Shipwrecked Lives

by Nicholas Kinsey

[sg_halifax]

As a Maritimer, I've always been familiar with the stories of the Titanic and the Atlantic. The sinking of the Empress of Ireland is certainly a tragedy I'd heard of but it wasn't a story I knew much about.

I found Nicholas Kinsey's book absolutely fascinating and could certainly draw parallels between the Empress of Ireland's tragic sinking and the Lusitania's. They both happened so quickly that there was absolute chaos on the decks. They also both resulted in intense inquiries afterwards.

The historical research was first rate and based on primary sources. Though the book is historical fiction, the facts shone through and it were presented in a very readable way.

An important (though terribly sad) part of Canadian history that more people should learn about.