A review by heidirgorecki
Last Light over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I always love it when I read a historical fiction and learn about a major, but not-well-known event for the first time. This book essentially deals with 2 historical events - the dam project on the lower Hudson Valley and the horrendous working conditions and subsequent strike and militia state at the dam, and the Galveston, TX Hurricane which is apparently the deadliest natural disaster in US history. 

I’ve often wondered with the weather and how much of a lead on prediction and radar we have, what it would have been like years ago to all the sudden find yourself in the midst of a storm - big or small - and have no idea it was coming. I thought this book did an excellent job of portraying that, as well as what it could have been like to live thru such a catastrophic event. The description and detail was well done and sucked you into Kathleen’s experience. 

The Dam, while not quite as focused on and detailed as the hurricane, still gave a transparent look at the workers’ conditions and the greed of others that caused them. I thought it was handled well, contrasting how selfishness and greed affects others but also the battle that can be to put aside our own comfort for someone else. 

I liked the characters of Kathleen and her friends. She was relatable and had a great progression of finding her footing and learning about herself. And Wesley, Matthew and Emily and their grace for her were well done and endearing. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.