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Surviving Savannah
When Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski, she's shocked. The ship sank after a boiler explosion in 1838, and the wreckage was just discovered, 180 years later. Everly can't resist the opportunity to try to solve some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the devastating night of its sinking.
Everly's research leads her to the astounding history of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together, and the extraordinary stories of two women from this family: a known survivor, Augusta Longstreet, and her niece, Lilly Forsyth, who was never found, along with her child. These aristocratic women were part of Savannah's society, but when the ship exploded, each was faced with difficult and heartbreaking decisions. This is a moving and powerful exploration of what women will do to endure in the face of tragedy, the role fate plays, and the myriad ways we survive the surviving.
Everly's research leads her to the astounding history of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together, and the extraordinary stories of two women from this family: a known survivor, Augusta Longstreet, and her niece, Lilly Forsyth, who was never found, along with her child. These aristocratic women were part of Savannah's society, but when the ship exploded, each was faced with difficult and heartbreaking decisions. This is a moving and powerful exploration of what women will do to endure in the face of tragedy, the role fate plays, and the myriad ways we survive the surviving.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published March 9, 2021
About the author
Patti Callahan Henry
36 books4,997 followersPatti Callahan Henry is a New York Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels, including her newest, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. She’s also a podcast host of original content for her novels, Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
She is the recipient of The Christy Award “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti also was a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. She’s published in numerous anthologies, articles, and short story collections, including an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, titled Wild Swan narrated by the Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo.
A full-time author, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband, Pat Henry.
She is the recipient of The Christy Award “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti also was a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. She’s published in numerous anthologies, articles, and short story collections, including an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, titled Wild Swan narrated by the Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo.
A full-time author, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband, Pat Henry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,255 reviews
April 23, 2021
Many of us love the historical fiction genre, but feel it is being marred by the amount of romance being thrown into the mix and therefore ruining a type of story that was once alluring and educated us. I am happy to say Surviving Savannah was not one of the aforementioned books. While there is a bit of romance, it does not overwhelm the story that Patti Callahan was trying to tell, that of a devastating sinking of the Pulaski in 1838. Often referred to as the Titanic of the South, this ship afforded luxury to its passengers, many of which were Savannah's very well to do citizens.
The story unfolds as we are introduced to Everly Winthrop, a history professor who along with the fiancé of her best friend just suffered a colossal loss the previous year. As Everly tries to come to terms with death, she is called in to curate a museum that will house the remnants and artifacts found on the bottom of the ocean where the Pulaski went down. Everly is fascinated by both the discovery and the various mysteries that surrounded the people who survived this devastation. Everly concentrates on the women, trying o find out what happened to these courageous and brave souls who lived for days without water and food and strived to survive. Everly realizes that just as in her own life, she is burdened with wreckage that life always carries, these women too, carried wreckage of loss and devastation.
The story was marvelous, not only because of the seamless way Miss Callahan united the past with the present, but also because of the extensive research she did that makes this book quite alluring and fascinating. I always love to read about things I knew nothing of and this ship exploding because a shipmate poured cold water into the boiler filled with stem, was one of one many items that enhanced the telling of this story.
However, this is a story of the women, a story that is well developed and point to their grit and the fortitude to go forward when up against insurmountable odds. This is a story made for lovers of historical fiction. Kudos to Miss Callahan for both this telling of this tragedy and restoring for a time my faith in historical fiction.
The story unfolds as we are introduced to Everly Winthrop, a history professor who along with the fiancé of her best friend just suffered a colossal loss the previous year. As Everly tries to come to terms with death, she is called in to curate a museum that will house the remnants and artifacts found on the bottom of the ocean where the Pulaski went down. Everly is fascinated by both the discovery and the various mysteries that surrounded the people who survived this devastation. Everly concentrates on the women, trying o find out what happened to these courageous and brave souls who lived for days without water and food and strived to survive. Everly realizes that just as in her own life, she is burdened with wreckage that life always carries, these women too, carried wreckage of loss and devastation.
The story was marvelous, not only because of the seamless way Miss Callahan united the past with the present, but also because of the extensive research she did that makes this book quite alluring and fascinating. I always love to read about things I knew nothing of and this ship exploding because a shipmate poured cold water into the boiler filled with stem, was one of one many items that enhanced the telling of this story.
However, this is a story of the women, a story that is well developed and point to their grit and the fortitude to go forward when up against insurmountable odds. This is a story made for lovers of historical fiction. Kudos to Miss Callahan for both this telling of this tragedy and restoring for a time my faith in historical fiction.
May 17, 2021
Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan is a 2021 Berkley publication.
