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!