Final Voyage

The Lusitania was the luxury “greyhound” ocean-liner of its time. While traversing the Atlantic between New York City and Liverpool, passengers enjoyed every amenity. The May 1, 1915 voyage was different. War has taken hold of Europe and Great Britain and the seas are dangerous. German U–boats have been sighted off the Irish coast and merchant vessels have to be wary. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson takes the reader on a voyage like no other. He reports on every possible detail that effects the great ship during this fateful crossing. A truly fascinating read! DB.  

Light Between Oceans

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman is the story of a young couple, Tom and Isabel, but it is also a story of Australia and of life lived immediately following World War I.  Tom, recently back from the war, lives an isolated life as the lighthouse keeper of Janus Rock off the shore of Australia.  After marrying Isabel they try for years to have children with several miscarriages and stillbirths.  One day a boat washes ashore, carrying a dead man and a living baby.  How Tom and Isabel deal with the arrival of this child and the repercussions of their actions make this novel a great story and highly recommended for book groups.  In addition to the story, reading about the geography of Australia and the history of that time, gives this book an added dimension.  SG

A Cup of Tea

A Cup of Tea by Amy Ephron is a historical book that takes you to 1917 New York City.  Rosemary and Philip are engaged to be married, a young couple born to privilege.  Rosemary, feeling charitable, invites Eleanor, a destitute woman, into her home, to get warm by the fire and to have a cup of tea.  When she spots Philip looking at Eleanor she sends the girl away -- but it's too late.  This is a dark romance with a growing sense of foreboding and a surprise conclusion.  SG