Wow! That is really all I can say! This is such an amazing (ah-ma-zing) book. It is a historical fiction novel based on the second wife of John Jacob Astor, one of the richest men in the world who died in the sinking of the Titanic. His wife, pregnant with their son, survived. This novel is basically telling their story.
Synopsis:
Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack’s mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York’s most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious—a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love—and becomes the press’s favorite target.
On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time—and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York…
Four months later, at the Astors’ Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine’s most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path…
I absolutely love how the author wrote his book. Each chapter begins as a letter from Mrs. Astor to her son. Then, it transitions to a flashback that tells more of the story. It was brilliantly written – written in a way that leaves the story with you hours after you finish the book.
I don’t think I have ever been “obsessed” with the story of the Titanic. This book, though, leaves me wanting to learn more about those who lost their lives and those who witnessed the rescue. There is so much more to this disaster than Rose and Jack in the popular movie many of us have watched. This book, as well, is a great read for book clubs! She has included great discussion questions at the end of the book, ones that I thought about through the book (media/journalism, culture, etc.). Happy Reading!
Below, I have included some resources for those interested in primary sources from the Titanic.
Encyclopedia Titanic – the best resource…I love how you can find a list of all passengers
Photographs (from same webpage)
More Photos (different website)
