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Hidden Depths
Passenger…
Lily is pregnant, travelling onboard the Titanic to her beloved family in the United States, hoping she can get there before her mind and body give up.
For a long time now she’s known her husband is not the man he’s pretending to be and she’s not safe.
So, when she meets widower Lawrence she knows he’s her last chance for help.
Or Prisoner…
But Lawrence knows he hasn’t got time to save Lily.
Lawrence is the only person on board the unsinkable ship who knows he will not disembark in New York.
And the danger is much worse than either of them could imagine.
Can Lily and Lawrence help each other to safety before it’s too late?
Lily is pregnant, travelling onboard the Titanic to her beloved family in the United States, hoping she can get there before her mind and body give up.
For a long time now she’s known her husband is not the man he’s pretending to be and she’s not safe.
So, when she meets widower Lawrence she knows he’s her last chance for help.
Or Prisoner…
But Lawrence knows he hasn’t got time to save Lily.
Lawrence is the only person on board the unsinkable ship who knows he will not disembark in New York.
And the danger is much worse than either of them could imagine.
Can Lily and Lawrence help each other to safety before it’s too late?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2021
10 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Araminta Hall
9 books555 followersAraminta Hall began her career in journalism as a staff writer on teen magazine Bliss, becoming Health and Beauty editor of New Woman. On her way, she wrote regular features for the Mirror's Saturday supplement and ghost-wrote the super-model Caprice's column.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 5, 2022
‘Eternal father strong to save….
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea’ - hymn. Words John Dyke.
It’s Wednesday, the 10th of April 1912 and amongst the many passengers on board the Titanic there are two whose lives will become unexpectedly entwined. Pregnant Lily,
Lady Ellsworth, an American heiress, whose life has been without joy and love for so long and widower Lawrence Beesley who is deeply grieving the loss of his much loved wife, Cissy.
This is just my kind of book as it’s a very well written character driven psychological drama that plays out in the most dramatic of scenarios. The premise is excellent, that life has no set path, it’s a game of good and bad luck, nothing is impossible and life is worth fighting for.
In these characters we see their lives sailing on an uncertain path unlike the predestined course the ship is sailing on, therein of course, lies the tragedy. The author cleverly utilises the vessel through the characters but especially Lawrence and Lily.
The characterisation is excellent. Lawrence‘s conflicted emotions, his grief and misery are almost visceral and Lily’s powerlessness, loneliness and fear are palpable as she is at the centre of a malevolent, disturbing and despicable conspiracy. Her husband Henry is an excuse for a man and a character to hate alongside Dr Henderson. Although Cissy is no longer alive we feel her presence strongly, giving strength and through her beliefs on emancipation which is in stark contrast to the weaknesses of Lily’s position, the situation for many women at this time is strongly conveyed.
The novel has everything from cruelty, manipulation and betrayal with deception and duplicity with its obvious dangers running alongside the dangerous position of the liner. The sense of dread builds for Lawrence and Lily just as it does on the ship with very good analogies being made between their personal situations and the Titanic. Somehow, the fact we know what happens to the Titanic just makes their personal situation feel much worse! Although it is menacing at times and shockingly disturbing as do you feel the powerlessness, the strength Lawrence and Lily divine from each other gives you hope for new beginnings but will they live to fulfil that?
Finally, do read the authors note, it sheds light on so much that she has written. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Orion for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea’ - hymn. Words John Dyke.
It’s Wednesday, the 10th of April 1912 and amongst the many passengers on board the Titanic there are two whose lives will become unexpectedly entwined. Pregnant Lily,
Lady Ellsworth, an American heiress, whose life has been without joy and love for so long and widower Lawrence Beesley who is deeply grieving the loss of his much loved wife, Cissy.
This is just my kind of book as it’s a very well written character driven psychological drama that plays out in the most dramatic of scenarios. The premise is excellent, that life has no set path, it’s a game of good and bad luck, nothing is impossible and life is worth fighting for.
In these characters we see their lives sailing on an uncertain path unlike the predestined course the ship is sailing on, therein of course, lies the tragedy. The author cleverly utilises the vessel through the characters but especially Lawrence and Lily.
The characterisation is excellent. Lawrence‘s conflicted emotions, his grief and misery are almost visceral and Lily’s powerlessness, loneliness and fear are palpable as she is at the centre of a malevolent, disturbing and despicable conspiracy. Her husband Henry is an excuse for a man and a character to hate alongside Dr Henderson. Although Cissy is no longer alive we feel her presence strongly, giving strength and through her beliefs on emancipation which is in stark contrast to the weaknesses of Lily’s position, the situation for many women at this time is strongly conveyed.
The novel has everything from cruelty, manipulation and betrayal with deception and duplicity with its obvious dangers running alongside the dangerous position of the liner. The sense of dread builds for Lawrence and Lily just as it does on the ship with very good analogies being made between their personal situations and the Titanic. Somehow, the fact we know what happens to the Titanic just makes their personal situation feel much worse! Although it is menacing at times and shockingly disturbing as do you feel the powerlessness, the strength Lawrence and Lily divine from each other gives you hope for new beginnings but will they live to fulfil that?
Finally, do read the authors note, it sheds light on so much that she has written. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Orion for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 19, 2023
I was initially drawn to this book due to the Titanic setting.
The cover artwork is just gorgeous!
Whilst the iconic ship does feel a part of the story, it's more the characters that inhabite the ship that is far more important.
The cover artwork is just gorgeous!
Whilst the iconic ship does feel a part of the story, it's more the characters that inhabite the ship that is far more important.
January 20, 2023
I see that so many people absolutely loved this book, and as much as I scratch my head and ponder this, I simply cannot understand why.
This story is extremely slow, and on finishing the book and looking back, I can actually tell you the entire story and the plot in one sentence. And this is because, honestly, nothing happens in this story. So, what amazing and riveting plot did the readers of the 5-star reviews experience that I didn't? Honestly, nothing flipping happens!
I also found the characters very dull, and the main female character, Lily, was just insipid and didn't hold my interest at all. Yawn. Lawrence was a tad more interesting, but not by much. And oh my word, the constant references to Cissy just had me rolling my eyes. Cissy-this and Cissy-that, and what would Cissy have done, and what would Cissy have thought, and what did Cissy teach me, and oh Cissy, you are the best thing to ever have walked the planet. Notice the past tense. Yes, Cissy is in fact deceased and doesn't exist as a character in this story. But yet we couldn't get further than about 2 pages without her being mentioned in some way. I absolutely couldn't handle it eventually.
I loved "Our Kind of Cruelty" by this author and awarded 5-stars to that one, but unfortunately I was extremely bored and uninterested in this one. It missed the mark for me. The only redeeming feature was that the story was set on the Titanic (marvelous) and the Author's note at the end explaining the connection between her family and the story (also marvelous). If not for those two things, this might have been a dreaded and extremely rare 1-star from me.
