Review of The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland
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Judy Burr
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Review of The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland" by Cheryl Roberts Gale.]
The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland - A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption, and a Curse's Wrath - A Novel by Cheryl Roberts Gale
Nurse Eleanor sits with an elderly man facing his final days at the Trinity Hospice Center, London, November 1965. The captain is experiencing fear and anxiety, so Eleanor spends time with her favorite patient, calming him and allowing him to express himself so he can find peace. Captain Henry George Kendall tells her of two incidents on the ocean that make his life story a mysterious tale. He chose Eleanor to help him find redemption before he dies. This account is a true story with some fiction added by the author.
Eleanor is a young nurse who just finished her training. She lives close to the hospice in a small apartment with her old cat, Tibby, her Christmas present years ago given to her by her father, who passed away a few days later in a car accident. Although her mother wanted Tibby to stay with her, Tibby reminds Eleanor of her father and all the good times she had with him. Her mother is a bit overbearing and nosy, so Eleanor tries to avoid arguments and does her best to keep a civil tongue. Her mother wishes she would move back home, but Eleanor likes the privacy of her little apartment she shares with Tibby. It was endearing to read that she often cried out to God to help with her troubles.
The author organized the book into alternating chapters: Eleanor's life, including her reflections on the captain, and the captain's story. One day the captain reveals the name of the person intertwined in his story: Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen. Eleanor visits the city library and discovers the accuracy of the captain's recollections. Eleanor's research identified Hawley as the notorious "London Cellar Murderer." No wonder the captain was upset about meeting this man. The author adds a third alternating chapter: Hawley's story. How is the Empress of Ireland part of the intertwined story? Has Eleanor become intertwined in his story? How can she help the captain find the peace he desperately needs?
This book is truly remarkable, incorporating the author's research and other books on this subject by Captain Kendall and Dr. Crippen and the author's weaving of fiction into the stories. There are no typos or grammar errors in this professionally edited book. Readers will especially appreciate the fully developed characters, particularly the descriptions and emotions of the captain and Dr. Crippen. The author’s style flows, and as noted, the organization of the book is excellent. The book cover art is perfect. I did not dislike anything about this book. I wished that Otto, the son of Dr. Crippen, had received the same level of development as the other characters. What kind of man was he, having been the son of Dr. Crippen?
Despite the absence of profanity and erotic sexual content, certain parts of the story involve infidelity, gruesome details of a fight, murder and punishment, and historic shipwrecks, making the book more appropriate for mature readers. For all the reasons mentioned above, I awarded this book the top rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
******
The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland - A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption, and a Curse's Wrath - A Novel by Cheryl Roberts Gale
Nurse Eleanor sits with an elderly man facing his final days at the Trinity Hospice Center, London, November 1965. The captain is experiencing fear and anxiety, so Eleanor spends time with her favorite patient, calming him and allowing him to express himself so he can find peace. Captain Henry George Kendall tells her of two incidents on the ocean that make his life story a mysterious tale. He chose Eleanor to help him find redemption before he dies. This account is a true story with some fiction added by the author.
Eleanor is a young nurse who just finished her training. She lives close to the hospice in a small apartment with her old cat, Tibby, her Christmas present years ago given to her by her father, who passed away a few days later in a car accident. Although her mother wanted Tibby to stay with her, Tibby reminds Eleanor of her father and all the good times she had with him. Her mother is a bit overbearing and nosy, so Eleanor tries to avoid arguments and does her best to keep a civil tongue. Her mother wishes she would move back home, but Eleanor likes the privacy of her little apartment she shares with Tibby. It was endearing to read that she often cried out to God to help with her troubles.
The author organized the book into alternating chapters: Eleanor's life, including her reflections on the captain, and the captain's story. One day the captain reveals the name of the person intertwined in his story: Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen. Eleanor visits the city library and discovers the accuracy of the captain's recollections. Eleanor's research identified Hawley as the notorious "London Cellar Murderer." No wonder the captain was upset about meeting this man. The author adds a third alternating chapter: Hawley's story. How is the Empress of Ireland part of the intertwined story? Has Eleanor become intertwined in his story? How can she help the captain find the peace he desperately needs?
