OVERVIEW
This is my first book by Frances Quinn and is her third historical novel. Her previous two historical novels also had unique premises.
I'm struggling with this review because I liked the premise, but it didn't feel like it was executed as realistically as it could have been. Plus, I really didn't like many of the characters.
TRIGGER WARNING: Death, infidelity, alcohol abuse, sinking of the Titanic, poverty
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing in this novel is good. The sinking of the Titanic is vividly done almost worse than watching the movie as I could imagine the horror in my mind.
I did have some difficulty with the English slang of the period and couldn't always find definitions for some of it. A glossary of terms might have been helpful but would be cumbersome.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main character is Elinor, the spoiled rich daughter of the "Cotton King" who marries the son of an earl. It was a loveless marriage and she is horribly unhappy and controlled.
The secondary characters are Frederick (Elinor's husband), Robert (Elinor's father), Molly (Elinor's temporary maid), and Molly's family in New York.
The tertiary characters are Frederick's friends and family and the Titanic.
This historical novel had a huge cast of characters. They were necessary to add richness to the story. But I didn't like most of them, especially the main character and the titled English people.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The basic premise was a young rich woman in an unhappy marriage survives the sinking of the Titanic with her young son. To start a new life in New York, she must be listed among the dead. So she thinks quickly and decides to change their lives forever.
The main locations were in various cities in England; aboard the Titanic and the Carpathia; and the Lower East Side of New York City.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
The premise of this book is good and could have happened in the 1910s when this novel was set, but it still would have been difficult to pull off.
But, it would never work today. Social media would never let it happen. This makes me think about the role social media has in my life. It is definitely something to cut back on and engage in the present.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Meh!
Book title: 4.0 stars
There could be a stronger title.
DEFINITE recommend
NetGalley ARC (eARC/eBOOK)
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn
384 pages
Simon & Schuster UK
FUTURE release date of 2/25/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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