A new approach to a tragic event in maritime history overshadowed by more recent disasters. Gill Hoffs has researched the previously untold stories of the people bound up in the sinking of RMS Tayleur in 1854; one of Britain's most shocking civilian sea disasters before the Titanic.
Covers the little known true story of the enormous emigrant ship Ocean Monarch, which burned and sank with enormous loss of life a few hours after leaving Liverpool for Boston, and focuses on the fates of the people and animals involved.
Exploring maritime themes, the book features a blend of fiction and reportage that captures the essence of shipwrecks and their impact on lives. Notable stories include a poignant retelling of the Tayleur's tragic maiden voyage and a gripping narrative about survival on the land's edge. Gill Hoffs' prose is described as both visceral and vital, reflecting the complexities of life and death intertwined with the sea. The writing is characterized by a keen eye for detail and a deep empathy for both victims and survivors, making it a compelling read.
Covers the little known story of the William and Mary on its voyage to New Orleans, packed with 208 emigrants