The Second Mrs. Astor is a captivating novel set in the days of the Titanic and in the life of its main protagonist, Madeleine Astor. This novel takes readers back to 1912, when Madeleine, an 18-year old heiress, finds herself on the most famous ship in the world, surrounded by wealthy and influential people. The novel follows Madeleine’s journey as she navigates her way through an unfamiliar world of wealth, power, privilege and tragedy. With vivid descriptions and engaging characters, this novel of Titanic days brings to life a moment in history that we all remember with both sorrow and awe. From her struggles to find her place on board the ill-fated vessel to her fight for survival after it sinks into the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeleine’s story will keep readers enthralled until the end. In this review, I will discuss some of the key features of this book, its pros and cons, as well as my overall opinion of the Second Mrs. Astor.
The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days Review
The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days is a sweeping historical novel that follows Cora Hirtle, a young widow living in New York City at the turn of the twentieth century. When she meets John Jacob Astor IV, one of the wealthiest men in America, her life changes drastically as they fall in love and marry, thrusting her into the highest echelons of society and onto the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic.
Key Features:
1. Follows Cora Hirtle through love, marriage, and tragedy aboard the Titanic
2. Captures the glamour and glitz of high society at the turn of the twentieth century
3. Explores themes of class, money, power, ambition, survival and resilience
4. A sweeping saga of lost dreams and a determined spirit
5. Engaging story with characters that readers will care about
A perfect blend of history and fiction, The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days paints a vivid picture of life at sea and on land during this turbulent period. Readers will be captivated by Cora’s journey as she learns to navigate the treacherous waters of high society and strives to find her place among it all. With unforgettable characters who face unspeakable tragedy onboard the Titanic, this heart-wrenching story is sure to stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Product Details
Product | Details |
---|---|
Title | The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days |
Author | Michelle Gable |
Publisher | Kensington Books |
Release Date | May 16, 2019 |
Format | Paperback |
Pages | 384 pages |
ISBN-13/EAN | 9781496732045 |
ISBN-10 | 1496732049 |
The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days Pros and Cons
The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days is a gripping historical fiction novel that takes readers back to the fateful events of April 15, 1912. From the moment when John Jacob Astor and his young bride Madeleine disembark from the RMS Titanic until their rescue in one of the final lifeboats, this book offers an epic glimpse into their story. Written with detail and emotion, The Second Mrs. Astor captures the drama and tragedy of that fateful night.
Pros
1. Richly detailed with accurate historical information – This book provides a vivid account of what it was like on board the Titanic as well as post-rescue details about the lives of John Jacob Astor and Madeleine Force Astor.
2. Captivating story line – The author weaves together elements of romance, tragedy, mystery, and suspense to create an unforgettable tale.
3. Emotionally powerful – This novel is filled with emotion as readers experience both joy and sorrow while living through the events with the characters.
Cons
1. Slow pacing at times – The story tends to move slowly in some parts, which can be off-putting for those looking for a fast-paced read.
2. Limited character development – While certain characters are explored in depth, many others are only briefly mentioned or not mentioned at all.
3. Lack of closure – As is often the case with historical fiction novels, the ending leaves readers wanting more resolution and closure for some plotlines.
Overall, The Second Mrs. Astor is a stunning novel that provides an intimate insight into one of history's most iconic moments - the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. With its richly detailed narrative, captivating story line, and emotionally powerful characters, this book will keep you riveted until the very last page!
Who are They for
The Second Mrs. Astor is a captivating novel that takes readers back to the fateful days of Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Set in 1912, debut author Joy Callaway weaves an intricate story around the marriage of one of America’s wealthiest families, the Astors. The heroine, Violet, is a young widow who is struggling to find her place in society and decides to marry John Jacob Astor IV. But as Violet soon discovers, being a part of the Astor family comes with its own unique set of difficulties and mysteries.
