Title: The Deep: We all know the story of the Titanic . .
. don’t we?
Author: Alma Katsu
First published March 10, 2020
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781787631359 (ISBN10: 1787631354)
Rating: 3.33
Overview
The world knows the story of the Titanic, but what they don’t know is that something sinister was lurking on board. From mysterious disappearances to sudden deaths, the passengers were plagued by misfortunes during the ship’s maiden voyage.
Years later, as the world is at war, survivor Annie Hebbley finds herself working as a nurse on the Titanic’s sister ship. But when she comes across an unconscious soldier who she believes to be a passenger from the ill-fated voyage, Annie is forced to confront the demons of her past.
Is it possible that someone, or something, is still haunting the Titanic? The Deep by Alma Katsu is a haunting tale of survival, love, and the unexplainable.
About the Author
Stephen King describes it as hard to put down and not recommended reading after dark. Publishers Weekly says it makes the supernatural seem possible.
The Hunger is a book that has made it to NPR’s 100 Favorite Horror Stories and has been nominated for the Stoker and Locus awards. The author, known for books such as The Deep, a reimagining of the sinking of the Titanic, and The Hunger, a reimagining of the Donner Party’s tragic journey, has also written The Taker, The Reckoning, and The Descent.
In fact, The Taker was chosen by ALA/Booklist as one of the top ten debut novels of 2011.
Editoral Review
The Deep: We all know the story of the Titanic . .
. don’t we?
by Alma Katsu is a fascinating historical fiction novel that brings a fresh perspective to the sinking of the Titanic. Katsu, a seasoned writer whose previous works include The Hunger and The Taker, delivers another mesmerizing tale that seamlessly blends historical facts with supernatural elements.
Set in the early 20th century, the book follows several interconnected characters on board the Titanic, including Annie Hebbley, a young stewardess with a traumatic past, Mark Fletcher, a millionaire trying to escape his troubled life, and Madeleine Astor, a pregnant socialite accompanied by her husband, one of the wealthiest men in America. As the ship sets sail on its maiden voyage, tensions rise and secrets begin to unravel, leading to a climax that is as heart-wrenching as it is unexpected.
But that is not the end of the story.
Katsu takes the reader on a journey to the present day, where a team of researchers is examining artifacts salvaged from the wreck of the Titanic.
When strange occurrences start happening, it becomes clear that the past has not yet been put to rest. The book explores themes of love, loss, trauma, and the price of secrets, and Katsu’s skillful prose paints a vivid picture of both the luxury and the tragedy of the Titanic.
Rather than focusing solely on the disaster itself, Katsu’s novel delves into the lives of the passengers and crew, giving them depth and complexity beyond the usual stereotypes. The supernatural elements add an eerie layer to the story, but are not overdone, allowing the book to maintain its historical realism.
While the book may not be for those who shy away from dark themes or the paranormal, fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in the Titanic, will find themselves immersed in Katsu’s world. The Deep also raises questions about the ways in which the past continues to haunt us, and the impact that trauma can have across generations.
Overall, The Deep: We all know the story of the Titanic . .
. don’t we?
is a well-crafted and engaging read that both entertains and provokes thought. It is a unique take on a well-known tragedy, and Katsu’s writing ensures that the story is both gripping and haunting.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and anyone looking for a fresh perspective on a familiar tale. Washington Post gives it a score of 4.5 out of 5.
