The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor is a terrific read. One of my faves on the list. Why? Because I know the fate of Titanic. Everyone does. Yet, I defy you to stop turning the pages on this one. It’s historical fiction at its very best, switching between 1912 and 1982 and blending fact and fiction so beautifully. It’s a story of family, love and survival. At the heart of this novel is the true story of 14 people from a small town in Ireland who board Titanic in hopes of a better life in America. Of those 14, only 3 survive. This has a real ‘you are there’ feeling. The ship suddenly shakes and vibrates. Water starts to slowly appear on the floors of the cabins. There is concern but the overall mood is still light hearted. The ship is unsinkable…right? Time elapses. The ship takes on more water and begins to list. The mood shifts. Tension climbs.
It’s a terrific, gripping, harrowing read with wonderfully drawn characters – past and present. Two thumbs up. I loved it.
-Virginia
For more information on the story behind the story, check out this link on the author’s website.