1838-
An exciting voyage on the Pulaski steamship, suddenly turns into a nightmarish tragedy. On board the ship, are Lilly and Augusta, two women trapped by their societal obligations and expectations.
Thrown into a life or death situation, the women come to a point of reckoning… yet only one of them would make it home to Savannah..
One hundred and eighty years later, the discovery of the sunken Pulaski steamship, once dubbed the ‘Titanic of the South’, gives Everly Winthrop, a professor, a chance to curate the Pulaski exhibit for a museum, providing her with a much needed lifeline.
Since the loss of her best friend, Everly's been riddled with guilt, going through the motions of life, unable to pull herself out a deep depression. As a museum curator, Everly dives into the history of the Pulaski- both figuratively and literally.
I loved the premise of this novel and of course the setting. Savannah is such a storied location the city nearly always steals the show.
I have learned, by now, that when dealing with a dual timeline story, the historical elements are the heart and soul of the novel, nearly always overpowering the contemporary elements in terms of depth.
This book is no exception to that rule, although, I felt the historical portions were not as frequent or fleshed out, as I would have liked.
The author obviously did her homework, though, creating a very vivid picture of the ship, the horrifying disaster, and the struggle for survival.
The mystery of the Pulaski is so interesting it easily makes Lilly and Augusta’s part of the story the most heartbreaking, compelling, revealing, and riveting!
That said, it would have been incredibly hard for Everly to compete with that level of intensity, but her research is what helps to bring the history alive in her contemporary setting.
Still, Everly’s emotions were often palpable, beginning with the heaviness of her spirit, then progressing to her slow building excitement about the museum project, which leads to her eventual reawakening to life and living, which was a wonderful transformation to witness. I loved the way the past blended into the present and was a source of inspiration to Everly.
The book also takes a look at how people cope with what comes after, once they've managed to survive something monumental, still living, seemingly by fate, when others do not. It is a thought provoking topic, as not everyone who survives will go on to live productive or exemplary lives.
Overall, this was just the kind of historical fiction I have been craving. I learned something about a historical event I was not familiar with, and the storyline gave me some psychological elements to chew on. It is always nice to feel one has learned something new. It seems to me that the Pulaski steamship doesn't pop up in historical fiction too often- if ever, which is part of the reason it captivated me, I'm sure. I also really liked the characters, and watching them develop as a fascinating, historical mystery unfolded.
Overall, this was an interesting, memorable and lovely story, all around.
4 stars
1838-
An exciting voyage on the Pulaski steamship, suddenly turns into a nightmarish tragedy. On board the ship, are Lilly and Augusta, two women trapped by their societal obligations and expectations.
Thrown into a life or death situation, the women come to a point of reckoning… yet only one of them would make it home to Savannah..
One hundred and eighty years later, the discovery of the sunken Pulaski steamship, once dubbed the ‘Titanic of the South’, gives Everly Winthrop, a professor, a chance to curate the Pulaski exhibit for a museum, providing her with a much needed lifeline.
Since the loss of her best friend, Everly's been riddled with guilt, going through the motions of life, unable to pull herself out a deep depression. As a museum curator, Everly dives into the history of the Pulaski- both figuratively and literally.
I loved the premise of this novel and of course the setting. Savannah is such a storied location the city nearly always steals the show.
I have learned, by now, that when dealing with a dual timeline story, the historical elements are the heart and soul of the novel, nearly always overpowering the contemporary elements in terms of depth.
This book is no exception to that rule, although, I felt the historical portions were not as frequent or fleshed out, as I would have liked.
The author obviously did her homework, though, creating a very vivid picture of the ship, the horrifying disaster, and the struggle for survival.
The mystery of the Pulaski is so interesting it easily makes Lilly and Augusta’s part of the story the most heartbreaking, compelling, revealing, and riveting!
That said, it would have been incredibly hard for Everly to compete with that level of intensity, but her research is what helps to bring the history alive in her contemporary setting.
Still, Everly’s emotions were often palpable, beginning with the heaviness of her spirit, then progressing to her slow building excitement about the museum project, which leads to her eventual reawakening to life and living, which was a wonderful transformation to witness. I loved the way the past blended into the present and was a source of inspiration to Everly.
The book also takes a look at how people cope with what comes after, once they've managed to survive something monumental, still living, seemingly by fate, when others do not. It is a thought provoking topic, as not everyone who survives will go on to live productive or exemplary lives.
Overall, this was just the kind of historical fiction I have been craving. I learned something about a historical event I was not familiar with, and the storyline gave me some psychological elements to chew on. It is always nice to feel one has learned something new. It seems to me that the Pulaski steamship doesn't pop up in historical fiction too often- if ever, which is part of the reason it captivated me, I'm sure. I also really liked the characters, and watching them develop as a fascinating, historical mystery unfolded.
