Review by Ellie Thompson
On May 7, 1915, nearly 100 years ago, the Lusitania, a British luxury ocean liner was torpedoed by German U-20 off the coast of Ireland. It took eighteen minutes to sink; it took thirteen hours and four minutes for Erik Larson to tell the fascinating story in his newest non-fiction book, Dead Wake. Brilliantly written, meticulously researched and beautifully read by Scott Brick, this captivating account of the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI maintains suspense even while we know the fateful ending for all but 764 of the 1259 passengers aboard. This historical narrative is filled with secrets, lies, disaster and romance. The political strategy and intrigue involving Germany, England and the United States during this period of WWI is told from each country’s perspective. The reader also learns about the personal lives of the people involved in this tragic drama as well as daily life aboard both the luxury liner and aboard the claustrophobic U-boat.
Erik Larson brings history to life once again, just as he did so successfully in The Devil in the White City and The Garden of Beasts. This is a must read for those who want to be entertained and educated at the same time.
Check availability on the audiobook of Dead Wake today!
Ellie Thompson, a retired attorney with an addiction for a well-told story, has been a loyal audiobook listener for over 30 years through cassettes, CDs and now through Overdrive.
