Dead Wake
Larson, ErikIn May 1915 when the Cunard liner Lusitania left New York bound for Liverpool laden with more than 2000 people, it was reputedly the fastest civilian vessel afloat. But it was to be no match for the German submarine Unterseeboat-20. What had happened to the previous unofficial gentleman's agreement that had protected civilian ships? And how could the ensuing catastrophe have occurred when the U-boat was being tracked by British Intelligence?
Comprehensively researched from its human tragedy through to the details of maritime history and the perfect 'storm' of events, this is a vividly described account of a never to be forgotten disaster.
Pages
418
418
Year
2015
2015
Reviews
27-06-2023
An interesting book which was largely enjoyed by the Group. Some felt it went into a lot of minutiae, however others thought it provided a rich tapestry of the times from both sides of the Atlantic and at sea.
30-06-2022
Most of our group found the book a gripping read, fascinating with all the detail re shipboard life during wartime, and conveying well the grimness of conditions aboard submarines. Tension was cleverly built, even though we knew the outcome, by switching from one perspective to the other. Much discussion was had, inconclusively, re the culpability of the British government.
02-08-2021
A few of us found it absolutely fascinating. Some didn't get into it so we encouraged them to keep reading, and they were glad they finished it. We think that the first part, before the sinking, is hard work.
25-06-2021
The group enjoyed the book. An easy and enjoyable way to read and learn about history.
12-04-2021
Highly recommended by some readers. Others struggled to finish it. Author built up the sequence of events very well. The detailed research involved was appreciated.
30-07-2018
Everyone loved this book. Most of the group started out knowing very little about the Lusitania, apart from its name and the fact it was connected to WW1. There were many elements involved in the sinking and the author skilfully wove them into an interesting read. The discussion around the questions was diverse and at times involved the morality of government and military decisions in the past and in more recent times. A common thread was that the group found themselves discussing excerpts from the book with their partners, which is not a usual practice. Recommended read.
01-06-2018
Most found the book very informative and relatively easy to follow. Very cleverly written incorporating lots of statistical information in an interesting story. Recommend to all with an interest in history.
01-06-2018
High approval for this. Some started the book as a task, but quickly became engaged. All applauded the amount of research and felt that it had been used really well to sustain interest as it had not felt boring or overwhelming. All enjoyed the history lessons, the personal stories ( the survivors especially) and the level of suspense - even though the outcome was well-known.
01-06-2018
An excellent read. Although we all know the story and outcome, we didn't know much about V boats and the British navy. Nor did we know anything about the passengers who embarked on this fatal journey in wartime. Eric Larsen managed to organise a wealth of research into a succinct and thrilling account which held our attention right to the end. It was hard to put down. The details of the passengers' lives were fascinating along with their varied reasons for taking such a trip in wartime. We all loved the book and applaud the author for his craftsmanship and skill.
01-06-2018
We all loved the book - wonderful discussion. Enjoyed the human element.
01-06-2018
Most of us began the book with some reluctance, but once begun it became a fairly engrossing story. Our group were all very enthusiastic about it.
01-06-2018
Read like a novel. Most informative.
01-06-2018
This book was highly acclaimed by our group. Generally very positive comments on the book structure, research and educational value.