Full disclosure, I received a copy of this title from Netgalley, however, have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own
Unsinkable is scheduled for a January 9, 2024 release
Two women linked through time and one tragic event
The tragedy of Titanic is very well known all over the world. Her passengers were the elite in society, but not much is known of the crew. Aside from the more infamous names of Smith, Lightoller, and, Bride how many other crew members come to mind? Unsinkable by author Jenni L. Walsh tells the remarkable story of Violet Jessop, a first-class stewardess who survived the sinking of not only Titanic, but also her sister ships Britannic and Olympic. Told primarily from Violet’s point of view the reader comes to know Jessop as a person who is drawn to the sea, even after experiencing many mishaps. Beginning with the events of April 14 1912, when Jessop has a baby thrust into her arms as her lifeboat is being lowered into the sea, and continuing on through several world wars and other events Walsh flawlessly weaves the known facts of Jessop’s history in with fictional details to bring to life this once little known Titanic survivor.
However, Jessop isn’t the only focus of Unsinkable. With the narrative taking place in dual but somewhat concurrent timelines this story also follows the life of Daphne Chaundanson. The daughter of a very famous playboy actor, having lost her mother in a tragedy at sea when she was an infant she has been raised by a series of au pairs, and boarding schools. Never quite feeling that she was wanted by her famous father and always sworn to secrecy as to her parentage, Daphne developed a desire to learn languages and spent her younger years chasing that one elusive accomplishment that will gain her father’s affections. When war breaks out and her beloved Paris is occupied, Daphne joins forces with a resistance group and begins a life as an undercover operative in a spy network set to disrupt and bring down the German forces.
What initially seems like two completely different stories slowly begins to merge until these two ladies find themselves face to face in the most unlikely of places.
When I initially saw this book and the title, I immediately knew that I had to read it. As a life-long Titanic fan I love reading retellings, imaginings, and stories of those famous and mundane who were on the ship. Unsinkable was no exception as Walsh has created a story that I feel any Titanic buff will enjoy. Having only heard of the name Violet Jessop in recent years, Unsinkable tells her story in a way that is compelling and resulted in my researching more of this remarkable woman. Even without the fictional portion of the story, Violet’s tale alone would have made this a great read, but with the addition of Daphne, the infant grown up, and following her life throughout its twists and turns until her and Violet’s final meeting take a great story and makes it epic. I came for Titanic, but Unsinkable was more than just another Titanic retelling. It is a well written story of two driven women of very different backgrounds who are determined to survive, thrive and make their way on their own terms.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction, historical fiction or just are here for Titanic and her sister ships Unsinkable will be an unforgettable read.
Jennly Reads 