This story is extremely slow, and on finishing the book and looking back, I can actually tell you the entire story and the plot in one sentence. And this is because, honestly, nothing happens in this story. So, what amazing and riveting plot did the readers of the 5-star reviews experience that I didn't? Honestly, nothing flipping happens!
I also found the characters very dull, and the main female character, Lily, was just insipid and didn't hold my interest at all. Yawn. Lawrence was a tad more interesting, but not by much. And oh my word, the constant references to Cissy just had me rolling my eyes. Cissy-this and Cissy-that, and what would Cissy have done, and what would Cissy have thought, and what did Cissy teach me, and oh Cissy, you are the best thing to ever have walked the planet. Notice the past tense. Yes, Cissy is in fact deceased and doesn't exist as a character in this story. But yet we couldn't get further than about 2 pages without her being mentioned in some way. I absolutely couldn't handle it eventually.
I loved "Our Kind of Cruelty" by this author and awarded 5-stars to that one, but unfortunately I was extremely bored and uninterested in this one. It missed the mark for me. The only redeeming feature was that the story was set on the Titanic (marvelous) and the Author's note at the end explaining the connection between her family and the story (also marvelous). If not for those two things, this might have been a dreaded and extremely rare 1-star from me.
April 10, 2022
Do we really need another book (or film or documentary) about the Titanic? Perhaps not, but I still recommend that you read just this book. It's a sad, yet beautiful story - well written, deeply moving, with believable characters and fine historical colouring.
It isn't so much about the ship and what happened to it, the crossing is more of a backdrop for the story. The name of the ship is barely mentioned, and then only towards the end of the book. In the last scene a group of survivors are watching from a lifeboat as the Titanic sinks, and fellow passengers are drowning all around. (Well, we know why: there weren’t enough lifeboats.) Otherwise, the drama lies in the relationships between the protagonists.
There are two alternating narrators, Lucy Ellsworth and Lawrence Beesley, both of them deeply unhappy and of unbalanced minds as the ship sails from Southampton on the 10th April 1912. Eventually, the lady and the science master strike up a friendship and try to help each other and thereby themselves.
LUCY is an American heiress who has been married off to the English aristocrat Henry by her parents. They wanted a title while he wanted their money and an heir to his estate. Theirs is a loveless marriage, and Henry has turned out to be both unfaithful and abusive. Her only friend, the maid Becky who is traveling with them, seems to have turned against her for reasons unknown. Lucy is utterly devastated and finds it hard to be happy about the baby she’s expecting.
LAWRENCE is a widower who is unable to get over his beloved wife Cissy’s untimely death. He is broken down by sorrow and at the same time angry with her for dying. Although he promised Cissy on her deathbed to look after their young son, he has decided to commit suicide by jumping from the ship as soon as it reaches the iceberg area.
Lucy is a fictional person, although her life story is not unique. At the time there were many daughters of rich American families who shared a common destiny. Not surprisingly, few if any of these marriages were happy.
Lawrence, on the other hand, was a real-life passenger onboard the Titanic. In fact, he was also the author’s great-grandfather. Her notes show that she has done thorough research into his life and has a fair idea of what kind of person he was. However, as she says herself, she cannot possibly know what went through his mind during the voyage, or whether he intended to kill himself or not. So as far as the readers are concerned, Lawrence is simply a fictional character, too.
The novel touches on several issues. We gain insight into the British class system as well as the Suffragette movement, but first and foremost it deals with the circumstances for women at this period in history. Rich or poor, they were all at the mercy of men, and had no power over their own lives.
I may add that this is also a mystery with a twist at the end. I saw it coming a long way as there were too many and too obvious clues. Still, that is about the only fault I can find with this book. It was a page turner anyway.
It isn't so much about the ship and what happened to it, the crossing is more of a backdrop for the story. The name of the ship is barely mentioned, and then only towards the end of the book. In the last scene a group of survivors are watching from a lifeboat as the Titanic sinks, and fellow passengers are drowning all around. (Well, we know why: there weren’t enough lifeboats.) Otherwise, the drama lies in the relationships between the protagonists.
There are two alternating narrators, Lucy Ellsworth and Lawrence Beesley, both of them deeply unhappy and of unbalanced minds as the ship sails from Southampton on the 10th April 1912. Eventually, the lady and the science master strike up a friendship and try to help each other and thereby themselves.
LUCY is an American heiress who has been married off to the English aristocrat Henry by her parents. They wanted a title while he wanted their money and an heir to his estate. Theirs is a loveless marriage, and Henry has turned out to be both unfaithful and abusive. Her only friend, the maid Becky who is traveling with them, seems to have turned against her for reasons unknown. Lucy is utterly devastated and finds it hard to be happy about the baby she’s expecting.
LAWRENCE is a widower who is unable to get over his beloved wife Cissy’s untimely death. He is broken down by sorrow and at the same time angry with her for dying. Although he promised Cissy on her deathbed to look after their young son, he has decided to commit suicide by jumping from the ship as soon as it reaches the iceberg area.
Lucy is a fictional person, although her life story is not unique. At the time there were many daughters of rich American families who shared a common destiny. Not surprisingly, few if any of these marriages were happy.
Lawrence, on the other hand, was a real-life passenger onboard the Titanic. In fact, he was also the author’s great-grandfather. Her notes show that she has done thorough research into his life and has a fair idea of what kind of person he was. However, as she says herself, she cannot possibly know what went through his mind during the voyage, or whether he intended to kill himself or not. So as far as the readers are concerned, Lawrence is simply a fictional character, too.
The novel touches on several issues. We gain insight into the British class system as well as the Suffragette movement, but first and foremost it deals with the circumstances for women at this period in history. Rich or poor, they were all at the mercy of men, and had no power over their own lives.
I may add that this is also a mystery with a twist at the end. I saw it coming a long way as there were too many and too obvious clues. Still, that is about the only fault I can find with this book. It was a page turner anyway.
March 23, 2022
This book is so good. The characters and their experiences on board the Titanic so well described that you can believe you are their watching them.
Lily is travelling with her husband, maid and doctor to have her baby in the US, near her family. While travelling she meets Laurence, who intends to end his life after the death of his wife, Cissy.
I loved the juxtaposition of Lily and Cissy, two married females from good backgrounds, with two very different husbands and two very different outlooks.
Henry is the bad guy that you love to hate, his behaviour and that of the “doctor” turned my stomach.
One of the things I really loved was the description of the Titanic going down, no mass hysteria and panic. Everything was very controlled, but then there are the questions as to why not everyone could be saved.
The authors notes at the back were a fabulous addition, giving us insight into Laurence, I loved this addition and enjoyed reading these as much as the novel.
Lily is travelling with her husband, maid and doctor to have her baby in the US, near her family. While travelling she meets Laurence, who intends to end his life after the death of his wife, Cissy.