Overall, this was an interesting, memorable and lovely story, all around.
4 stars
May 7, 2021
“There is tragedy behind, and it trails us and walks alongside us, but still there is the great mystery of life after.’”
The Steamship Pulaski disaster was dubbed ‘the Titanic of its time’ yet most of us have never heard of it. The fight for survival was remarkable, especially given the time period.
Though I enjoyed learning about this event, I thought the delivery was a bit lacking. The present day story seemed to try too hard to mimic the original tragedy with too much time focused there instead of on the past story. Found myself skimming the last part of the book where the story became very repetitive and ‘harpy’. Not sure the dual timeline was needed. Just focusing on the Pulaski would’ve worked better for me. 3.5
The Steamship Pulaski disaster was dubbed ‘the Titanic of its time’ yet most of us have never heard of it. The fight for survival was remarkable, especially given the time period.
Though I enjoyed learning about this event, I thought the delivery was a bit lacking. The present day story seemed to try too hard to mimic the original tragedy with too much time focused there instead of on the past story. Found myself skimming the last part of the book where the story became very repetitive and ‘harpy’. Not sure the dual timeline was needed. Just focusing on the Pulaski would’ve worked better for me. 3.5
December 19, 2022
2 Stars
I thought this was okay. In my opinion, the author was trying a too little hard to draw connections between the tragedy of the Pulaski and the main character's personal tragedy, and it just felt like a bit of a stretch.
I also didn't love the dual timelines. The characters in the present felt very flat and their conversations very wooden. Not like real people. And the characters in the past felt like total caricatures.
I enjoyed some of the historical elements, but overall this fell short for me. The effort in drawing the profound life lesson toward the end felt forced and cliched.
I thought this was okay. In my opinion, the author was trying a too little hard to draw connections between the tragedy of the Pulaski and the main character's personal tragedy, and it just felt like a bit of a stretch.
I also didn't love the dual timelines. The characters in the present felt very flat and their conversations very wooden. Not like real people. And the characters in the past felt like total caricatures.
I enjoyed some of the historical elements, but overall this fell short for me. The effort in drawing the profound life lesson toward the end felt forced and cliched.
March 26, 2021
This book and author - big love. I love Patti Callahan Henry’s contemporary titles, as well as her newer historical fiction titles, and this is a book I’ve been looking forward to since I first heard about it. The Pulaski shipwreck was recently discovered off the North Carolina coast (also called the Graveyard of the Atlantic due to all its hard to navigate barrier islands). I spent my early life in a coastal community where a pier was built near an old steamer shipwreck (the pier was called The Iron Steamer), so this history has always fascinated me. In another life, I am an archaeological diver. 😂
The Pulaski was a luxury steamship called the Titanic of the south. It sank in 1838 but much of what happened has remained a mystery. In the novel, Everly, a history professor, is curating the artifacts discovered from the downed steamer. She immediately becomes enthralled in uncovering the mysteries about the Pulaski (I would be, too!).
Through her research, Everly begins to put together the story of two sisters- one who survived and one who didn’t. As one can imagine, it’s a powerful, emotional, and compelling story. As someone so intrigued by what happened with the Pulaski, I’m grateful Patti Callahan researched and wrote this story. The strong female characters and page-turning storyline made for a riveting read!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The Pulaski was a luxury steamship called the Titanic of the south. It sank in 1838 but much of what happened has remained a mystery. In the novel, Everly, a history professor, is curating the artifacts discovered from the downed steamer. She immediately becomes enthralled in uncovering the mysteries about the Pulaski (I would be, too!).
Through her research, Everly begins to put together the story of two sisters- one who survived and one who didn’t. As one can imagine, it’s a powerful, emotional, and compelling story. As someone so intrigued by what happened with the Pulaski, I’m grateful Patti Callahan researched and wrote this story. The strong female characters and page-turning storyline made for a riveting read!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 16, 2021
Have you heard of the Pulaski,” the titanic of the south“. A steamship that sunk off the coast of North Carolina in 1838, carrying some of the wealthiest residents of Savanna at the time. I know I hadn’t heard of the Pulaski before this book. I love reading a story that introduces me to a piece of history I never knew about before. This is a dual timelime Story bouncing between 1838 and present. The present day story is about Everly. An archaeologists who has been hired to put together the museum exhibit of the Pulaski. The ship always had a special place in the heart of Everly‘s grandfather and in turn hers. The past story alternates between the perspectives of Lily and Augusta. Both ladies are members of the same wealthy Savanna family and are traveling on the Pulaski to spend the summer in New York. Lily is traveling with her husband, her baby, and her nursemaid. She feels trapped by marriage and social expectations. Augusta was traveling with her brother and his family, she is a doting aunt. Augusta is a great confidant to Lily and knows far too much about social expectations.
