Remarkably, as Larson demonstrates, the passengers were relatively calm sailing into submarine-infested waters during the tenth month of the war, likely an effect of the widespread expectation that civilian ships were to be kept safe from attack. On its final excursion, the Lusitania was captained by William Thomas Turner and contained passengers both regal and humble, as well as numerous children. This “Greyhound” was cruising from NYC to Liverpool in seas recently declared by Germany to be a war zone when it was attacked by a German U-boat, or submarine. It was the first of Cunard’s “grand trio” of four-funneled ships. In response to competition, it was designed in 1907 to be one of the biggest, fastest, most luxurious and most modern ships around. The Lusitania was a Cunard transatlantic liner that navigated between New York City and Liverpool. In his characteristic compelling biographical style, Larson educates readers on this maritime catastrophe.įirst, let’s talk basics. Many people have heard of this World War I disaster, but few know the minute details, the ill-fated set of conditions that culminated in the deaths of hundreds of passengers. In “Dead Wake,” Larson explores the events during the weeks leading up to the sinking of the luxury ocean liner the Lusitania on May 7, 1915. (Can I take a second to brag that my copy of the former is signed by the author?!) If you have not read any of this guy’s books, you need to.

I did not think it would be possible, but “Dead Wake” has replaced “The Devil in the White City” as my favorite Erik Larson book.

Dead wake erik larson review