I loved the juxtaposition of Lily and Cissy, two married females from good backgrounds, with two very different husbands and two very different outlooks.
Henry is the bad guy that you love to hate, his behaviour and that of the “doctor” turned my stomach.
One of the things I really loved was the description of the Titanic going down, no mass hysteria and panic. Everything was very controlled, but then there are the questions as to why not everyone could be saved.
The authors notes at the back were a fabulous addition, giving us insight into Laurence, I loved this addition and enjoyed reading these as much as the novel.
February 1, 2022
April 10, 1912: Lily, pregnant and desperately unhappy in her marriage, boards the Titanic with her aristocratic husband Henry and maid Becky, pinning her hopes on a promised reunion with her family in America.
Fellow passenger Lawrence cannot conceive of a future at all after the death of his beloved wife Cissy, despite his young son back in Britain.
As the voyage progresses, can Lawrence, sunk in misery, find the strength and motivation to help a woman desperately in need, as his wife would have insisted he do? Can Lily, indeed, find a way to help herself? And what in fact is really going on between the newly distant Becky, Henry, and the very unpleasant Dr Henderson?
The story is deeply rooted in a righteous anger at the constrictions of women's lives and the abuse that those social conditions could render invisible and allow to flourish. Lily feels and indeed is horrifyingly trapped, her experience contrasting with that of Lawrence's late wife, a warrior for women's rights.
Of course, as we all know, the Titanic will never reach New York. But the disaster - as well and accurately written here as it is - takes up relatively little of the story as a whole, indeed I briefly forgot at times which ship the characters were aboard. When it does come, it is movingly written and believable.
I absolutely loved this book, which will stay in my mind for a long time. And the author's note at the end, in which she discusses her inspiration for the story, blew my mind. Do not omit to read!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
Fellow passenger Lawrence cannot conceive of a future at all after the death of his beloved wife Cissy, despite his young son back in Britain.
As the voyage progresses, can Lawrence, sunk in misery, find the strength and motivation to help a woman desperately in need, as his wife would have insisted he do? Can Lily, indeed, find a way to help herself? And what in fact is really going on between the newly distant Becky, Henry, and the very unpleasant Dr Henderson?
The story is deeply rooted in a righteous anger at the constrictions of women's lives and the abuse that those social conditions could render invisible and allow to flourish. Lily feels and indeed is horrifyingly trapped, her experience contrasting with that of Lawrence's late wife, a warrior for women's rights.
Of course, as we all know, the Titanic will never reach New York. But the disaster - as well and accurately written here as it is - takes up relatively little of the story as a whole, indeed I briefly forgot at times which ship the characters were aboard. When it does come, it is movingly written and believable.
I absolutely loved this book, which will stay in my mind for a long time. And the author's note at the end, in which she discusses her inspiration for the story, blew my mind. Do not omit to read!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
March 31, 2022
Araminta Hall's previous novel; Imperfect Women, was one of my top books of 2020. I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Hidden Depths from the publisher. Whilst, this is a completely different style to her earlier books, it is another wonderful read. Engrossing and filled with history, a story that driven by the most immaculately created characters, in a setting that will be familiar to every reader, yet is so different to how one would imagine.
The story is set on the Titanic, but it is not about the Titantic. The imposing, beautiful, 'unsinkable' ship is merely the vessel for a tale that is compelling and enticing. Despite the fact that every reader will know the inevitable ending for the ship, this does not consume the story in any way. In fact, towards the end, I was so caught up with Lawrence and Lily that I'd forgotten what was to come.
Lily and Lawrence are two people who would probably never have met on land. Lawrence is recently widowed, his beloved wife Cissy was the absolute love of his life and he can see no future without her. Despite the fact that he has a small son, Lawrence had made the decision to end his life. He is not expecting to dock in New York, he looks forward to escaping his feelings; the sorrow, anguish, guilt and anger that he experiences when he thinks about Cissy.
Lily is pregnant. She's American, married to a cruel and unkind man who married her for her money, and to produce an heir. She is travelling, with him, and her maid and personal doctor to give birth near to her family.
Lily is a distressed and distressing character. Her marriage is clearly a sham, she feels unloved and unwanted. She is made to appear stupid and weak by her overbearing husband. However, it is the regular medical examinations and the strange tasting tea that really alert the reader.
Araminta Hall does a lot of character building in the first 100 pages of her novel. The reader comes to know Lawrence and Lily so well, being privy to their innermost thoughts. Through Lawrence's memories, the reader also learns about his late wife Cissy; a woman who defied her upbringing to marry Lawrence and who made it her mission to ensure that women's voices were heard. Although Cissy is dead before the story begins, her character forms the story so much. Her lasting influence on Lawrence impacts Lily too and despite the odds, she too becomes stronger and more aware of exactly what is happening to her.
With a strong message about the treatment of women, and the slow and subtle changes made by those who supported the Suffrage movement, along with the finest and most beautiful historical detail about the iconic Titanic, this is a novel of great beauty and great depth. It is a study in relationships and attitude, a look at the higher classes and the treatment of those who were perceived to be weaker and less important.
Elegant and moving, with a solid and important message, Hidden Depths is rich and consuming. Do be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book which explain the background to this story. Lawrence is in fact based upon her great grandfather, and what a man he was. He left such a legacy for his family and we are lucky that this author was able to include his story into this beautiful novel.
The story is set on the Titanic, but it is not about the Titantic. The imposing, beautiful, 'unsinkable' ship is merely the vessel for a tale that is compelling and enticing. Despite the fact that every reader will know the inevitable ending for the ship, this does not consume the story in any way. In fact, towards the end, I was so caught up with Lawrence and Lily that I'd forgotten what was to come.
Lily and Lawrence are two people who would probably never have met on land. Lawrence is recently widowed, his beloved wife Cissy was the absolute love of his life and he can see no future without her. Despite the fact that he has a small son, Lawrence had made the decision to end his life. He is not expecting to dock in New York, he looks forward to escaping his feelings; the sorrow, anguish, guilt and anger that he experiences when he thinks about Cissy.
Lily is pregnant. She's American, married to a cruel and unkind man who married her for her money, and to produce an heir. She is travelling, with him, and her maid and personal doctor to give birth near to her family.
Lily is a distressed and distressing character. Her marriage is clearly a sham, she feels unloved and unwanted. She is made to appear stupid and weak by her overbearing husband. However, it is the regular medical examinations and the strange tasting tea that really alert the reader.
Araminta Hall does a lot of character building in the first 100 pages of her novel. The reader comes to know Lawrence and Lily so well, being privy to their innermost thoughts. Through Lawrence's memories, the reader also learns about his late wife Cissy; a woman who defied her upbringing to marry Lawrence and who made it her mission to ensure that women's voices were heard. Although Cissy is dead before the story begins, her character forms the story so much. Her lasting influence on Lawrence impacts Lily too and despite the odds, she too becomes stronger and more aware of exactly what is happening to her.
