“In this, her third novel, Kim Izzo renders the last voyage of the Lusitania in such terrifyingly accurate detail that we readers cannot help but feel we too are aboard that doomed ship—and in Winston Churchill’s ultra-secret lair, Room 40—as the ineluctable forces of history converge.” — Erik Larson, bestselling author of The Splendid and the VileFor readers of Kate Williams, Beatriz Williams … Vile
For readers of Kate Williams, Beatriz Williams and Jennifer Robson, a captivating novel of love and resilience during the Great War, inspired by the author’s family history.
As the First World War rages in continental Europe, two New York heiresses, Sydney and Brooke Sinclair, are due to set sail for England. Brooke is engaged to marry impoverished aristocrat Edward Thorpe-Tracey, the future Lord Northbrook, in the wedding of the social calendar. Sydney has other adventures in mind; she is drawn to the burgeoning suffragette movement, which is a constant source of embarrassment to her proper sister. As international tempers flare, the German embassy releases a warning that any ships making the Atlantic crossing are at risk. Undaunted, Sydney and Brooke board the Lusitania for the seven-day voyage with Edward, not knowing that disaster lies ahead.
In London, Isabel Nelson, a young woman grateful to have escaped her blemished reputation in Oxford, has found employment at the British Admiralty in the mysterious Room 40. While she begins as a secretary, it isn’t long before her skills in codes and cyphers are called on, and she learns a devastating truth and the true cost of war.
As the days of the voyage pass, these four lives collide in a struggle for survival as the Lusitania meets its deadly fate.
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In this, her third novel, Kim Izzo renders the last voyage of the Lusitania in such terrifyingly accurate detail that we readers cannot help but feel we too are aboard that doomed ship — and in Winston Churchill’s ultra-secret lair, Room 40 — as the ineluctable forces of history converge.
Another side-view of an important moment in history. Very engaging read.
One of those books that stays with you long after you have read the last page.
The Lusitania is overshadowed by the more famous sinking of the Titanic but all the more tragic as a target for aggression. The pivotal role this event played in war time politics, the merging of the classes, the roles of women and the tragedy of personal choices are all themes explored in the novel. Fascinating.
A historical account of the last voyage of Lusitania and a good history of room 40. I found the characters interesting, and as the story unfolds they became alive. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this author.
I was looking for mention of Elbert Hubbard and his wife and there was none (sank on Lusatania)
An historical story…. I couldnt stop reading ..
Great historical fiction
I enjoyed the history in this book and the way it became so personal and real.
Very. Interesting
Lousy
I enjoyed reading about the sinking of the Lusitania from the perspective of each of the characters. The history was accurate and the timeline in the book was a short one, so there was no long wait for the actual event to happen. This book kept my interest throughout. A really good read!
Love historically based fiction!
Very good read and hard to put down.
Interesting historical fiction.
Most enjoyable read. History and word building. Highly recommend.
Seven Days In May was a tragic story based on real history. Edward and Sydney’s love life was destined for failure. Even if the Lusitania had not been sunk, Brooke
would have prevented a happy ending for her fiancee and sister. Kim Izzo painted a beautiful picture of the time and described the characters as if we knew them in real life.
You read so much about the Titanic so I really enjoyed this one about the Lusitania. Reading the voice of passenger plus a code breaker made it even more interesting!
It gave me a lot to think about, certain parts were a learning experience. The characters felt real to me. I could not put it down. Have patience with the code because it’s important. Everything comes together.
A little title tedious but well written