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Just when you think you've read everything about the sinking of the Titanic comes this little book which takes an interesting and different slant on it. Tess, an aspiring seamstress, is hired by the famous designer Lady Duff Gordon (a real person) just as the Titanic is about to sail. On the ship she meets two men, one a sailor, Jim, and the other a wealthy businessman, Jack, who figure into her story later. She survives the sinking, as does her employer, but there is controversy because Lady Duff Gordon's lifeboat contains only twelve people and does not go back to rescue others from the water. What happened on that boat and what happens to the designer's reputation make an interesting story. Tess is torn because she feels great loyalty to Duff Gordon, but Jim, the sailor, was on her lifeboat and tells a shocking story about refusing to turn around while listening to people scream, knocking people out of the boat who try to get in it, and of bribes being handed out after the rescue. When a United States Senator decides to hold hearings on the disaster, Jim is maligned by other seamen who've taken bribes and Lady Duff Gordon and her husband are the only passengers called as witnesses. This is based on fact and is well written by Ms. Alcott. There is, of course, the requisite romance as Tess has to decide between two suitors, one rich and one poor. All of that is fairly predictable, but the characters are charming and I found it a good read. Another character, Pinky, a plucky New York Times reporter who is investigating the sinking and befriends Tess is a welcome addition to the cast. She lets us into the world of women in the press at this time when they are fighting for their right to vote and have their voices heard. All in all, a recommended read. Thanks to Book of the Month Club for allowing me to read this pre-publication.

2022-11-14 17:04