With a strong message about the treatment of women, and the slow and subtle changes made by those who supported the Suffrage movement, along with the finest and most beautiful historical detail about the iconic Titanic, this is a novel of great beauty and great depth. It is a study in relationships and attitude, a look at the higher classes and the treatment of those who were perceived to be weaker and less important.
Elegant and moving, with a solid and important message, Hidden Depths is rich and consuming. Do be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book which explain the background to this story. Lawrence is in fact based upon her great grandfather, and what a man he was. He left such a legacy for his family and we are lucky that this author was able to include his story into this beautiful novel.
March 22, 2022
Set on the Titanic in 1912, Hidden Depths tells the story of Lily & Lawrence, two strangers who meet on-board. Lily is dismissed by everyone she knows as delusional & fears for what will happen to her when she lands in America. Lawrence is grieving following the death of his wife & plans to end his life at sea. Can they help each other?
I thought this was a brilliant story, fabulously told. This is the first book of Araminta Hall’s that I’ve read but I’ll definitely read more. I loved the author’s note at the end which tells more about Lawrence, who was the author’s great grandfather.
A great book for fans of historical fiction!
I thought this was a brilliant story, fabulously told. This is the first book of Araminta Hall’s that I’ve read but I’ll definitely read more. I loved the author’s note at the end which tells more about Lawrence, who was the author’s great grandfather.
A great book for fans of historical fiction!
March 27, 2022
Well move over Jack and Rose, there’s a new kid in town.
I LOVED this book, anything Titanic related interests me, so I was instantly pulled into the story.
The authors writing ensures that you can visualise not only the characters, but also the titanic itself.
This is a hard book to review without risking spoilers, there are stories within stories that will have you guessing what is truly happening, well apart from the iceberg 😂.
What makes this book even more special is the authors link to Lawrence, the authors notes are a must read.
I highly recommend this book and am off to hunt for a copy of ‘The Loss of the SS Titanic.
I LOVED this book, anything Titanic related interests me, so I was instantly pulled into the story.
The authors writing ensures that you can visualise not only the characters, but also the titanic itself.
This is a hard book to review without risking spoilers, there are stories within stories that will have you guessing what is truly happening, well apart from the iceberg 😂.
What makes this book even more special is the authors link to Lawrence, the authors notes are a must read.
I highly recommend this book and am off to hunt for a copy of ‘The Loss of the SS Titanic.
July 12, 2022
4.5⭐️
May 3, 2022
I have enjoyed Araminta Hall's books before so was really excited when I found this one. I have to say I didn't realise it was written loosely around The Titanic and, no pun intended, my heart sunk a bit as I thought it wouldnt be for me. It was beautifully written though and the chapters of Lawrence and his dealing with grief really struck a chord with me. It was a mystery but not the dark and thrilling type of books I normally read. The book actually wanted me to research The Titanic further. The ending was slightly disappointing but a surprising and riveting read.
March 24, 2022
Hidden Depths - Araminta Hall
Lily is pregnant, travelling onboard the Titanic to her beloved family, hoping she can get there before her mind and body give up. For a long time she's known her husband is not the man he's pretending to be and she's not safe. She meets widower Lawrence on board, knowing he's her last chance for help. Lawrence knows he hasn't got time to save Lily. He is the only person on board the unsinkable ship who knows he will not disembark in New York. And the danger is much worse than either of them could imagine.
I was really intrigued by this one, set aboard the Titanic which I have a bit of a fascination with. It is inspired by the authors own family and great grandfather in particular, who was a survivor of the disaster.
It is dark, full of suspense, chilling and thrilling. I was rooting for both Lily and Lawrence. My heart really went out to them, both suffering in cruel ways. Knowing that the Titanic sinks is inevitable, it really cranks up the tension and I was desperate to know what would happen to them.
‘𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝, 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬.’
Lily’s treatment by her husband is disturbing and unsettling all the worse for knowing that the man’s authority overrode everything then. Women were property and had no voice. The gas lighting is horrifying and unnerving and at times difficult to read.
‘𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐜𝐚𝐧. 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬.’
I particularly liked the character of Cissy, her feminist voice was really strong and impactful, highlighting to Lawrence in his head that he should help Lily. We watch him experience overwhelming grief and it made me connect with him all the more.
‘𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐂𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨.’
This is also the story of a ship, the Titanic, her story and the story of the people lost. It is really moving and powerful as yes, we’ve all seen the film and can picture it. The main character Lawrence was real, he actually saw this happen and you can feel his experience through the page, travelling across the years to us which makes it all the more poignant to read.
‘𝐌𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐝,’ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐭. ‘ 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈’𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞.’
This is an excellent historical thriller, full of suspense and also very, very poignant.
✩✩✩✩✰
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Many thanks to Francesca @orionbooks for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lily is pregnant, travelling onboard the Titanic to her beloved family, hoping she can get there before her mind and body give up. For a long time she's known her husband is not the man he's pretending to be and she's not safe. She meets widower Lawrence on board, knowing he's her last chance for help. Lawrence knows he hasn't got time to save Lily. He is the only person on board the unsinkable ship who knows he will not disembark in New York. And the danger is much worse than either of them could imagine.
I was really intrigued by this one, set aboard the Titanic which I have a bit of a fascination with. It is inspired by the authors own family and great grandfather in particular, who was a survivor of the disaster.
It is dark, full of suspense, chilling and thrilling. I was rooting for both Lily and Lawrence. My heart really went out to them, both suffering in cruel ways. Knowing that the Titanic sinks is inevitable, it really cranks up the tension and I was desperate to know what would happen to them.
‘𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝, 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬.’
Lily’s treatment by her husband is disturbing and unsettling all the worse for knowing that the man’s authority overrode everything then. Women were property and had no voice. The gas lighting is horrifying and unnerving and at times difficult to read.
‘𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐜𝐚𝐧. 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬.’
I particularly liked the character of Cissy, her feminist voice was really strong and impactful, highlighting to Lawrence in his head that he should help Lily. We watch him experience overwhelming grief and it made me connect with him all the more.
‘𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐂𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨.’
This is also the story of a ship, the Titanic, her story and the story of the people lost. It is really moving and powerful as yes, we’ve all seen the film and can picture it. The main character Lawrence was real, he actually saw this happen and you can feel his experience through the page, travelling across the years to us which makes it all the more poignant to read.
‘𝐌𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐝,’ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐭. ‘ 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈’𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞.’
This is an excellent historical thriller, full of suspense and also very, very poignant.
✩✩✩✩✰
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Many thanks to Francesca @orionbooks for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2024
When I say I’ve always been interested in the Titanic, I don’t mean in the way most people are quite interested in the Titanic – I mean more like obsessed 😂 I’ve been to every Titanic location, museum and exhibition in the UK and Ireland; but like Titanic, I have unfortunately never made it to New York.
