Hardback: 408 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bloomsbury 2021
Source: Tywyn Library
First Sentences: 'They are here with you?' There was hesitation in Aunt Therese's voice that frightened Marcella
Setting: Nice, France and New York
Review Quote: Gripping . A moving tale of courage, survival and maternal love ― Sunday Express
My Opinion: The fate of the Titanic is well known and Celia Imrie and Fidelis Morgan, who carried out the historical research, have taken some of the real life survivors and produced a poignant novel that successfully blends fact and fiction.
The female protagonist Marcella Caret was in 1911, living in Nice, France with her controlling husband Michael. She has bravely filed for divorce and the couple are awaiting the judges custody decision, with regards to their two sons. During this time Michael receives news that pushes him into making a momentous decision, nothing will ever be the same again.
The historical research that Celia and Fidelis carried out to enable this story to be written is fascinating and the section about this work at the end of the novel is definitely worth reading. I have discovered online that the two ladies are speaking about the novel and the research behind it at various literary events around the UK this Spring. Information about these events can be found on Twitter @FidoMorgan. Recommended then to those that enjoy historical fiction, fiction based on fact or those that have an interest in Titanic history. Plus of course those readers that are fans of Celia Imrie.
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: From internationally bestselling author and celebrated actress Celia Imrie, an epic novel set against the backdrop of the sinking of the Titanic.
Nice, France, 1911: After three years of marriage, Marcella Navratil has finally had enough. Her husband, Michael, an ambitious tailor, may have charmed her during their courtship, but their few years of marriage have revealed a cruel and controlling streak. The 21-year-old mother of two is determined to get a divorce.But while awaiting the Judges' decision on the custody of their children, Michael receives news that changes everything.
Meanwhile fun-loving New York socialite Margaret Hays is touring Europe with some friends. Restless, she resolves to head home aboard the most celebrated steamer in the world.
But as the ship sets sail for America, carrying two infants bearing false names, the paths of Marcella, Michael and Margaret cross and nothing will ever be the same again.
Orphans of the Storm dives into the waters of the past to unearth a sweeping, epic tale of the sinking of the Titanic that radiates with humanity and hums with life.
Author Profile:
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Celia Imrie was born in Guildford on July 15th1952. She is best known for her role as an actress but in 2011 she published her first novel of which the latest in 2021 was 'Orphans of the Storm'
A comprehensive biography can be read on Wikipedia
Photographs, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:
Wikipedia Amazon - Author Page Goodreads - Celia Imrie Twitter - Fidelis Morgan
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