THE LOST PASSENGER

A British woman who survives the sinking of the Titanic uses the opportunity to assume a false identity and start a new life in America.

When Elinor Hayward, daughter of Britain’s ultra-wealthy, self-made “cotton king,” meets the charming Frederick Coombes, she’s instantly smitten. A marriage proposal follows in short order, and Elinor’s doting father is quick to consent, as Frederick is heir to a highly respected earldom. They’ve barely left the altar before Elinor realizes what a horrible mistake she’s made. Frederick and his family have duped the Haywards, roping them in simply to extract the enormous dowry that will follow. Frederick’s mother, Lady Storton, is quick to tell Elinor all the ways in which she’s lacking, from her inferior table manners to her abysmal accent. After Elinor does her duty by birthing a son, life only gets worse: The family prevents Elinor from spending more than a few minutes a day with her baby, Teddy, threatening to have her committed if she protests. When Elinor’s father secures tickets for the whole family—but no nanny—for the Titanic’s maiden voyage, Elinor seizes the opportunity to spend time with her child. It will be a short respite in an otherwise miserable existence. Then, when the ship sinks and no one knows what’s become of Elinor or Teddy, she realizes this might be her one chance to escape the life in which she’s landed. Narrated by Elinor, the book is enchanting from the opening scene, when Elinor finds an unexpected invitation to a ball. An Austen-esque novel of manners at the start, the story also hits notes from The Yellow Wallpaper, aptly illustrating the ways in which emotional displays have been used to punish and disenfranchise women. The author manages to keep suspense high during the inevitable sinking of the ship, offering readers a different perspective on the same incident so many have watched in the famous movie. Even better, the storyline that follows the rescue of the lifeboats and moves on to describe life in New York is entirely fresh and engaging. This is an impressively well-executed and fast-paced take on an oft-told story, chock full of drama and emotional heft.

A satisfying historical tale of second chances perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Jennifer Donnelly.