Anyway, I have consequently read a LOT of books on the ship over the years, both fiction and non-fiction. I was super excited to discover that an author I've had my eye on for a while had written a book on Titanic so I snapped it up, despite not having actually read any of her novels before. Unfortunately, as you can tell from the 2 stars, it wasn't for me.
Why, I hear you ask? Well, mainly because the whole story could have been condensed into a few chapters – or even a few sentences. Nothing happens for most of the book; it’s very monotonous, with the only action being the sinking, and we all know that story already.
There’s also just too much misery. I understand that Lawrence is grieving for his late wife and Lily is trapped in an unhealthy marriage, however their troubles are repeated so much I ended up skim-reading because I just couldn’t bear to keep hearing how hopeless they both felt over and over again. Their character arcs were very poorly executed (not so much an arc as a flat line with a jump up at the end). The one saving grace was that this is not a love story as you might expect, at least not between Lily and Lawrence.
As far as the Titanic setting goes, there were some nice details about the ship but everything felt strangely detached from it, as the focus is so much on the characters. Even when Titanic hits the iceberg, it all feels relatively calm and impersonal. I would also have liked the story to extend further than it did, to hear more about the ‘after’.
The Author’s Note at the end was a much more interesting read than the entire novel that came before it. I recognised the name Lawrence Beesley as a real Titanic survivor, and it was fascinating to discover that he was Araminta Hall’s great-grandfather. She covers nearly his entire life in the few pages of the Author’s Note so my recommendation is to just skip to that.
I really wanted to like this. There was so much potential, but I hate to say it was wasted. I’m hoping this author’s other books are a bit more riveting, without the distraction of trying to write about the most famous ship in the world, which sucked any life out of the story itself.
Anyway, I have consequently read a LOT of books on the ship over the years, both fiction and non-fiction. I was super excited to discover that an author I've had my eye on for a while had written a book on Titanic so I snapped it up, despite not having actually read any of her novels before. Unfortunately, as you can tell from the 2 stars, it wasn't for me.
Why, I hear you ask? Well, mainly because the whole story could have been condensed into a few chapters – or even a few sentences. Nothing happens for most of the book; it’s very monotonous, with the only action being the sinking, and we all know that story already.
There’s also just too much misery. I understand that Lawrence is grieving for his late wife and Lily is trapped in an unhealthy marriage, however their troubles are repeated so much I ended up skim-reading because I just couldn’t bear to keep hearing how hopeless they both felt over and over again. Their character arcs were very poorly executed (not so much an arc as a flat line with a jump up at the end). The one saving grace was that this is not a love story as you might expect, at least not between Lily and Lawrence.
As far as the Titanic setting goes, there were some nice details about the ship but everything felt strangely detached from it, as the focus is so much on the characters. Even when Titanic hits the iceberg, it all feels relatively calm and impersonal. I would also have liked the story to extend further than it did, to hear more about the ‘after’.
The Author’s Note at the end was a much more interesting read than the entire novel that came before it. I recognised the name Lawrence Beesley as a real Titanic survivor, and it was fascinating to discover that he was Araminta Hall’s great-grandfather. She covers nearly his entire life in the few pages of the Author’s Note so my recommendation is to just skip to that.
I really wanted to like this. There was so much potential, but I hate to say it was wasted. I’m hoping this author’s other books are a bit more riveting, without the distraction of trying to write about the most famous ship in the world, which sucked any life out of the story itself.
April 19, 2022
The moment I heard that Araminta Hall was releasing a novel set on the Titanic, I knew I had to buy it, having been fascinated by the tragedy for years. Hidden Depths is an absorbing read, and Araminta Hall pulls you into the lives of her characters, Lawrence and Lily. I felt a lot of emotion in this book as I was reading, and the characters were utterly compelling, I had to know what was going to happen to them.
Lawrence and Lilly are two very different characters, both travelling on the Titanic for very different reasons. I felt desperately sad for Lawrence; you can feel the turmoil he is going through, following the loss of his beloved wife, Cissy. You can see that he is at the end of a tether. He has one purpose for this voyage and he is determined to see it through. Both Lily and Lawrence are travelling in Second Class, but Lily can’t quite work out why her husband has paid for a Second Class ticket, when they can easily afford First Class. You may think this might make her sound arrogant, but soon little things like this that Lily questions about her husband, build up a dark picture and Lily realises that she is in desperate danger.
Although the novel is set on the Titanic, the novel is more about the characters. Araminta Hall does capture the sense of grandeur of the ship, especially as the characters are boarding, and you can picture the Atlantic Ocean as the Titanic embarks on its maiden voyage to New York. We know what is going to happen to the Titanic, but I was desperate to know what was going to happen to Lawrence and Lily. How would what happens to the Titanic, change them, affect their lives, and if they would survive the tragedy at all?
One character who I particularly hated was Lily’s husband, Henry. As Lily began to suspect what he was up to, I wanted to know what his motives were, and I was rooting for Lily to get to the bottom of things. Araminta Hall paints a vivid picture of what life for women in this time in history was like.
I really enjoyed Hidden Depths and I finished it in just a couple of sittings. It is a stunning novel and I highly recommend it.
Lawrence and Lilly are two very different characters, both travelling on the Titanic for very different reasons. I felt desperately sad for Lawrence; you can feel the turmoil he is going through, following the loss of his beloved wife, Cissy. You can see that he is at the end of a tether. He has one purpose for this voyage and he is determined to see it through. Both Lily and Lawrence are travelling in Second Class, but Lily can’t quite work out why her husband has paid for a Second Class ticket, when they can easily afford First Class. You may think this might make her sound arrogant, but soon little things like this that Lily questions about her husband, build up a dark picture and Lily realises that she is in desperate danger.
Although the novel is set on the Titanic, the novel is more about the characters. Araminta Hall does capture the sense of grandeur of the ship, especially as the characters are boarding, and you can picture the Atlantic Ocean as the Titanic embarks on its maiden voyage to New York. We know what is going to happen to the Titanic, but I was desperate to know what was going to happen to Lawrence and Lily. How would what happens to the Titanic, change them, affect their lives, and if they would survive the tragedy at all?
One character who I particularly hated was Lily’s husband, Henry. As Lily began to suspect what he was up to, I wanted to know what his motives were, and I was rooting for Lily to get to the bottom of things. Araminta Hall paints a vivid picture of what life for women in this time in history was like.
I really enjoyed Hidden Depths and I finished it in just a couple of sittings. It is a stunning novel and I highly recommend it.
March 19, 2022
This was a fab read which I really couldn’t put down. The characters were so believable and their situations so well described. I really felt that I was aboard the Titanic watching events unfold.