This book is truly remarkable, incorporating the author's research and other books on this subject by Captain Kendall and Dr. Crippen and the author's weaving of fiction into the stories. There are no typos or grammar errors in this professionally edited book. Readers will especially appreciate the fully developed characters, particularly the descriptions and emotions of the captain and Dr. Crippen. The author’s style flows, and as noted, the organization of the book is excellent. The book cover art is perfect. I did not dislike anything about this book. I wished that Otto, the son of Dr. Crippen, had received the same level of development as the other characters. What kind of man was he, having been the son of Dr. Crippen?
Despite the absence of profanity and erotic sexual content, certain parts of the story involve infidelity, gruesome details of a fight, murder and punishment, and historic shipwrecks, making the book more appropriate for mature readers. For all the reasons mentioned above, I awarded this book the top rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
******
The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Judy
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Sarahi Vega
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In *The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland*, Cheryl Roberts Gale masterfully intertwines historical fact with imaginative fiction, crafting a narrative that is both haunting and enthralling. This debut novel delves into the tragic sinking of the RMS Empress of Ireland in 1914, weaving a tale that explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the supernatural.
The story unfolds through the eyes of a young nurse attending to the ailing Captain Henry Kendall. On his deathbed, Kendall reveals a long-held secret linking him to the infamous "London Cellar Murderer," Dr. Hawley Crippen. This confession sets off a chain of events that spans decades, culminating in a revelation that challenges the boundaries between history and myth.
Gale's narrative is rich with historical detail, bringing to life the early 20th-century setting with vivid descriptions and meticulous research. The author's portrayal of the Empress of Ireland's final voyage is both poignant and suspenseful, capturing the chaos and despair of the disaster that claimed over a thousand lives. citeturn0search13
What sets this novel apart is its exploration of the idea of a curse, allegedly cast by Dr. Crippen, that haunts the ship and its crew. Gale deftly balances this supernatural element with the grounded reality of historical events, creating a story that is both believable and otherworldly.
The characters are well-developed, with Captain Kendall's internal struggle and quest for redemption serving as the emotional core of the narrative. The nurse, whose life is irrevocably changed by Kendall's confession, provides a compelling perspective on the lingering impact of past sins.
Gale's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the story with a lyrical quality that enhances the novel's haunting atmosphere. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
In conclusion, *The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland* is a captivating blend of history and fiction, offering a fresh perspective on a lesser-known maritime tragedy. Cheryl Roberts Gale's debut is a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting readers to ponder the thin line between truth and legend.
The story unfolds through the eyes of a young nurse attending to the ailing Captain Henry Kendall. On his deathbed, Kendall reveals a long-held secret linking him to the infamous "London Cellar Murderer," Dr. Hawley Crippen. This confession sets off a chain of events that spans decades, culminating in a revelation that challenges the boundaries between history and myth.
Gale's narrative is rich with historical detail, bringing to life the early 20th-century setting with vivid descriptions and meticulous research. The author's portrayal of the Empress of Ireland's final voyage is both poignant and suspenseful, capturing the chaos and despair of the disaster that claimed over a thousand lives. citeturn0search13
What sets this novel apart is its exploration of the idea of a curse, allegedly cast by Dr. Crippen, that haunts the ship and its crew. Gale deftly balances this supernatural element with the grounded reality of historical events, creating a story that is both believable and otherworldly.
The characters are well-developed, with Captain Kendall's internal struggle and quest for redemption serving as the emotional core of the narrative. The nurse, whose life is irrevocably changed by Kendall's confession, provides a compelling perspective on the lingering impact of past sins.
Gale's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the story with a lyrical quality that enhances the novel's haunting atmosphere. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
In conclusion, *The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland* is a captivating blend of history and fiction, offering a fresh perspective on a lesser-known maritime tragedy. Cheryl Roberts Gale's debut is a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting readers to ponder the thin line between truth and legend.