Both storylines quickly captured my attention. Everly had recently gone through a major tragedy and was still dealing with the aftermath of that. Working on this museum exhibit gave her something to look forward to, but it also made her confront her past. Lily and Augusta’s stories were much more tense. The author did an amazing job of vividly describing the survival scenes in this book. I felt like I was right there in the water with both Augusta and Lily trying to hang on with everything they got. Made me really think about the resilience of the human spirit and the desire to survive. The overall arching theme of the story really was surviving, and surviving the surviving. Focusing on what it is you do with your life after you have survived the surviving. The story also addressed issues such as race, gender, grief, wealth. There is also a mystery and some romance peppered into the book. Another wonderful story from this excellent author.
This book in emojis 🛳 🥂 🤿 🌊 🎟
*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Both storylines quickly captured my attention. Everly had recently gone through a major tragedy and was still dealing with the aftermath of that. Working on this museum exhibit gave her something to look forward to, but it also made her confront her past. Lily and Augusta’s stories were much more tense. The author did an amazing job of vividly describing the survival scenes in this book. I felt like I was right there in the water with both Augusta and Lily trying to hang on with everything they got. Made me really think about the resilience of the human spirit and the desire to survive. The overall arching theme of the story really was surviving, and surviving the surviving. Focusing on what it is you do with your life after you have survived the surviving. The story also addressed issues such as race, gender, grief, wealth. There is also a mystery and some romance peppered into the book. Another wonderful story from this excellent author.
This book in emojis 🛳 🥂 🤿 🌊 🎟
*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
October 30, 2020
This book started out very well. I was fascinated by the two storylines. In the first, a modern day history professor is called upon to prepare a museum exhibit for the recently discovered shipwreck Pulaski. She becomes embroiled in the research. The second involves passengers on the Pulaski in 1838. Initially I found both storylines equally interesting. However, as the book wore on into hundreds of pages, I definitely preferred the 1800s storyline.
The contemporary protagonist had so much personal baggage that it became annoying. The author reiterated her issues as though the reader could not absorb them the first dozen times. The historic plot also became overly drawn-out and detailed. Each of these stories would make a decent novel on their own. However, the author packaged the historic shipwreck as a metaphor for the contemporary professor's personal losses and grief. I think this was supposed to be profound. Instead I felt as though the author had beaten me over the head with a philosophy lesson.
It seems the author was trying to tell too many stories in one novel. It was not confusing; it was ponderous. She tied up absolutely everything that could have been considered a loose end in excruciating detail. Apparently she wanted to address every concern book reviewers complain about.
70% of the way through, I wondered when this book would ever end. I started skimming. If you make it to this point, skip to the last chapter. The modern historian gives a speech at the opening of her exhibit which sums up the entire story. Also read the author's note if you are interested in what is fact and what is fiction.
So why did I give this book 3 stars? The beginning of the novel captured my attention. The Shipwreck Pulaski is a fascinating topic. The historic plot is a 4 star story. The contemporary plot deserves two stars at the absolute most. Melding the two should have been done more efficiently. I generously averaged the two numbers.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
The contemporary protagonist had so much personal baggage that it became annoying. The author reiterated her issues as though the reader could not absorb them the first dozen times. The historic plot also became overly drawn-out and detailed. Each of these stories would make a decent novel on their own. However, the author packaged the historic shipwreck as a metaphor for the contemporary professor's personal losses and grief. I think this was supposed to be profound. Instead I felt as though the author had beaten me over the head with a philosophy lesson.
It seems the author was trying to tell too many stories in one novel. It was not confusing; it was ponderous. She tied up absolutely everything that could have been considered a loose end in excruciating detail. Apparently she wanted to address every concern book reviewers complain about.
70% of the way through, I wondered when this book would ever end. I started skimming. If you make it to this point, skip to the last chapter. The modern historian gives a speech at the opening of her exhibit which sums up the entire story. Also read the author's note if you are interested in what is fact and what is fiction.
So why did I give this book 3 stars? The beginning of the novel captured my attention. The Shipwreck Pulaski is a fascinating topic. The historic plot is a 4 star story. The contemporary plot deserves two stars at the absolute most. Melding the two should have been done more efficiently. I generously averaged the two numbers.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2020
3.5 stars
The Steamship Pulaski traveling from Savannah to Baltimore, exploded 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina on June 14, 1838, claiming two-thirds of her passengers and crew.