Lily is married to aristocratic Henry, a nasty bully of a man who takes every opportunity to demean her both with words and violence. They are onboard the ship travelling to visit her American family.
Lawrence is recently widowed and travelling on the Titanic with one thing on his mind and it does not include arriving New York.
Lily and Lawrence are thrown together on the Titanic when she appeals to him for help, claiming that her husband is planning to get rid of her and steal her unborn baby. At first Lawrence does not believe her but as events unfold aboard the ill fated ship he begins to realise that she is in danger and he might be the only one who can help.
Lily’s misery and Lawrence’s grief are extremely well described making the characters all the more believable. Their situations are both tragic but they develop a bond in their adversity leaving the reader hoping that they can both manage to sort out their problems and SURVIVE because they are after all travelling on the Titanic and everyone knows what is going to happen. This one fact hangs over the story throughout and definitely ratchets up the tension- an excellent plot device.
It was clear from the very first page that this was an incredibly well researched novel, no detail has been spared so I would particularly advise you to read the author’s post script note which is especially interesting and explains a lot about the origins of the book.
“Hidden Depths” is highly recommended and definitely worth every one of my five stars: I stayed up reading it late into the night and couldn’t wait to pick it up again in the morning , always the sign of wonderful book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion for my arc.
Lily is married to aristocratic Henry, a nasty bully of a man who takes every opportunity to demean her both with words and violence. They are onboard the ship travelling to visit her American family.
Lawrence is recently widowed and travelling on the Titanic with one thing on his mind and it does not include arriving New York.
Lily and Lawrence are thrown together on the Titanic when she appeals to him for help, claiming that her husband is planning to get rid of her and steal her unborn baby. At first Lawrence does not believe her but as events unfold aboard the ill fated ship he begins to realise that she is in danger and he might be the only one who can help.
Lily’s misery and Lawrence’s grief are extremely well described making the characters all the more believable. Their situations are both tragic but they develop a bond in their adversity leaving the reader hoping that they can both manage to sort out their problems and SURVIVE because they are after all travelling on the Titanic and everyone knows what is going to happen. This one fact hangs over the story throughout and definitely ratchets up the tension- an excellent plot device.
It was clear from the very first page that this was an incredibly well researched novel, no detail has been spared so I would particularly advise you to read the author’s post script note which is especially interesting and explains a lot about the origins of the book.
“Hidden Depths” is highly recommended and definitely worth every one of my five stars: I stayed up reading it late into the night and couldn’t wait to pick it up again in the morning , always the sign of wonderful book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion for my arc.
March 22, 2022
I doubt there is a person alive who doesn’t know about the Titanic. This wonderful historical offering is largely set on board, in April 1912, as she sets sail on her disastrous maiden voyage to New York. What is very emotional is that, whilst it is a novel, the author was inspired to write it by the experience of a family member (please take time to read the authors notes at the end of the book). Don’t expect a fast moving story with lots of action; what this is is a beautifully written, highly descriptive novel written from the perspective of the two main characters, Lily and Lawrence.
Briefly, American heiress Lily is married to Henry, Lord Ellsworth and has spent 9 years in a loveless and abusive marriage. The Ellsworth’s are sailing to New York, with her maid Becky and Dr Henderson, so Lily can have her long awaited child at home with her parents. Lawrence Beesley has lost his beloved wife Cicely, and despite having a six year old son he only has a one way ticket and has no intention of landing in America. Lily realises that she is in danger and Lawrence is the only person she can talk to about her concerns. Can Lawrence help her, and himself?
The story highlights the often terrible treatment women, of all classes, during the early 20th century; few rights, with most women taking a stereotypical role in British society. What seemed to be a simple plot is actually much more complex than I thought with a number of twists and turns. The characterisations were excellent Lily was almost unbelievably naive, not just about her marriage but also about her subsequent treatment. Her husband is contemptible but the person who gave me the worst creeps was Dr Henderson, a despicable individual. An enthralling read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, American heiress Lily is married to Henry, Lord Ellsworth and has spent 9 years in a loveless and abusive marriage. The Ellsworth’s are sailing to New York, with her maid Becky and Dr Henderson, so Lily can have her long awaited child at home with her parents. Lawrence Beesley has lost his beloved wife Cicely, and despite having a six year old son he only has a one way ticket and has no intention of landing in America. Lily realises that she is in danger and Lawrence is the only person she can talk to about her concerns. Can Lawrence help her, and himself?
The story highlights the often terrible treatment women, of all classes, during the early 20th century; few rights, with most women taking a stereotypical role in British society. What seemed to be a simple plot is actually much more complex than I thought with a number of twists and turns. The characterisations were excellent Lily was almost unbelievably naive, not just about her marriage but also about her subsequent treatment. Her husband is contemptible but the person who gave me the worst creeps was Dr Henderson, a despicable individual. An enthralling read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 29, 2022
There are some books that must be written to never forget the past; I think “Hidden Dephts” is one of those books. It has so many important content in it that it’s difficult to not mark all the pages with notes to never forget. I loved this book, not only for the story and characters in it but also for the important core that transmits; “You are a woman and you are important”.
This is the story of Lily and Lawrence, they are both prisoners; one from their past the other from her husband. They will need each other to survive in the famous Titanic before it sinks; do you think they’ll have enough time in 4 days? Take your bets!
I really don’t have words to say how much I enjoyed this read, I finished within just a few hours, so addictive and interesting that I couldn’t stop turning pages. I don’t know which story I was more invested in; Lily, the rich girl who has just discovered that her husband had some secret plans for her. And now is afraid for her life and doesn’t know who to trust. Her story is so sad but felt so real that it was impossible to not feel horrorized with her husband’s scenes or the ones with a mysterious doctor that treats her with the pregnancy.
And then we have Lawrence, who seems too lost in his grief that doesn’t want the burden to care for another human being. What is the real purpose of this trip for him? Maybe it’s time to listen to all the things that his wife, Cissy, showed him and be brave.
I think this is a story to not forget, for one side all the abuse Lily suffers from her husband and the other the braveness of Cissy, a woman ahead of her time.
This is the story of Lily and Lawrence, they are both prisoners; one from their past the other from her husband. They will need each other to survive in the famous Titanic before it sinks; do you think they’ll have enough time in 4 days? Take your bets!
I really don’t have words to say how much I enjoyed this read, I finished within just a few hours, so addictive and interesting that I couldn’t stop turning pages. I don’t know which story I was more invested in; Lily, the rich girl who has just discovered that her husband had some secret plans for her. And now is afraid for her life and doesn’t know who to trust. Her story is so sad but felt so real that it was impossible to not feel horrorized with her husband’s scenes or the ones with a mysterious doctor that treats her with the pregnancy.
And then we have Lawrence, who seems too lost in his grief that doesn’t want the burden to care for another human being. What is the real purpose of this trip for him? Maybe it’s time to listen to all the things that his wife, Cissy, showed him and be brave.
