doing- i’ve gotten to page 72 (end of chapter 9) and i really tried with it but there’s just no point. i skipped ahead for a second and the first real mention of the titanic isn’t until page 191 even though the cover, title and blurb only talk about the event (it’s why i picked it up- why anyone would pick it up).
Marcella (the main character) is childish, un-relatable, and a shallow character. her ‘love’ interest during the flashbacks/storytelling is a walking red flag and although i always try to see situations from the pov of the people in them, in this it’s honestly just infuriating reading what she says and does. it’s impossible to connect with any of the characters, sympathise with them, or become invested in their story.
i cannot finish this book, it feels like a chore to pick it up which is such a shame because i was really looking forward to it.
no shame or hate to anybody who enjoyed this book, i do hope someone can but for me it’s just not it im afraid.
August 27, 2021
Predictably abounds
Oh dear. Wish I had bought the 10 mins sample on kindle as i usually do to get the feel of the story. But all t
he hype about the story had me wrongly booked. No spoilers but I was longing For this book to become a page Turner. It never did very disappointed. Totally had to discipline myself to finish it. Waste of money
Oh dear. Wish I had bought the 10 mins sample on kindle as i usually do to get the feel of the story. But all t
he hype about the story had me wrongly booked. No spoilers but I was longing For this book to become a page Turner. It never did very disappointed. Totally had to discipline myself to finish it. Waste of money
November 7, 2021
I liked it but it was a tad slow and also... not enough titanic for me, as a titanic obsessed person hahahaha
The story itself is alright, absolutely loved the behind the scenes bit at the end
The story itself is alright, absolutely loved the behind the scenes bit at the end
March 23, 2022
4.5
I read this whole dang thing not realizing it was a TRUE STORY. In 1912, a newly divorced man took his 2 children aboard TITANIC to cross the seas for a better life. A second class passenger, he literally threw the babies into a lowering lifeboat as the ship sank. His children arrived in New York with no identity, hence ‘The Titanic Orphans.’ Author/actor Celia Imrie does quite a good job uncovering this history and the real people involved. The book is very atmospheric and feels very 1912 if that makes any sense. Plus, Titanic history haunts the crap out of me. 1st class champagne glasses still lie at the bottom of the sea. *shudder*
I read this whole dang thing not realizing it was a TRUE STORY. In 1912, a newly divorced man took his 2 children aboard TITANIC to cross the seas for a better life. A second class passenger, he literally threw the babies into a lowering lifeboat as the ship sank. His children arrived in New York with no identity, hence ‘The Titanic Orphans.’ Author/actor Celia Imrie does quite a good job uncovering this history and the real people involved. The book is very atmospheric and feels very 1912 if that makes any sense. Plus, Titanic history haunts the crap out of me. 1st class champagne glasses still lie at the bottom of the sea. *shudder*
September 19, 2022
Quite honestly, the first part of the book was gripping… then about 80 pages in, it all of a sudden became a slog. I was considering giving up, but due to the ties to the Titanic mentioned in the books blurb, I stuck with it and I am SO glad I did. It certainly wasn’t the story I thought it was going to be regarding that!
After the half way point (the book declared a part two) I literally couldn’t put it down and sped through what must have been 200 or so pages in what felt like no time. The fact that this was based on a historical true story bought me to tears in the end.
After the half way point (the book declared a part two) I literally couldn’t put it down and sped through what must have been 200 or so pages in what felt like no time. The fact that this was based on a historical true story bought me to tears in the end.
February 6, 2023
This book was a really slow burn and a lot different than I expected. I feel like the title was misleading and it should have been called, “The Lucky Ones”. There were parts I absolutely loved, however I found myself zoning out during other parts of it. I am a titanic lover and it was interesting to read about the after part of The Titanic sinking.
September 14, 2021
Yeah I really enjoyed this one -- I had no idea about this real life story linked to the Titanic. Thanks to the author for bringing these characters & the situation to life. Very readable.
January 27, 2023
I found the first half of this book very slow and I struggled to get into it but once it picked up I loved the second half and didn’t want to put it down. I was so invested in Marcella and really struggled reading the difficulties she went through as a woman in such a difficult marriage particularly as the book is set in a time when women had so little power and respect where she was living. I knew the basis of the book was that there were links to the Titanic but had no idea how the characters would end up there for the first 50% of the book, it was both clever and frustrating how it all happened in the end and made me sympathise even more with Marcella and her children. Couldn’t believe how much it was based on a true story and loved the ‘real people’ explanations at the end and how the author discovered all the stories of these people and how they came together with the Titanic.
September 14, 2023
The story is very slow in the beginning but once it gets going you can't put it down! However I feel you get to the pinnacle parts and then suddenly its over.
October 4, 2025
Ich fands mega! Hab erst sehr sehr spät gecheckt, dass es um die Titanic geht lol. Das Pacing ist aber auch etwas off teilweise.
August 15, 2022
A bit disappointing. I’d been looking forward to reading this but it didn’t live up to my expectations. Weak characters that didn’t really interest me at all and a non exciting storyline.
Unfortunately it didn’t do it for me.
Unfortunately it didn’t do it for me.
September 19, 2022
I didn't realize first that this book is based on true story. It was little slow at the times but yet good. You can see how much power men had over women as they decided everything. The whole life depends on how her father, husband is managing it for women.
