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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
I knew about the Pied Piper Project but I did not know that one of the boats carrying children had been torpedoed by a German U-boat. It does make me wonder how the decision maker's life went after he found out so many children died that day.
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I LOVEEEEED this book. Such a great story that made me teary for the last third of it. Gaynor did a phenomenal job of making true events into a novel that honors its origins, yet adds perspective to the overall narrative. I will definitely be reading more by Gaynor!
Another fantastic historical fiction novel based on real events that saw the S. S. Carlisle, a transport ship taking children from England to Canada during WWII get torpedoed by a Nazi U boat.
While many died, a few were rescued and miraculously one life boat of survivors managed to hold on. Told in alternating perspectives from one of the women on the boat helping to keep the children calm and the mother of one of the boys presumed dead but actually stranded at sea.
Moving and great on audio. This was fast paced and hard to put down, filled with memorable characters and amazing acts of perseverance. Recommended for fans of books like Surviving Savannah, Dead wake or Salt to the sea.
While many died, a few were rescued and miraculously one life boat of survivors managed to hold on. Told in alternating perspectives from one of the women on the boat helping to keep the children calm and the mother of one of the boys presumed dead but actually stranded at sea.
Moving and great on audio. This was fast paced and hard to put down, filled with memorable characters and amazing acts of perseverance. Recommended for fans of books like Surviving Savannah, Dead wake or Salt to the sea.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Genuinely don't know what the hype is about. This is a meh book with boring if not actively annoying protagonists. But quite literally everyone is acting like it's the most groundbreaking book they've ever read. Not sure what they're seeing in this.
A fresh take on WWII historical fiction - 4 stars because Lily’s sections could have been pared down some
The Last Lifeboat by Hazel Gaynor
During all the life and death stresses of parents during WWII London and the surrounding areas was the decision of whether to send their children across the ocean to safety. Both choices had great risks. Staying put could the children in the path of being maimed or killed due to the frequent (often nightly) bombings at home. Sending the children away on ships put the children at risk of being on a ship that is torpedoed by the Germans.
The Last Lifeboat is historical fiction that has parallels with the real life torpedoing of the SS City of Benares. I'd avoided reading the details of this event for so long but I'm so glad I read The Last Lifeboat. It's a heartbreaking story but one worth reading as Gaynor relates the events with compassion for all involved (parents, volunteers, crew, and rescuers). There is also the sense of standing back and watching the horror as might be the experience of watching the unthinkable happening to you and those around you. There is the sense of panic and chaos but also the sense of being too numb to feel. There is the numbness from the wet, cold, and hypothermia but also the emotional and mental numbness of seeing and experiencing the worst that can happen.
As I started this book, I didn't want to get to know the characters yet I couldn't help being drawn to them and hoping they could all survive but knowing that was not going to be the case. Between each chapter are Mass-Observation diary entries by volunteers recording their thoughts, feelings, and experiences during this time. These entries just added to my feelings about what was happening to all those suffering from the war and its deprivations and made the plight of everyone all that much clearer to me. Reading historical fiction sends me seeking more and now I've read a lot about the SS City of Benares and its sinking. I know I'll be reading more by this talented author.
Pub June 13, 2023
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
During all the life and death stresses of parents during WWII London and the surrounding areas was the decision of whether to send their children across the ocean to safety. Both choices had great risks. Staying put could the children in the path of being maimed or killed due to the frequent (often nightly) bombings at home. Sending the children away on ships put the children at risk of being on a ship that is torpedoed by the Germans.
The Last Lifeboat is historical fiction that has parallels with the real life torpedoing of the SS City of Benares. I'd avoided reading the details of this event for so long but I'm so glad I read The Last Lifeboat. It's a heartbreaking story but one worth reading as Gaynor relates the events with compassion for all involved (parents, volunteers, crew, and rescuers). There is also the sense of standing back and watching the horror as might be the experience of watching the unthinkable happening to you and those around you. There is the sense of panic and chaos but also the sense of being too numb to feel. There is the numbness from the wet, cold, and hypothermia but also the emotional and mental numbness of seeing and experiencing the worst that can happen.
As I started this book, I didn't want to get to know the characters yet I couldn't help being drawn to them and hoping they could all survive but knowing that was not going to be the case. Between each chapter are Mass-Observation diary entries by volunteers recording their thoughts, feelings, and experiences during this time. These entries just added to my feelings about what was happening to all those suffering from the war and its deprivations and made the plight of everyone all that much clearer to me. Reading historical fiction sends me seeking more and now I've read a lot about the SS City of Benares and its sinking. I know I'll be reading more by this talented author.
Pub June 13, 2023
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
I primarily read historical fiction and was very excited to read a story about a historical event that I previously haven’t read about.
However, I found myself pretty disappointed in this particular book. I found the characters in the story pretty flat and had a hard time finishing the book. I tried to be invested but found myself just wanting the book to end.
I also was disappointed upon reading the author’s notes that this book was mainly a work of fiction. I like to have some actual history intertwined in the historical fiction books that I read.
However, I found myself pretty disappointed in this particular book. I found the characters in the story pretty flat and had a hard time finishing the book. I tried to be invested but found myself just wanting the book to end.
I also was disappointed upon reading the author’s notes that this book was mainly a work of fiction. I like to have some actual history intertwined in the historical fiction books that I read.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
medium-paced
Loved this. Great characters. Wonderful storytelling.