I think this is a story to not forget, for one side all the abuse Lily suffers from her husband and the other the braveness of Cissy, a woman ahead of her time.
March 28, 2023
"Passenger…
Lily is pregnant, travelling onboard the Titanic to her beloved family in the United States, hoping she can get there before her mind and body give up.
For a long time now she’s known her husband is not the man he’s pretending to be and she’s not safe.
So, when she meets widower Lawrence she knows he’s her last chance for help.
Or Prisoner…
But Lawrence knows he hasn’t got time to save Lily.
Lawrence is the only person on board the unsinkable ship who knows he will not disembark in New York.
And the danger is much worse than either of them could imagine.
Can Lily and Lawrence help each other to safety before it’s too late?"
Joah ist nett gewesen und gehört zu der Kategorie: Kann man lesen, muss man nicht. Eigentlich könnte man hier auch die Rezension beenden, weil eigentlich gibt es nicht viel zu sagen.
Das Setting ist die Titanic, aber wie bereits Sven euch erzählt hat, hätte das auch jedes andere Schiff sein können. Die Charaktere sind nichts besonders und stechen auch nicht besonders vor. Das Frauenbild spiegelt die damaligen Verhältnisse wieder und der historische Touch ist schon irgendwie vorhanden, aber ja ist halt nichts wo ich sagen würde, dass das wirklich überragend ist. Die Story - Joah- ist dann mehr oder weniger etwas überraschend gewesen, aber auch nicht wo ich sag, dass das der Twist des Jahres gewesen ist. Dafür muss ich jedoch darauf hinweisen, dass das Nachwort sehr interessant gewesen ist und dass es Lawrence wirklich gegeben hat und was die Autorin dazu schreibt, ist wirklich spannend. Das lässt die Geschichte in einem Blickwinkel ganz anders wirken und deswegen runde ich auch auf.
Lily is pregnant, travelling onboard the Titanic to her beloved family in the United States, hoping she can get there before her mind and body give up.
For a long time now she’s known her husband is not the man he’s pretending to be and she’s not safe.
So, when she meets widower Lawrence she knows he’s her last chance for help.
Or Prisoner…
But Lawrence knows he hasn’t got time to save Lily.
Lawrence is the only person on board the unsinkable ship who knows he will not disembark in New York.
And the danger is much worse than either of them could imagine.
Can Lily and Lawrence help each other to safety before it’s too late?"
Joah ist nett gewesen und gehört zu der Kategorie: Kann man lesen, muss man nicht. Eigentlich könnte man hier auch die Rezension beenden, weil eigentlich gibt es nicht viel zu sagen.
Das Setting ist die Titanic, aber wie bereits Sven euch erzählt hat, hätte das auch jedes andere Schiff sein können. Die Charaktere sind nichts besonders und stechen auch nicht besonders vor. Das Frauenbild spiegelt die damaligen Verhältnisse wieder und der historische Touch ist schon irgendwie vorhanden, aber ja ist halt nichts wo ich sagen würde, dass das wirklich überragend ist. Die Story - Joah- ist dann mehr oder weniger etwas überraschend gewesen, aber auch nicht wo ich sag, dass das der Twist des Jahres gewesen ist. Dafür muss ich jedoch darauf hinweisen, dass das Nachwort sehr interessant gewesen ist und dass es Lawrence wirklich gegeben hat und was die Autorin dazu schreibt, ist wirklich spannend. Das lässt die Geschichte in einem Blickwinkel ganz anders wirken und deswegen runde ich auch auf.
January 13, 2024
Araminta Hall's Hidden Depths takes you back in time to the doomed voyage of the Titanic, seamlessly weaving historical fact with fiction in a way that had me constantly questioning what was fact and what was fiction regarding the main character Lawrence Beesley, who is based on halls great-grandfather.
The characters are done so well that I easily had characters I liked and characters I didn’t. The author did a great job at making me feel connected to these characters.
The mystery element adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating setting. There were however some unanswered questions that ultimately prevented me from giving Hidden Depths five stars. I found myself wanting closure on certain plots. However, this does not distract from the overall brilliance of the novel.
In conclusion, Hidden Depths is a captivating historical fiction read that will transport you back to the fateful night the Titanic sank. With its well-developed characters, gripping mystery, and meticulous historical accuracy, this easy to read book is sure to resonate with fans of the disaster and historical fiction alike. While I wanted closure for some unanswered questions, I do recommend this book.
The characters are done so well that I easily had characters I liked and characters I didn’t. The author did a great job at making me feel connected to these characters.
The mystery element adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating setting. There were however some unanswered questions that ultimately prevented me from giving Hidden Depths five stars. I found myself wanting closure on certain plots. However, this does not distract from the overall brilliance of the novel.
In conclusion, Hidden Depths is a captivating historical fiction read that will transport you back to the fateful night the Titanic sank. With its well-developed characters, gripping mystery, and meticulous historical accuracy, this easy to read book is sure to resonate with fans of the disaster and historical fiction alike. While I wanted closure for some unanswered questions, I do recommend this book.
May 3, 2022
Set on, but not about the sinking of The Titanic, this is a wonderful tale inspired by the author's family history.
Lily (Lady Ellsworth) is travelling to America with her husband, maid and doctor to have her baby near her family - weak and unwell, she also feels like she is losing her mind. Unable to get over his beloved wife's death, Laurence plans to end his life by throwing himself from the ship. After forming an unlikely friendship their journey ends very differently than either expected when embarking, but not because the ship sank.
A wonderfully written, multilayered, well crafted, nailbiting story of good versus evil, gaslighting, betrayal and control. It casts light on the oppression of women and the extreme cruelty of the men who subjugated them.
With complex characters, a fantastic setting and a hell of a plot this was totally immersive and I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a good historical psychological drama.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this gem!
January 18, 2023
Lily is pregnant and is travelling with her husband, maid and doctor to America to be near her parents for when she gives birth. Lawrence is also travelling towards America aboard the same ship as Lily and their paths cross as the Titanic continues to make her journey.
I read this book purely because the story is set on the Titanic. I have to say though that the story is not really about the Titanic, just takes place on the ship.
The storyline was ok. It follows both Lily and Lawrence and delves into their lives and how they are both on the way to America. Lily is in a dangerous situation and Lawrence wants to help. This storyline is nothing new. However as it is set on the Titanic it sets a short time for Lawrence to help Lily. The Titanic as we all know hit an iceberg and sadly sunk, so reading the story and knowing the outcome does add a bit of tension to the story.
I enjoyed the story, found it a bit gloomy at times with the content for both Lily and Lawrence. The authors note at the end was interesting as she has a real life connection to the Titanic.
I read this book purely because the story is set on the Titanic. I have to say though that the story is not really about the Titanic, just takes place on the ship.
