“An atmospheric, compelling story of survival, tragedy, the enduring power of myth and memory, and the moments that change one’s life.” –Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Four Winds “[An] enthralling and emotional tale…A story about strength and fate.”–Woman’s World “An epic novel that explores the metal of human spirit in crisis. It is an expertly told, … epic novel that explores the metal of human spirit in crisis. It is an expertly told, fascinating story that runs fathoms deep on multiple levels.”—New York Journal of Books
It was called “The Titanic of the South.” The luxury steamship sank in 1838 with Savannah’s elite on board; through time, their fates were forgotten–until the wreck was found, and now their story is finally being told in this breathtaking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
When Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski, she’s shocked. The ship sank after a boiler explosion in 1838, and the wreckage was just discovered, 180 years later. Everly can’t resist the opportunity to try to solve some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the devastating night of its sinking.
Everly’s research leads her to the astounding history of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together, and the extraordinary stories of two women from this family: a known survivor, Augusta Longstreet, and her niece, Lilly Forsyth, who was never found, along with her child. These aristocratic women were part of Savannah’s society, but when the ship exploded, each was faced with difficult and heartbreaking decisions. This is a moving and powerful exploration of what women will do to endure in the face of tragedy, the role fate plays, and the myriad ways we survive the surviving.
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This was a good read. First off, I LOVED that it was set in the Savannah area, because that’s where I grew up. It was such fun “visiting” my old stomping ground along with the characters in the story. Forsythe Park, the Riverwalk, etc. But that’s really just nostalgia on my part. Lol.
As stories go, it was well-written and a fascinating exploration of a shipwreck tragedy that not many people know about. Much of it was based on fact, (though not as much as I was hoping, I’ll admit) and the dual-timeline was a great touch, jumping back and forth between the modern museum curator discovering the story, and the characters who experienced the shipwreck themselves. I enjoyed both time-lines a lot.
What made the book particularly unique and a little surprising for me is the way it handled the “spiritual” side. Questions about the meaning of life and death, destiny, etc, and Christianity. In my previous reading experience, I usually encounter Christianity treated in 1 of 3 different ways. Either it is central to the story (Christian novels), or it is brushed over vaguely as a part of life in a historical setting, but not really that important to any individual character (most general market historical fiction), OR it is painted as a sort of “bad guy” where the only people claiming it are the stuck-up, self-righteous hypocrites.
This book did none of those things. For the characters in the 1800’s timeline, Christianity was a very present part of their lives, and they grappled with how horrible tragedy could make sense with their perceptions of God. Several pastors/ministers came in as minor characters, and they were all good people (i.e. not self-righteous hypocrites). The main characters dealt with their faith in different ways (and some respond to tragedy by rejecting God).
Meanwhile, in the modern era, characters grapple with some of the same questions, and while the older generation seems inclined to hold onto traditional Christianity, the younger characters come to much more vague, non-committal conclusions. It was really a very interesting way of handling the subject. And in some ways I guess it’s a pretty accurate depiction of how those questions would be most likely to be answered in the different time periods.
I didn’t feel that the author intended any one group to come across as “right” in their conclusions. The story was more about the questions they grappled with through their experiences, not about singling out one particular answer as “correct.” I honestly can’t think of any other book I’ve read that handled it in quite the same way.
But anyway, overall it was a fascinating a gripping story, and I definitely had a hard time putting it down. Well-worth the read!
I found this story so moving and so interesting. Just took a trip to Savannah and enjoyed seeing the places mentioned in this book.
I loved this book! Patti Callahan is such a talented writer, weaving an incredible, heartbreaking history with a contemporary story that gets at tragedy, vulnerability, and redemption. I can’t recommend it enough!
I enjoyed the fractured narrative and the suspense of the novel. I liked the strong female lead characters.
Good historical fiction. I liked the character development and how the present storyline connected to the past.
Very well writtten; grabbed me right away and wouldn’t let go. Although you know what’s going to happen, you have to keep reading to find out who survives and how.
Good evocation of Savanna atmosphere and history.
Interesting historical novel about the tragedy of the steamboat Pulaski, that sank in 1838 as it was traveling from Savannah to Baltimore.
Especially enjoyable because of interest in and visits to Savannah.
Loved this book from beginning to end. One of the first 2 books by this author that I have read but definitely not the last. Great read!
Incredible book. Simply incredible. And anytime an author writes about my “growing up” place, I’m thrilled. Patti wrote the book in such a way that I felt as if I’d returned “home” again.
I felt that I lived the survival part . . . both in this century and in the 1800s during the great tragedy of the sinking of the Pulaski.
My only surprise was that something more didn’t come out of the relationship with Maddox . . . but I’ll leave that to other readers to decide. I felt that it would follow a natural progression for SOMETHING more to develop. I also wanted to know a little more about the story of the student who died, but that may have been edited out for word count (as a published writer, I get that!).
Overall … I’d give it 4.5 if I could. But this only allows for 4 or 5 … 🙂
I’d also like to see a second book about Lilly and Priscilla’s escape and survival after the wreck.
Loved it!
A great story that is based on facts that were fascinating! One of those you have to tell your husband about while you’re reading it!
Current historical fiction consists of a plethora of dual timeline stories, most of which I find frustrating; so I almost passed on this Bookbub offer of this novel. I’m glad I didn’t. The writer connected the past and present in a number of ways, weaving a believable and fascinating tale. Her writing reminded me of the poetic prose of Sue Monk Kidd and Zora Neale Hurston. I found myself reading lines over and over to absorb the imagery and cadence. Callahan is a gifted wordsmith.
Savannah, however stole the show. This venerable and historic city was the star. I loved the comparison to the city of the 1830’s and the present day and the strong connections through time. I’m ready to pack my bags for another visit.
I am totally enjoying this book. I like how it is written in the present and the past.
Loved this
One of the best historical novels I have read in a long time. I was not familiar with the sinking of the SS Palaski. It truly was “the Titanic of the South”. An unforgettable story. Well written.
I found myself doing research on the events and people in this story. It was so well written that it came alive for me.
I was drawn into the story from the start and loved the alternating chapters between the present and the past and the different points of view that each was in. The story not only felt real, it is based on a real steamship that sank off the coast of North Carolina. I didn’t really know anything about the story when I started the book, but Ms. Callahan did an excellent job telling it. The characters filled my imagination and I was invested in them, both those from the past and those in present day. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Loved this book. Historical fiction. Switches from past to present. Great characters. Hard to put down.
If not for the accident…
Surviving Savannah is actually two stories told from alternating points of view: Lilly and Augusta in 1838 and Everly (a family name) in present day. Lilly and Augusta were aboard the steam boat Pulaski when it exploded and sank, Everly is a teacher and curator piecing together their stories 180 years later.
If not for the accident… This applies to both timelines. There are many parallels between the stories: friendships, surviving the loss of someone close to you, strength and perseverance.
I found a few notable quotes as I read (page 163) “Tragedy–it can come from anywhere at any time. How do we go through life knowing that? How do we ever not know it? And yet, we pretend we are safe.”
(page 337) “The idea that surviving brings everyone to a new and better place is a lie told by people who need the world to make sense.”
Based on true historical events, this is a book I’d like to go back and re-read some day.