Title: Women & Children First
Author: Gill Paul
First published March 29, 2012
480 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781847563255 (ISBN10: 1847563252)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
The sinking of the Titanic was a tragedy that shook the lives of all on board. Among the survivors were Reg, a handsome steward working in the first-class dining room; Annie, a gifted Irishwoman traveling with her four children; Juliette, a titled English lady who is pregnant and unmarried; American millionaire George Grayling and his wife Margaret, trapped in a poisoned marriage; and a mystery passenger who never shows her face in public.
As they struggle to cope with the aftermath of the sinking, each must find a way to rebuild their shattered lives. But how can they ever forget the thousands of people who perished in the icy waters of the North Atlantic?
With rich historical detail and vivid storytelling, Women & Children First is a must-read for fans of Downton Abbey and lovers of historical fiction. This book includes original photographs from onboard the ship and fascinating facts about the Titanic.
About the Author
Meet Gill Paul, an accomplished author of eleven historical novels that bring real women to life. Her books delve into the stories of women who have been marginalized or misjudged by historians.
Take, for example, THE MANHATTAN GIRLS, a novel about Dorothy Parker and her bridge-playing friends. Or THE COLLECTOR’S DAUGHTER, which tells the story of Lady Evelyn Herbert, the first person to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb in modern times.
If you’re a fan of biographical fiction, you’ll love JACKIE AND MARIA (retitled THE SECOND MARRIAGE in the UK), which explores the rivalry between Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy over Aristotle Onassis. Gill is also the author of two bestselling novels about the Romanovs – THE SECRET WIFE and THE LOST DAUGHTER – as well as other popular works like WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST and ANOTHER WOMAN’S HUSBAND.
Gill’s books have been translated into twenty-one languages and have topped the charts of USA Today, Toronto Globe & Mail, and Kindle. But she doesn’t just write fiction – Gill also has a passion for historical non-fiction.
Her book A HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN 50 OBJECTS is a fascinating read.
Not only is Gill a talented writer, but she’s also an engaging speaker. She frequently speaks at libraries and literary festivals on a range of topics, from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.
When she’s not writing or speaking, you can find her swimming daily in an outdoor pond. Currently, Gill is working on her thirteenth novel from her home in London.
Editoral Review
Women & Children First by Gill Paul is a gripping historical fiction novel that takes readers on an emotional journey through the Titanic tragedy. Within this beautifully written book, Paul explores themes of love, survival, and sacrifice, bringing to life the real individuals who were on board during that fateful voyage.
Published on March 29, 2012, the novel has been widely praised for its expertly crafted storytelling, attention to detail, and historical accuracy. As a seasoned writer, Gill Paul has expertly blended fact and fiction to create a story that is both captivating and informative.
Through her writing, she brings to life the experiences of those who were aboard the Titanic, and expertly portrays the tragedy from multiple perspectives. She takes readers on a journey through the lives of the passengers, exploring their personal struggles as well as their connections to one another.
With exquisite attention to detail, Paul creates a vivid picture of the Titanic in all its grandeur, and expertly depicts the shocking events that unfold as the ship sinks beneath the waves. The novel follows the stories of several key characters aboard the Titanic, including Caroline Fletcher, Margaret Crane, and John Jacob Astor.
Caroline, a wealthy first-class passenger, struggles with the constraints of her privileged life and her loveless marriage. Margaret, a Second Class stewardess, is desperate to provide a better life for her daughter, and finds herself risking everything to save others as the ship is sinking.
John Jacob Astor, a wealthy businessman, is determined to survive at any cost, but finds himself profoundly affected by the events of the night. Through these characters, Paul explores the class divides that were so prevalent in early twentieth century society, and delves into the complexities of human nature in times of crisis.
She expertly captures the fear and confusion that gripped so many of the passengers, as well as the incredible acts of bravery and sacrifice that occurred throughout the tragedy. While some readers may be familiar with the basic details of the Titanic disaster, Pauls expertly woven narrative brings the tragedy to life in a way that is both haunting and deeply moving.
Her dedication to historical accuracy is evident throughout the novel, and she expertly captures the spirit of the era with her impeccable research and attention to detail. Throughout the book, Paul expertly weaves themes of sacrifice, love, and survival, creating a narrative that is both deeply emotional and intellectually engaging.
Her writing is elegant and compelling, and her characters are vividly drawn and utterly believable. Despite its many strengths, Women & Children First does have a few minor flaws.
Some readers may find the pacing a bit slow in parts, and there are a few characters whose stories are not fully developed. Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel a bit stilted at times.
Overall, Women & Children First is an incredibly well-written and emotionally powerful novel that is sure to captivate readers. Gill Paul has expertly crafted a narrative that is both historically accurate and deeply moving, and her attention to detail is truly remarkable.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read. Rating: 4.5/5
