Friday, August 28, 2015

Book Review: Dead Wake by Erik Larson


It’s funny how you think you know something about history, but you find you really don’t. Erik Larson’s book Dead Wake brings to life the harrowing tale of the Lusitania, and its effect on America and World War I. This author is the master of narrative nonfiction, and his writing will keep you turning pages.  May 1, 1915, the Lusitania, the crown jewel of the Cunard Line, set sail from New York to Liverpool with close to 2000 people aboard, including a record number of women and children. Passengers were at ease despite the increased German U-boat attacks in the North Atlantic. America had stayed out of the World War after ten months with no inclination to join.  

Cover blurb – As U-20 and the Lusitania made their way toward Liverpool, an array of forces both grand and achingly small- hubris, a chance fog, a closely guarded secret, and more – all converged to produce one of the great disasters of history. 

We meet the real life passengers aboard ship and care about their lives. We meet the captain, William Thomas Turner, a knowledgeable seamen. And the U-boat captain Walther Schwieger, an aggressive fighter with no qualms about changing the game of war. Who would aim and shoot a torpedo at a boat carrying civilians? Why was the Lusitania not traveling at its highest rate of speed through dangerous war zone waters? What information was sent and how was the data interpreted? 

Dead Wake is a thriller, only it’s a true story. We see President Woodrow Wilson, a man in mourning, at the helm of a nation. And we see the convergence of disaster as U-20 glides underwater to blast the Lusitania. You will hold your breath and gasp at the frigid Atlantic temperature as you fight for your life reliving the anguish and fascinating story in Dead Wake.

 

8 comments:

  1. This sounds like a gripping read. You're so right about thinking we know about history. I'm reading a book from the 2nd World War and I'm having the same reaction.

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  2. If you are on war theme, you will find this book interesting. What book are you reading? Do share.

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  3. WOW! That sounds like a fantastic book. Thanks.

    I'm currently reading "The Fault in Our Stars," and am absolutely LOVING it. Makes me feel like singing the Hallelujah Chorus. The writing, the voice, the story... all brilliant.

    Happy weekend!

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    1. I like John Green's work a lot. Keep the tissues handy.
      Enjoy!

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  4. I'm not much for war stories, but this does sound like one that holds the reader's attention.

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    1. the war lurks........it's sneaking around in the guise of the U-boat. Otherwise, the description of the Lusitania, the people aboard, etc. is wonderful. You are not under bullet assault, if that helps.

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  5. This really sounds like a good read.

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    1. thanks for visiting. Yep - it kept me engaged

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