Savannah, Georgia. Present day. Everly, history professor, receives an offer to be a consultant for the museum exhibit as the wreck of the steamship Pulaski was found off the coast of North Carolina. It’s about bringing “to life a wreck that has long been ignored, one that changed the history of Savannah, Georgia, when it claimed some of its finest families, when it took both treasure and fortune down with it.”
Savannah, 1838. Lilly Forsyth is one of the eleven members of Savannah’s aristocratic family that boards the ship. Augusta Longstreet is a known survivor and her niece Lilly Forsyth is one of those who is never found. The past story alternates between those two women who relate the efforts for survival.
The strength of the story is in the past story. The present day story holds some interesting pieces of history for ex. Savannah’s history, it “was founded in 1733 as a philanthropic trust. (…) The policy was meant to encourage the creation of a community of working yeomen.” But “their good intentions didn’t last. Slavery was legalized by 1755.” Or “Until 1857 any foreign currency was legal” in the USA as the country “didn’t yet have enough of its own coins.”
As the story begins, a lot of the present day story is consumed by Everly coming to terms with the past, with what happened to her best friend and her feeling responsible for it. It hinders the story and takes away from the interesting part of being a curator and what that entails.
It seems as this is becoming a common theme for dual or triple timeline stories. All timelines in one book carrying the same subject, be it love or a dramatic event. The end result is it becomes too much of that subject in one book.
This story also has some unnecessary repetition as past story unravels and Everly in present day story tries to unravel the same events.
The big issue for me is when one of the dual timelines is set in modern time. I choose historical fiction because I want to be transported to a different time period. In this case, most of the story is set in present day. And the past story, most of it explores the survival efforts after the explosion of the boiler. The past story gives just a glimpse of the lives of Longstreet families before they board the ship and a rushed account of the lives of those who survive. Thus, the story did not transport me to a different time period.
The depiction of desperation for survival, the helplessness and the hopelessness is very well-presented. The prose is smooth and the story has a good pace. My issue is mostly with the book being set for most of the part in modern day.
P.S. Highly recommend Becoming Mrs. Lewis by this author.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
The Steamship Pulaski traveling from Savannah to Baltimore, exploded 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina on June 14, 1838, claiming two-thirds of her passengers and crew.
Savannah, Georgia. Present day. Everly, history professor, receives an offer to be a consultant for the museum exhibit as the wreck of the steamship Pulaski was found off the coast of North Carolina. It’s about bringing “to life a wreck that has long been ignored, one that changed the history of Savannah, Georgia, when it claimed some of its finest families, when it took both treasure and fortune down with it.”
Savannah, 1838. Lilly Forsyth is one of the eleven members of Savannah’s aristocratic family that boards the ship. Augusta Longstreet is a known survivor and her niece Lilly Forsyth is one of those who is never found. The past story alternates between those two women who relate the efforts for survival.
The strength of the story is in the past story. The present day story holds some interesting pieces of history for ex. Savannah’s history, it “was founded in 1733 as a philanthropic trust. (…) The policy was meant to encourage the creation of a community of working yeomen.” But “their good intentions didn’t last. Slavery was legalized by 1755.” Or “Until 1857 any foreign currency was legal” in the USA as the country “didn’t yet have enough of its own coins.”
As the story begins, a lot of the present day story is consumed by Everly coming to terms with the past, with what happened to her best friend and her feeling responsible for it. It hinders the story and takes away from the interesting part of being a curator and what that entails.
It seems as this is becoming a common theme for dual or triple timeline stories. All timelines in one book carrying the same subject, be it love or a dramatic event. The end result is it becomes too much of that subject in one book.
This story also has some unnecessary repetition as past story unravels and Everly in present day story tries to unravel the same events.
The big issue for me is when one of the dual timelines is set in modern time. I choose historical fiction because I want to be transported to a different time period. In this case, most of the story is set in present day. And the past story, most of it explores the survival efforts after the explosion of the boiler. The past story gives just a glimpse of the lives of Longstreet families before they board the ship and a rushed account of the lives of those who survive. Thus, the story did not transport me to a different time period.
The depiction of desperation for survival, the helplessness and the hopelessness is very well-presented. The prose is smooth and the story has a good pace. My issue is mostly with the book being set for most of the part in modern day.
P.S. Highly recommend Becoming Mrs. Lewis by this author.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2021
"No one spoke a word, each lost in their thoughts of those suffering their last breaths in the arms of an indifferent sea."
I had not even a faint hint of what these pages would hold for me. The sinking of the steamship Pulaski was not even on the horizon of my thoughts. Its historical perspective was nowhere in my experiential background. Oh, but it sits with me now.