Marcella is in unhappy marriage and age of 21 mother of 2 she decides to divorce from her husband. Her husband doesn't want her to have the kids. Taking children without telling anyone, he is leaving the country to make his journey on Titanic to America but we all know this massive ship is going to sink.. He and kids on board...
Is Marcella ever going to see her kids again?
Marcella is in unhappy marriage and age of 21 mother of 2 she decides to divorce from her husband. Her husband doesn't want her to have the kids. Taking children without telling anyone, he is leaving the country to make his journey on Titanic to America but we all know this massive ship is going to sink.. He and kids on board...
Is Marcella ever going to see her kids again?
June 20, 2022
Honestly, I got through 50% of the book before I just lost interest in how the dialogue was so wonky. Mostly due to the modern turn of phrases being "supposedly" used in 1910s France. Oh, for example, when Micheal calls Marcella a "drama queen" or when Micheal makes reference to Disney's version of Snow White to Marcella "did an old woman with a spinning wheel and apple...." and just a bunch of other likewise things sprinkled throughout...l
The characters, tho based on real people and real court documents & news articles, are written with hard-to-believe dialogues. I just couldn't grasp their "supposed" motives as written. Why would Micheal suddenly want his two sons after barely acknowledging their short lives and whisk them off to America? He barely let Marcella acknowledge them when she/they worked/lived under the same roof. If the story was more believable, then maybe I could buy into the plot.
So I skipped to the end and I enjoyed the actual documentation research more than the tale.
I saw one major critical review that stated my thoughts perfectly
"Truth is not only stranger than fiction, it also often tells a far more compelling story. The same could be said of Orphans of the Storm — a mildly entertaining novel that could have, in the right hands, been a gripping work of narrative nonfiction."...
The characters, tho based on real people and real court documents & news articles, are written with hard-to-believe dialogues. I just couldn't grasp their "supposed" motives as written. Why would Micheal suddenly want his two sons after barely acknowledging their short lives and whisk them off to America? He barely let Marcella acknowledge them when she/they worked/lived under the same roof. If the story was more believable, then maybe I could buy into the plot.
So I skipped to the end and I enjoyed the actual documentation research more than the tale.
I saw one major critical review that stated my thoughts perfectly
"Truth is not only stranger than fiction, it also often tells a far more compelling story. The same could be said of Orphans of the Storm — a mildly entertaining novel that could have, in the right hands, been a gripping work of narrative nonfiction."...
April 24, 2023
The fate of the Titanic is well known and Celia Imrie and Fidelis Morgan, who carried out the historical research, have taken some of the real life survivors and produced a poignant novel that successfully blends fact and fiction.
The female protagonist Marcella Caret was in 1911, living in Nice, France with her controlling husband Michael. She has bravely filed for divorce and the couple are awaiting the judges custody decision, with regards to their two sons. During this time Michael receives news that pushes him into making a momentous decision, nothing will ever be the same again.
The historical research that Celia and Fidelis carried out to enable this story to be written is fascinating and the section about this work at the end of the novel is definitely worth reading. I have discovered online that the two ladies are speaking about the novel and the research behind it at
various literary events around the UK this Spring. Information about these events can be found on Twitter @FidoMorgan. Recommended then to those that enjoy historical fiction, fiction based on fact or those that have an interest in Titanic history. Plus of course those readers that are fans of Celia Imrie.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
The female protagonist Marcella Caret was in 1911, living in Nice, France with her controlling husband Michael. She has bravely filed for divorce and the couple are awaiting the judges custody decision, with regards to their two sons. During this time Michael receives news that pushes him into making a momentous decision, nothing will ever be the same again.
The historical research that Celia and Fidelis carried out to enable this story to be written is fascinating and the section about this work at the end of the novel is definitely worth reading. I have discovered online that the two ladies are speaking about the novel and the research behind it at
various literary events around the UK this Spring. Information about these events can be found on Twitter @FidoMorgan. Recommended then to those that enjoy historical fiction, fiction based on fact or those that have an interest in Titanic history. Plus of course those readers that are fans of Celia Imrie.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
December 5, 2021
Marcella wanted to be a singer but her family decided being a seamstress was a much better idea & in 1911 she didn't have a lot of choice! When handsome tailor Michael swept her off her feet she was an easy conquest and as her parents objected to her marrying so young (she was seventeen!) Michael whisked her away to London where they were married. Once married Michael began to belittle her whenever he could & once she had had two sons he seemed to be jealous of the attention he paid them. Eventually she started divorce proceedings. Knowing how much her children meant to her he abducted them & set off to America on - no prizes for guessing-the Titanic. This was a story based on fact. I did find myself wondering if Michael could really be as awful as he was portrayed! He was truly odious!
It was an interesting read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
It was an interesting read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
July 30, 2022
This book is a classic bait and switch. If you think you are going to hear about two orphans who survived the sinking of the Titanic, think again. Instead, this is a book about all of the other people in their lives, their parents and other family, their parents friends and business partners, a few people who survived the sinking of the Titanic. The first mention of the Titanic is in chapter 23. Prior to that you have to survive reading the back story of the parents of these two children, an altogether too trite story of a cad who seduces a young girl and leaves her heart broker and destitute. And the back story of the young woman who cared for the two children after the Titanic sinking is no better. The only part of this book I liked was the afterword which talked about how the research was done.
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