Read with Sharon - May 2024
Unsinkable - Jenni L Walsh
When I first learned about this book, I was immediately drawn to read it. Ever since watching the movie starring Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, I have been fascinated by the
infamous maiden voyage of the Titanic, and enjoy stories about the people that were aboard the ship when it sunk in 1912. And Unsinkable does not disappoint.
Violet Jessop is a first-class stewardess who survived the sinking of not only the Titanic but also the downing of two sister ships, the Britannic and Olympic. Walsh introduces Violet to us in such a captivating manner, prompting me to delve deeper into the real-life of this remarkable woman. (Google is indeed, my friend!)
Unsinkable also tells the story of Daphne Chaundanson who, as an infant, lost her mother in a tragedy at sea. The tale follows Violet’s and Daphne’s lives through various challenges until their eventual encounter, weaving together the story of two women determined to survive and thrive, no matter how great the obstacles they face.
Until then, I hope you enjoy Unsinkable. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
P.S. And please post a photo of yourself reading Unsinkable on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ReadWithSharon
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Reviews
The Titanic was only the beginning. What she survived has become legend. What she survived has become legend. Inspired by true stories of survival and resilience, Unsinkable entwines the lives of two women, one from World War 1 and another from World War 2, as they face adversity and take hold of the second chances given to them.
Violet Jessop is Miss Unsinkable.
After her mother becomes too ill to work, the responsibility to provide for the family falls to Violet as the oldest of nine. When the world enters the Great War, she serves as a nurse, helping men who could very well be her brothers. Working as a stewardess and wartime nurse, Violet not only survives a shipwreck but also two sinkings, one on the infamous Titanic. No one can understand why she would return to sea, but something keeps drawing Violet back to the tumultuous waters, where she struggles to put the tragedies of her past behind her and pursue a life and love all her own.
https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/9781400233953/unsinkable/
Unsinkable - Jenni L Walsh
Book Club Questions
THE CHARACTER’S JOURNEY
- What did 1. you think of Daphne?
- What did you think of Violet?
THE STORY PLOT
- The author mixed fact with fiction. What did you learn from reading Unsinkable?
- The story is about resilience. Is there a time in your life where you had to be resilient?
- Had you heard of the Special Operations Executive?
THE ENDING
- Did it work for you? What would you have changed?
- What do you think is the author’s message to readers of Unsinkable?
- What did you take away from the book?
- Are you left with any questions?
SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING
- Did you notice any symbolism?
- What foreshadowing did you notice?
THE WRITING
- Use one adjective to describe the writing itself.
- What would you change if you could rewrite Unsinkable?
DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC
- What did you love most about the book?
- Did the book change any views/opinions that you have?
