by JanineS (Michigan): Captivating historical fiction based on a real person, Marguerite “Rita” Jolivet who survived the sinking of the Lusitania. That sinking is often lost to history because of the Titanic’s similar fate which occurred three years earlier. In the case of the Lusitania, no berg sealed its fate but rather the cruelty of war did.
The book focuses on the Jolivet sisters, Marguerite and Inez, both brilliant in her own way. “Rita” found her star in acting and Inez in music. Inez fell in love with George Vernon and actor, and their love was of sweetness. The fatal voyage was a last minute decision on Marguerite’s part because her brother had enlisted to fight – it’s 1915 and WWI is in full swing. The description of what happens when and after a U-Boat sinks her is spot on historically.
This novel is well written, bringing alive the splendor and excess of the waning days of the monarchy, peerage and the Edwardian Era. It starts out slow focusing on the Jolivet sisters but they have such a magical quality and bond between that is lovingly portrayed. But once the trip on the Lusitania begins, the pace picks up dramatically. But I felt in reading that this book had such a sweet poignancy – perfect for those moments when you want to be swept away – even though there is a tragedy to the story – as incomprehensible as that may seem – because beneath the events is a story of enduring love.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this charming ARC. #acrownofstars #shanaabe
