Review: "Dead Wake - The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson

I am becoming a big fan of Erik Larson for nonfiction! I have read “In the Garden of Beasts” and enjoyed his writing style. In my opinion, “Dead Wake” was as good if not better!!! As the name implies, this tells the story of the last crossing of the Lusitania. It provides all the pertinent details of life on the luxury liner. You get a glimpse into the workings of the ship from first class to third. You also get a peek at the passenger list, from the rich and famous on board to all the families that were booked on this tragic crossing. He also digs into the life of the Walther Schwieger, the captain of the German submarine Unterseeboot-20, that sunk the Lusitania. He explores the both the German and British political circumstances that led up to the sinking and the American response.

Mr. Larson has once again spun his magic with this heartrending story. He provides the facts in such a fashion that it reads like a page-turning novel. From the very first chapter, you are drawn in and want to keep reading. You want to know who has survived and how. You will grieve for the passengers lost and the lives destroyed. Once again he proves that he is a master story teller and historian.

If you are like me, I had heard of the Lusitania but never knew any details or what actually happened. If you are at all curious, pick up this book, it is a compelling, well written story that you will not put down until the last page.