The storyline was ok. It follows both Lily and Lawrence and delves into their lives and how they are both on the way to America. Lily is in a dangerous situation and Lawrence wants to help. This storyline is nothing new. However as it is set on the Titanic it sets a short time for Lawrence to help Lily. The Titanic as we all know hit an iceberg and sadly sunk, so reading the story and knowing the outcome does add a bit of tension to the story.
I enjoyed the story, found it a bit gloomy at times with the content for both Lily and Lawrence. The authors note at the end was interesting as she has a real life connection to the Titanic.
July 5, 2025
I bought Hidden Depths a while ago because I’m really interested in the Titanic and the history around it. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t live up to what I was hoping for. It felt quite slow overall, and if I’m honest, a bit boring in parts — like the author was trying to stretch things out just to fill the page count.
One thing that really stood out (and not in a good way) was how both of the main characters kept randomly drifting off into memories of past situations. These flashbacks didn’t always feel relevant and sometimes just broke up the flow of the story for no real reason. It got a bit frustrating after a while.
And as for the Titanic — which was the main reason I picked this up — it was barely mentioned! I expected a lot more connection to the actual event, but it was more like a vague background detail than anything central.
Not terrible, but not one I’d read again or recommend. Just okay.
One thing that really stood out (and not in a good way) was how both of the main characters kept randomly drifting off into memories of past situations. These flashbacks didn’t always feel relevant and sometimes just broke up the flow of the story for no real reason. It got a bit frustrating after a while.
And as for the Titanic — which was the main reason I picked this up — it was barely mentioned! I expected a lot more connection to the actual event, but it was more like a vague background detail than anything central.
Not terrible, but not one I’d read again or recommend. Just okay.
January 12, 2022
I find novels about the Titanic irresistible and so I was drawn to this. This is also an author whose novels I have enjoyed before. However, while this is well-written and the principal characters are beautifully drawn (Lily, Lawrence and Becky), this is one of those stories that I knew exactly how it would develop and end before I read it - and I don't mean the Titanic sinking, which takes up little of the novel. The story of... But there is something genuinely heartbreaking about Lawrence, made even more poignant when you read the author's afterword. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
The idea of two troubled people travelling on the doomed Titanic has been done many times and the author is calling upon family history to tell this tale.
Unfortunately, this story is unrelentingly miserable and I struggled with it.
There is a good mystery/thriller thread running through, with Lily confused by her horrible husband's behaviour. His distasteful behaviour with her maid guaranteed me wanting him to go down with the ship!
Lawrence is haunted by the spectre of his dead wife and boards the ship with the intention of suicide.
He befriends Lily and helps her understand what's happening.
I took an educated guess as to the ending of the book and this was where the story really came alive as the author referenced her great grandfather's eye witness account of the actual sinking of the Titanic.
Unfortunately, this story is unrelentingly miserable and I struggled with it.
There is a good mystery/thriller thread running through, with Lily confused by her horrible husband's behaviour. His distasteful behaviour with her maid guaranteed me wanting him to go down with the ship!
Lawrence is haunted by the spectre of his dead wife and boards the ship with the intention of suicide.
He befriends Lily and helps her understand what's happening.
I took an educated guess as to the ending of the book and this was where the story really came alive as the author referenced her great grandfather's eye witness account of the actual sinking of the Titanic.
April 5, 2022
This is a very clever novel. With the Titanic as a backdrop you might be thinking "I know what's going to happen here", but Hall is such a clever writer that the suspense is everywhere else and you almost forget what's about to entail with the ship! The characters are really well drawn, the pacing is excellent and as for the authors notes at the end...well...!
All kinds of themes run through this novel, gaslighting, women trying to find a voice in an age that doesn't allow them and toxic masculinity.
A very very enjoyable read indeed. Congrats to the author. Deserves a really wide audience...spread the word!
All kinds of themes run through this novel, gaslighting, women trying to find a voice in an age that doesn't allow them and toxic masculinity.
A very very enjoyable read indeed. Congrats to the author. Deserves a really wide audience...spread the word!
March 1, 2022
OH MY GOSH I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was well written with an intriguing and simply breathtaking plot, that was so intriguing and thought provoking and well developed characters that are almost disturbingly real, I could almost feel them next to me - they really popped out of the page for me.
I couldn't put this down, it was completely gripping and I literally sat until it was finished, I have always had a morbid fascination with the Titahic so this also added an extra layer for me. I loved, loved LOVED it,
I couldn't put this down, it was completely gripping and I literally sat until it was finished, I have always had a morbid fascination with the Titahic so this also added an extra layer for me. I loved, loved LOVED it,
April 11, 2022
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Araminta Hall’s work but this just might be my favourite. Inspired by her own family history, this thriller has it all. Tense and thoughtful, with impeccable characterisation and historical detail, it is a beautifully written fresh take on the endlessly fascinating tragedy of Titanic. A compulsive nail-biter, it also offers razor sharp reflections on the status and position of women and those from a ‘lower’ class in the era. Thought-provoking, emotional and suspenseful, it’s a smasher.
June 29, 2022
I found this hard to rate but ultimately think four stars is fair.
The backdrop of the novel is the titanic however the author has managed to not make it the main character so to seal which is quite a feat!
The writer is a descendant of a passenger on the titanic which also adds to the realism of the story.
Well written but felt like the characters needed to be fleshed out a little bit more, perhaps adding the POV of more characters would have helped but this was a minor thing in what is an enjoyable read.
The backdrop of the novel is the titanic however the author has managed to not make it the main character so to seal which is quite a feat!
The writer is a descendant of a passenger on the titanic which also adds to the realism of the story.
Well written but felt like the characters needed to be fleshed out a little bit more, perhaps adding the POV of more characters would have helped but this was a minor thing in what is an enjoyable read.
March 15, 2022
Thank you for the ARC of this. I’ve been a lover of Ms Halls work for some time and she also graciously interviewed for my website.
This book is a beautiful mix of history, romance, scandal, intrigue and family. There was an intriguing plot with several twists. The characters were so well written that you were able to immediately visualise them. Add into that the historical aspect of the Titanic and the recipe for a great book was born.
So good. No plot spoilers.
This book is a beautiful mix of history, romance, scandal, intrigue and family. There was an intriguing plot with several twists. The characters were so well written that you were able to immediately visualise them. Add into that the historical aspect of the Titanic and the recipe for a great book was born.
So good. No plot spoilers.
April 4, 2022
This is a page turner I couldn't stop reading, a book that moved me and kept me turning pages.
It's a a story that keeps you immersed in the minds of the characters, makes you hope that everything will be fine, and makes you feel for them.
I loved what I read, a well plotted and riveting story. Great characters and storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a a story that keeps you immersed in the minds of the characters, makes you hope that everything will be fine, and makes you feel for them.
I loved what I read, a well plotted and riveting story. Great characters and storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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