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gordonk's review against another edition
3.0
I have been at conflict with myself on how to rate this book. After some thought I have gone for 3 stars. The problem is that this book is factual and is worded in a straight to the point manner. As harrowing as the experience was for all involved, this is a book that is mainly drama free. It’s fascinating yes, but is it interesting? No. Not really, not in the format that it is in. I would describe it as being part memoir, part document. The memoir part of the story is in the author’s own words and he tells you his experience of his time on Titanic. The document part is all of the research that the author put into the book. He interviewed several other survivors and took note of their experiences as well as adding transcripts from the official inquest that came after the sinking. There is so much detail here such as naming each lifeboat, naming the people on board and the conversations that supposedly took place. (It has to be said though that I have nothing but respect for Colonel Archibald Gracie, not only did he survive a horrific sinking, but he then spent the rest of his life researching the disaster for this book) I wouldn’t read this if you want entertainment. This isn’t that sort of book at all, if you seek entertainment watch the movie. If, however, you want to read a book which will tell you in detail how the crew coped with a disaster like no other and how the passengers behaved in an unspeakable situation then this book is probably the most accurate document you will ever read. This book is definitely one for Titanic enthusiasts, but probably not one for someone interested in groundbreaking literature!
jensen1's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
3.5
Archibald Gracie’s account of the Titanic sinking was brief but unbelievable- he went down with the ship and managed to swim up to the surface to a lifeboat. It was well told, but his adamant statement that Titanic didn’t split in half highlights just how eye witness and personal accounts can vary from person to person.
The inquiry interviews of the others, though unexpected, were fascinating. The wealthy woman who cried about losing her nightgown while refusing to go back to help potential survivors really shows the rich don’t change, even in 110 years.
The inquiry interviews of the others, though unexpected, were fascinating. The wealthy woman who cried about losing her nightgown while refusing to go back to help potential survivors really shows the rich don’t change, even in 110 years.
nerdynicky's review against another edition
5.0
This novel is fantastic.
You are reading half Colonel Gracie's memoir but half research and interviews he conducted. The stories and encounters he describes and how everything unfolded that horrific night are sobering. Also, the book makes it seem more real than just learning a historical moment or a love story on the silver screen.
Keep in mind this was originally published in 1913 so there are some historical inaccuracies but at the time they did not have all the information we do now. I highly recommend for any Titanic fan.
You are reading half Colonel Gracie's memoir but half research and interviews he conducted. The stories and encounters he describes and how everything unfolded that horrific night are sobering. Also, the book makes it seem more real than just learning a historical moment or a love story on the silver screen.
Keep in mind this was originally published in 1913 so there are some historical inaccuracies but at the time they did not have all the information we do now. I highly recommend for any Titanic fan.
rachaelreads92's review against another edition
4.0
** 4stars**
I appreciate the tremendous level of detail and research that went into writing this book.
This is the third (or maybe fourth???) NF book I have read in quick succession about the sinking of the RMS Titanic. What is different about this book in comparison to the others that I have read are a couple of things:
1. It was written by a survivor.
2. It was written almost immediately after the sinking.
3. The author had access to many primary sources from other survivors that he specifically referred to (e.g correspondence)
What I appreciated about this account in that not only was Colonel Gracie adamant about telling his own story, he also wanted to share the stories of those that had lost their lives and also other survivors.
Brace yourself, this was written in the early 20th century and Colonel Gracie does have a view of women that probably does not fit with the way women would describe themselves. He honestly believed it was his duty to save helpless women and children and was prepared to die for that belief.
Some truly remarkable accounts are recorded in this book. It is well recommended if you are interesting in Titanic history, or just in history in general.
I appreciate the tremendous level of detail and research that went into writing this book.
This is the third (or maybe fourth???) NF book I have read in quick succession about the sinking of the RMS Titanic. What is different about this book in comparison to the others that I have read are a couple of things:
1. It was written by a survivor.
2. It was written almost immediately after the sinking.
3. The author had access to many primary sources from other survivors that he specifically referred to (e.g correspondence)
What I appreciated about this account in that not only was Colonel Gracie adamant about telling his own story, he also wanted to share the stories of those that had lost their lives and also other survivors.
Brace yourself, this was written in the early 20th century and Colonel Gracie does have a view of women that probably does not fit with the way women would describe themselves. He honestly believed it was his duty to save helpless women and children and was prepared to die for that belief.
Some truly remarkable accounts are recorded in this book. It is well recommended if you are interesting in Titanic history, or just in history in general.