Helpful Score: 4
"How do we survive the surviving? What happens to us after we live through tragedy both great and small? Is there such a thing as fate? Who do we become and why?" - Patti Callahan, author's note to Surviving Savannah
I've never quoted from an author's note in a book review, but these questions perfectly captured the spirit of this dual timeline novel centered on the historical sinking of the luxury steamship Pulaski. On the surface, the historic segments of the plot occur in 1838 on the days around the horrific sinking of the steamship Pulaski, known as "the Titanic of the South." Although records vary, 187 to 192 passengers and crew were aboard the ship on its fourth voyage and 128 to 133 perished, many of whom were members of Savannah's elite society. I had an instant connection with this novel since the ship was named after Casimir Pulaski, a noble Polishman and military commander; my Polish husband has taught me about Poland, its history, and its war heroes.
The contemporary storyline features a young museum curator who struggles to reconnect with daily life after a devastating loss. Her survivor guilt is strong and tempers her enthusiasm when she is asked to create an immersive exhibit of recently-discovered artifacts recovered from the Pulaski.
I was particularly compelled to read the historical segments featuring passengers Augustana and Lilly to learn what happened next, yet did so with apprehension because their circumstances were dire and the outcome unknown. Ms. Callahan described the scenes so vividly I could feel the bitterly cold water and their sun-blistered skin.
Below the historical facts and imagined actions, this novel can be read at a much deeper level. How do we go on after surviving a tragedy? Does the world expect survivors to lead fuller and better lives? Can the way we treat fellow survivors impact the balance of their lives and ours?
Despite the many hardships, the novel concludes with a spirit of hope in both storylines. I anticipated a rich, meaningful reading experience with this novel and was rewarded beyond my expectations. Thank you to Berkley for the gifted egalley; all thoughts are my own.
I've never quoted from an author's note in a book review, but these questions perfectly captured the spirit of this dual timeline novel centered on the historical sinking of the luxury steamship Pulaski. On the surface, the historic segments of the plot occur in 1838 on the days around the horrific sinking of the steamship Pulaski, known as "the Titanic of the South." Although records vary, 187 to 192 passengers and crew were aboard the ship on its fourth voyage and 128 to 133 perished, many of whom were members of Savannah's elite society. I had an instant connection with this novel since the ship was named after Casimir Pulaski, a noble Polishman and military commander; my Polish husband has taught me about Poland, its history, and its war heroes.
The contemporary storyline features a young museum curator who struggles to reconnect with daily life after a devastating loss. Her survivor guilt is strong and tempers her enthusiasm when she is asked to create an immersive exhibit of recently-discovered artifacts recovered from the Pulaski.
I was particularly compelled to read the historical segments featuring passengers Augustana and Lilly to learn what happened next, yet did so with apprehension because their circumstances were dire and the outcome unknown. Ms. Callahan described the scenes so vividly I could feel the bitterly cold water and their sun-blistered skin.
Below the historical facts and imagined actions, this novel can be read at a much deeper level. How do we go on after surviving a tragedy? Does the world expect survivors to lead fuller and better lives? Can the way we treat fellow survivors impact the balance of their lives and ours?
Despite the many hardships, the novel concludes with a spirit of hope in both storylines. I anticipated a rich, meaningful reading experience with this novel and was rewarded beyond my expectations. Thank you to Berkley for the gifted egalley; all thoughts are my own.
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