Patti Callahan weaves a story here blending true events alongside those of fiction. Callahan begins in Present Day form with a grandfather called "Papa" who spins tales of the sea to his grandchildren. He touches on the sinking of the Pulaski thirty miles off the coast of North Carolina. Little did he know that one of these dear children, Everly, would actually be involved with the true wreckage of the Pulaski after nearly 180 years on the bottom of the sea.
Callahan then reverts back to 1838 in subsequent chapters to the Savannah families making preparations to board that very ship. She familiarizes us with these individuals who come alive within the pages. Callahan has an uncanny talent for allowing us to feel their very fear as the panic and realization sets in. The plight of those onboard instantly wiped away class, station in life, rich and poor, free and enslaved. Fate and tragedy were blind fellows who selected at random.
Everly Winthrop, a Savannah history professor, becomes involved in the restoration of artifacts found near the wreckage. A pocket watch, in particular, catches her eye. Its hands stopped at the very moment of the boiler explosion and was found on the sea floor. Everly wishes to set up a city museum exhibit dedicated to these families and their stories. What follows is a very touching sequence of events in which Everly must deal with her own personal issues magnified by these findings so close to Savannah and its past and present residents.
Although the intention may not have directly been to focus solely on the women in Surviving Savannah, we can't help but walk away with a strong sense of their presence and their fortitude throughout this storyline. Tragedy was at the core of this novel, but, front and center, was also triumph. Patti Callahan leans the story upon us to reflect on the pure lineage that we have all received from the past that fits into the complex mosaic of who we are, personally, today. And that is quite a bundle of thought to sit with.
I had not even a faint hint of what these pages would hold for me. The sinking of the steamship Pulaski was not even on the horizon of my thoughts. Its historical perspective was nowhere in my experiential background. Oh, but it sits with me now.
Patti Callahan weaves a story here blending true events alongside those of fiction. Callahan begins in Present Day form with a grandfather called "Papa" who spins tales of the sea to his grandchildren. He touches on the sinking of the Pulaski thirty miles off the coast of North Carolina. Little did he know that one of these dear children, Everly, would actually be involved with the true wreckage of the Pulaski after nearly 180 years on the bottom of the sea.
Callahan then reverts back to 1838 in subsequent chapters to the Savannah families making preparations to board that very ship. She familiarizes us with these individuals who come alive within the pages. Callahan has an uncanny talent for allowing us to feel their very fear as the panic and realization sets in. The plight of those onboard instantly wiped away class, station in life, rich and poor, free and enslaved. Fate and tragedy were blind fellows who selected at random.
Everly Winthrop, a Savannah history professor, becomes involved in the restoration of artifacts found near the wreckage. A pocket watch, in particular, catches her eye. Its hands stopped at the very moment of the boiler explosion and was found on the sea floor. Everly wishes to set up a city museum exhibit dedicated to these families and their stories. What follows is a very touching sequence of events in which Everly must deal with her own personal issues magnified by these findings so close to Savannah and its past and present residents.
Although the intention may not have directly been to focus solely on the women in Surviving Savannah, we can't help but walk away with a strong sense of their presence and their fortitude throughout this storyline. Tragedy was at the core of this novel, but, front and center, was also triumph. Patti Callahan leans the story upon us to reflect on the pure lineage that we have all received from the past that fits into the complex mosaic of who we are, personally, today. And that is quite a bundle of thought to sit with.
January 26, 2022
Ebook/Audiobook sync
….. audiobook read by Patti Callahan, Brittney Pressley, and Catherine Taser
12 hours and 46 minutes
“Once upon a Wardrobe” was such an enjoyable-enchanting-wonder-of-storytelling : a tribute to Narnia and C.S. Lewis….
that I knew I wanted to read another book by Patti Callahan.
I practically gobbled the 12+hour audiobook in one gulp.
Don’t laugh…..
but I had almost forgotten how enjoyable an old-fashion-type-feeling….cuppa-tea-comforting…. dramatic historical-fiction novel…
could be.
The words ‘transported’ ….’swept away’ ….. a wonderful reading excursion …. and a wish to visit Savannah, (I’ve never been but have talked about ‘wishing’ to go ‘for years’ - visualizing going with girlfriends)….enter my wishing- thoughts again.
I REALLY ENJOYED this novel…..
I like how Patti Callahan makes me feel through her writing. ‘Maybe’ nothing special…..but maybe something ‘very’ special….
But ….seriously….GREAT WOMAN’S fiction that I bet a few men would equally enjoy.
I still have my friend, Karen, to thank, for introducing me to this author….
Comfort reading is KINDA NICE!!!!
I had never heard of the *Pulaski* steamship tragedy in 1838….
