A book review of Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan. This thought provoking, masterfully written historical fiction novel will take you on a journey you will not forget. It is an incredible account of a little known shipreck and its aftermath.
"An atmospheric, compelling story of survival, tragedy, the enduring power of myth and memory, and the moments that change one's life."- Kristin Hannah
The One With The Titanic of The South!
This post is my personal, honest review of Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan!
Surviving Savannah
A Novel by Patti Callahan
You know those moments when you find something you didn't know you were missing? Reading the summary of Surviving Savannah at the bookstore was such a moment for me. It quite literary took my breath away. I love history and stories of shipwrecks. Sunken treasures and the secrets of the ocean have always intrigued me as well. Who knew I had to only walk into a bookstore to find a treasure?
I had never heard of the Pulaski, her tragic faith, or the novel, so I am so glad I saw it on display. In fact, I had found another book, but felt like I needed something in addition to it. And there it was on a corner display. Surviving Savannah! The dramatic, fiery cover art and intriguing title spoke to me.
Once I found out that the story was based on a real steamship from the 1800s, that was recently found off the North Carolina coast, I had to know more. Since the ship sank on June 15, Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan was perfect for our Books, Babes and Life book club June pick.
Our book club is all about embracing and living LIFE to the fullest, but also rolling with the punches. This empowering story of three remarkable, brave women inspires us to do just that.
So, without further ado, here is our June 2022 Book Club Pick.
Happy Reading!!!
Book Synopsis & Details
- from the publisher
It was called "The Titanic of the South." The luxury steamship sank in 1838 with Savannah's elite on board; through time, their fates were forgotten--until the wreck was found, and now their story is finally being told in this breathtaking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
When Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski, she's shocked. The ship sank after a boiler explosion in 1838, and the wreckage was just discovered, 180 years later. Everly can't resist the opportunity to try to solve some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the devastating night of its sinking.
Everly's research leads her to the astounding history of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together, and the extraordinary stories of two women from this family: a known survivor, Augusta Longstreet, and her niece, Lilly Forsyth, who was never found, along with her child. These aristocratic women were part of Savannah's society, but when the ship exploded, each was faced with difficult and heartbreaking decisions. This is a moving and powerful exploration of what women will do to endure in the face of tragedy, the role fate plays, and the myriad ways we survive the surviving.
The Story - A Spoiler Free Review
The Pulaski steamship is known as the Titanic of the South. It embarked on what was supposed to be a one night at sea voyage from Savannah to Baltimore. Carrying Savannah's elite and most of their treasured belongings on board, the ship sailed away, never to be seen again. A trip, supposed to be safe and short, turned into one of the most intriguing tragedies in Maritime history.
With the wreckage, only recently discovered, historians can finally shed light on the events that took place that faithful night. What Patti Callahan has done here is blend the tragedy of the Pulaski, the stories of her passengers and the 2018 discovery of the wreckage into a masterfully woven tale of life, death, and the thin line between.
Contemporary and historic timelines intertwine to make us part of an incredible journey of self-discovery, personal growth, survival, friendship, and redemption alongside the three heroines in the story. The point of view shifts between Everly, a contemporary professor, and two remarkable women on board the Pulaski.
"... the past echoes into our present time if only we turn our ear toward its stories."
Patti Callahan, Surviving Savannah
We follow Everly, as she looks for answers and attempts to uncover secrets that lay hidden on the bottom of the ocean for over a century. We witness a tragedy break the boundaries between status and race, through the experiences described by Lilly and Augusta. And we see three women, find the courage to fight for what's more precious than all the riches in the world - life.
"No one spoke a word, each lost in their thoughts of those suffering their last breaths in the arms of an indifferent sea."
Patti Callahan, Surviving Savannah
About the Author and What to Read Next
Patti Callahan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels and podcast host. She is the recipient of The Christy Award 2019 Winner “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2020 and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for 2019. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. - from the author's web page
Book Recommendations for Fans of Surviving Savannah
A true master of both contemporary and historical fiction, Patti Callahan has a lot of beautifully written novels to choose from. Below are some of my favorites.
Published in March 2020. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Published in October 2021. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Published in October 2017. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Final Thoughts
As soon as I started reading this captivating story, I began doing my own research on the Pulaski. I could barely put the book down and was eager to visit Savannah myself. I loved that the author included a back matter with facts about the shipwreck and recovery efforts.
An emotional and empowering read, Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan comes at a time when we all need a reminder of what matters most in life. Fame, wealth, and social status mean little compared to a life among our loved ones. The story is also a great reminder that prejudice, discrimination, abuse, and hatred belong where the pieces of the broken Pulaski shipwreck landed - on the bottom of the ocean.
Patti Callahan blends past and present in such a beautiful and seamless way that it never takes away from the flow of the story. I fell in love with the characters both historic and contemporary. They were complicated, grieving, lost at times, conflicted, and flawed. Simply put, they were human. Surviving Savannah is a riveting tale about living life to the fullest and making every moment count.
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