Play Book Tag discussion

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania / Erik Larson
4.5 stars

The Lusitania was a large passenger vessel, travelling from New York to England in 1915, during World War I. At the time, German submarines were patrolling and sinking ships, neutral, passenger, or otherwise, in British waters. Woodrow Wilson was president of the United States and had just lost his wife The British had a room (Room 40) where they decoded German messages. This book follows all those different threads as it leads up to a disaster…

I hadn’t heard of the Lusitania until I started seeing reviews of this book. I found this story fascinating! There were a few parts that weren’t as interesting, but for the most part, I was engaged in the story. Of course, most interesting to me was the Lusitania herself, the passengers and the captain. I was a bit surprised to find even the submarine’s story held my interest, as well, though. Wilson and Room 40’s parts in the book were a little less, but did come into play for various reasons.

Erik Larson's name on a book pretty much means it is going to be a solid interesting nonfiction.

Agreed!

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Larson does a great justice to the history of WWI because so many people think the U.S. (may not resonate with you as a Canadian) immediately entered WWI with the ship's sinking. Larson does an excellent job of handling the voyage and giving context to the broader war.

Regina wrote: "so many people think the U.S. (may not resonate with you as a Canadian) immediately entered WWI with the ship's sinking...."

And Larson mentioned that a couple of times, which is when I realized that probably more Americans have heard of the Lusitania, while I hadn't! But, I will also admit that I don't know nearly as much about WWI as about WWII. I've read so much more about WWII.

I also gave it 4.5 stars but rounded up (loved the audiobook presentation). I plan to read/listen to another of his someday.

I've not read In the Garden of Beasts, but my favourite by him is Isaac's Storm. But then, I love weather-related stuff!

LibraryCin wrote: "I've not read In the Garden of Beasts, but my favourite by him is Isaac's Storm. But then, I love weather-related stuff!"

Garden of Beasts was excellent! Of course, I read it just prior to heading to Berlin. So, that may have colored my enthusiasm. But, I highly recommend it.

It is definitely on my tbr, so I will get to it at some point!