The boiler exploded. The ship sank. Nearly two-thirds of its passengers died.
Callahan did an excellent job traversing the past and present stories. I relished them both equally.
The tragedy of the Pulaski was truly AWFUL. The rescue wait time was grueling — The storytelling was pretty darn freezing- horrifying- visual ….
And
Learning about the articles and artifacts were fascinating….especially since it took 180 until most of these things showed up.
Visualizing being one of the people on that ship….was more real for me then in the Titanic. (not sure why)….but I think it has something to do with this WONDERFUL ONGOING PANDEMIC LIFESTYLE….ha….we find ourselves still living in….
But…back to this book: (I should be careful — I could always let my mind go wild here - go off topic - when thinking about connecting with our Goodreads community and become a sharing- chatterbox)….
But…back to this book — as I was saying…
Everly Winthrop, (one of the present day prime-narrators — a history professor and highly qualified museum curator was grieving the loss of a best friend) —
Her loss, with added entanglement only increased her self-abusive thinking. Her personal tragedy wasn’t the foremost prominent aspect of this story — but it did make her human…..flaws and all.
It would easy to find faults with her character ….but it was easy for me to be forgiving of them.
I learned a lot …(and it’s always a good sign of a book when we want to visit our friend Google)
…..I read more about the *Pulaski*,
and Charles Lamar, (a real person who survived the explosion)
I enjoyed the the family stories that Grandpa told his grandchildren in the beginning and liked how they linked to the greater purpose of telling the stories about the Pulaski….
….I felt some nostalgia for storytelling with my own children when they were little —
I enjoyed the all characters, (Lilly, Augusta, Everly, etc.), the beauty of city of Savannah itself….
….the historical tragedies and triumphs
This was just. GREAT HISTORICAL NOVEL ….[period!]
…..Right now Patti Callahan has that ‘Comfort-Quality’ going for me. …I’m already reading “Becoming Mrs. Lewis”, now too….
When home is under construction….workers at our house daily …wood hammering sounds….
Basically living with organized chaos day after day…
There is something SOOOOOO nice about snuggling under a blanket …hanging out in the back guest room….reading peacefully —- or listening peacefully — I love both.
A little music for breaks
Drop-in visits with Goodreads….( I adore our friendships)
And
Tea….(always cups of tea)…
4.5…rating up ….for pure gulping-satisfaction
Thanks again Karen!
….. audiobook read by Patti Callahan, Brittney Pressley, and Catherine Taser
12 hours and 46 minutes
“Once upon a Wardrobe” was such an enjoyable-enchanting-wonder-of-storytelling : a tribute to Narnia and C.S. Lewis….
that I knew I wanted to read another book by Patti Callahan.
I practically gobbled the 12+hour audiobook in one gulp.
Don’t laugh…..
but I had almost forgotten how enjoyable an old-fashion-type-feeling….cuppa-tea-comforting…. dramatic historical-fiction novel…
could be.
The words ‘transported’ ….’swept away’ ….. a wonderful reading excursion …. and a wish to visit Savannah, (I’ve never been but have talked about ‘wishing’ to go ‘for years’ - visualizing going with girlfriends)….enter my wishing- thoughts again.
I REALLY ENJOYED this novel…..
I like how Patti Callahan makes me feel through her writing. ‘Maybe’ nothing special…..but maybe something ‘very’ special….
But ….seriously….GREAT WOMAN’S fiction that I bet a few men would equally enjoy.
I still have my friend, Karen, to thank, for introducing me to this author….
Comfort reading is KINDA NICE!!!!
I had never heard of the *Pulaski* steamship tragedy in 1838….
The boiler exploded. The ship sank. Nearly two-thirds of its passengers died.
Callahan did an excellent job traversing the past and present stories. I relished them both equally.
The tragedy of the Pulaski was truly AWFUL. The rescue wait time was grueling — The storytelling was pretty darn freezing- horrifying- visual ….
And
Learning about the articles and artifacts were fascinating….especially since it took 180 until most of these things showed up.
Visualizing being one of the people on that ship….was more real for me then in the Titanic. (not sure why)….but I think it has something to do with this WONDERFUL ONGOING PANDEMIC LIFESTYLE….ha….we find ourselves still living in….
But…back to this book: (I should be careful — I could always let my mind go wild here - go off topic - when thinking about connecting with our Goodreads community and become a sharing- chatterbox)….
But…back to this book — as I was saying…
Everly Winthrop, (one of the present day prime-narrators — a history professor and highly qualified museum curator was grieving the loss of a best friend) —
Her loss, with added entanglement only increased her self-abusive thinking. Her personal tragedy wasn’t the foremost prominent aspect of this story — but it did make her human…..flaws and all.