Violet must now navigate through the world of high society and learn to live with her new husband’s eccentricities, all while trying to uncover the secrets that lurk beneath the surface. With vivid descriptions and richly drawn characters, The Second Mrs. Astor paints a stunning portrait of life and love on board the Titanic before its tragic demise.
A vivid exploration into two lives intertwined between past and present, The Second Mrs. Astor is both a gripping drama and a timeless love story that will leave you spellbound until its breathtaking conclusion. This remarkable novel is sure to keep readers enthralled until the very last page!
My Experience for The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days
I never thought I'd be so lucky to go on the Titanic. It was the experience of a lifetime—one I will never forget. As the second Mrs. Astor, I felt like a queen amongst the other passengers aboard the ship.
The journey was even more magical than I had expected it to be. The days were filled with luxurious feasts, exciting excursions, and beautiful sights. But nothing could have prepared me for the night of April 14th, 1912 when an iceberg forced us to evacuate our beloved Titanic.
We all scrambled to get onto lifeboats as quickly as possible and find safety away from the sinking ship. On my boat, time seemed to stand still as we stared in disbelief at the unfathomable destruction. Although it was one of the darkest moments of my life, I'm forever grateful that I survived and can tell this story today.
The Second Mrs. Astor is a must-read novel that captures my unforgettable experience aboard the Titanic. Through its captivating plot and vivid descriptions, readers will be able to feel like they are right there alongside me as we face one of history's greatest tragedies.
What I don't Like
1.The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days may have complicated plot points and characters that are difficult to follow.
2.It is not a historically accurate account of the Titanic disaster, as it mixes historical events with fictional elements.
3.The book may be too slow-moving for some readers, as the pacing of the story can be quite slow at times.
4.The novel's setting in 1912 is not always clearly conveyed, which may make it difficult for modern readers to connect with the characters and their experiences.
5.The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days contains themes about class and inequality that could be triggering for some readers.
6.The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days does not provide much closure, leaving many questions unanswered by the end of the book.
How to Create a Titanic-Era Atmosphere with The Second Mrs. Astor
Are you looking to re-create the elegant and romantic atmosphere of Titanic days? Then The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days is the perfect choice for you! This book, written by Elizabeth Stuckey-French, evokes a sense of nostalgia while tackling themes of love, loss, and social class.
The novel follows the story of Alice French, who arrives in New York City from England as the new bride of William Waldorf Astor. Despite being married to one of the wealthiest men in America, Alice struggles to adjust to her new life as she faces opposition from both high society and her husband's family. As Alice navigates her way through this strange new world, readers are taken back in time to experience the opulence and glamour of pre-Titanic New York.
To create your own Titanic-era atmosphere, start by reading The Second Mrs. Astor! This gripping novel is full of suspense and intrigue that will keep you captivated throughout. After finishing the book, why not take some inspiration from Alice's story and host your own dinner party? Dress up in your best period clothing and serve an elaborate meal complete with champagne and fine china. Invite friends over for a night of conversation and merriment like they did during those bygone days.
So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days today, and use it to recreate a classic era that still fascinates us today!
Questions about The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days
What is the story about?
The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days tells the story of Violet Jessop, a stewardess on the ill-fated RMS Titanic, who finds herself caught up in a love triangle between two prominent passengers – William and Madeleine Astor. Set against the backdrop of a class-divided society, this historical fiction novel explores themes of friendship, ambition and romance as Violet struggles to make sense of events that will change her life forever.
Who is the author?
The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of Titanic Days is written by award-winning author Rhys Bowen. Bowen is an avid historian who has written numerous bestselling novels set in different eras, including In Farleigh Field and The Tuscan Child.
What can readers expect from this book?
Readers can expect an immersive and captivating journey into a fascinating period in history. Through vivid descriptions and intricate plotlines, The Second Mrs. Astor offers an engaging exploration of social class and morality during the Titanic era. With plenty of drama and romance, this novel is sure to keep readers hooked until the very last page!
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.