Alice B. reviewed on 10/31/2013 + 3559 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Beautiful gift book!

Londoner Margaret Ann is living in an orphanage when the Sisters there give her the amazing opportunity to go on the Titanic, employed as a traveling companion for wealthy American Evelyn Carstairs. Since her brother moved to the United States to get a job, Margaret Ann is thrilled for the opportunity to join him there. She believes the United States may give her more opportunities than might be available to an orphan in her native England.

Despite her position in life, Margaret Ann is given an unique opportunity. Though she's not altogether thrilled with Mrs. Carstairs, the woman is relatively undemanding, and Margaret is mostly just in charge of Florence, the woman's dog. Margaret Ann would have been in Third Class if traveling on her own, but her employment gives her the ability to stay in and to explore the First Class area of the Titanic. Despite this, she identifies mostly with the other classes, and befriends a kindly cabin steward named Robert. With the lifeboat rule of "Women and children first," and the fact that Margaret Ann can't swim . . . will she and Robert be reunited after the upcoming tragedy?

In the style of the Dear America books, this is written in the form of a diary. Margaret Ann's personality as it comes through the text is fun, adventurous, and quick-witted. Most of the text focuses on Margaret Ann's plans and preparations for travel, and her exploration of the ship. Only near the end does she write about the tragedy, thus allowing time for me as a reader to identify with her and have an appreciation for the splendor of the "unsinkable ship." I felt horrified for her and close to crying upon finishing the book. The historical notes, timeline, and photos in the back help bring this story to life and demonstrate the terror of that night.

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