It would easy to find faults with her character ….but it was easy for me to be forgiving of them.
I learned a lot …(and it’s always a good sign of a book when we want to visit our friend Google)
…..I read more about the *Pulaski*,
and Charles Lamar, (a real person who survived the explosion)
I enjoyed the the family stories that Grandpa told his grandchildren in the beginning and liked how they linked to the greater purpose of telling the stories about the Pulaski….
….I felt some nostalgia for storytelling with my own children when they were little —
I enjoyed the all characters, (Lilly, Augusta, Everly, etc.), the beauty of city of Savannah itself….
….the historical tragedies and triumphs
This was just. GREAT HISTORICAL NOVEL ….[period!]
…..Right now Patti Callahan has that ‘Comfort-Quality’ going for me. …I’m already reading “Becoming Mrs. Lewis”, now too….
When home is under construction….workers at our house daily …wood hammering sounds….
Basically living with organized chaos day after day…
There is something SOOOOOO nice about snuggling under a blanket …hanging out in the back guest room….reading peacefully —- or listening peacefully — I love both.
A little music for breaks
Drop-in visits with Goodreads….( I adore our friendships)
And
Tea….(always cups of tea)…
4.5…rating up ….for pure gulping-satisfaction
Thanks again Karen!
September 5, 2021
The Pulaski Steamboat sank in 1838 off the coast of North Carolina, earning it the moniker of the Southern Titanic. Callahan uses a dual timeline approach to give us the history of the boat and its passengers. For once, I was invested in both timelines.
In the present, Everly is a college professor teaching history. She lost her best friend in a hit and run accident one year earlier. She accepts a job as a guest curator for a small museum in Savannah mounting an exhibit on the sinking of the Pulaski. The Pulaski was the best and newest steamboat in 1838. The passengers were the big families of Savannah, heading north to escape the summer heat. The second story gives us the story of the passengers, especially Lilly Forsyth and Augusta Longstreet.
The main reason I appreciated the present day story is it tackles how to handle history. Do we ignore it and pretend it didn’t happen? Do we tell the stories so people can learn from the uglier aspects? And, of course, mounting a museum exhibit is the perfect background for the discussion.
Callahan seems to have taken a theme from the movie, Titanic. Lilly’s husband is abusive and she is desperate to escape him.
The history is well researched and incorporated into an engrossing story.
Callahan tackles how a horrendous event changes those that survive it, including the reason the Noble Boy became the Red Devil. The book is a reminder that survival doesn’t mean we are destined for some kind of “worthiness”, that everything happens for a reason.
In a bit of serendipity, it turns out Callahan had decided to write this story before the Wreck of the Pulaski was found but it all came together in perfect timing.
And can I say how happy I was that Callahan doesn’t fall into the too often used device of embellishing an historical fiction with unnecessary romance? Yes, there is romance in both storylines, but it doesn’t overtake the story as so often happens.
This was a great story to listen to. No down time, beautifully detailed. Both narrators did fabulous jobs. Highly recommend this one to all fans of historical fiction.
In the present, Everly is a college professor teaching history. She lost her best friend in a hit and run accident one year earlier. She accepts a job as a guest curator for a small museum in Savannah mounting an exhibit on the sinking of the Pulaski. The Pulaski was the best and newest steamboat in 1838. The passengers were the big families of Savannah, heading north to escape the summer heat. The second story gives us the story of the passengers, especially Lilly Forsyth and Augusta Longstreet.
The main reason I appreciated the present day story is it tackles how to handle history. Do we ignore it and pretend it didn’t happen? Do we tell the stories so people can learn from the uglier aspects? And, of course, mounting a museum exhibit is the perfect background for the discussion.
Callahan seems to have taken a theme from the movie, Titanic. Lilly’s husband is abusive and she is desperate to escape him.
The history is well researched and incorporated into an engrossing story.
Callahan tackles how a horrendous event changes those that survive it, including the reason the Noble Boy became the Red Devil. The book is a reminder that survival doesn’t mean we are destined for some kind of “worthiness”, that everything happens for a reason.
In a bit of serendipity, it turns out Callahan had decided to write this story before the Wreck of the Pulaski was found but it all came together in perfect timing.
And can I say how happy I was that Callahan doesn’t fall into the too often used device of embellishing an historical fiction with unnecessary romance? Yes, there is romance in both storylines, but it doesn’t overtake the story as so often happens.
This was a great story to listen to. No down time, beautifully detailed. Both narrators did fabulous jobs. Highly recommend this one to all fans of historical fiction.
April 20, 2021
I'm glad I picked up this book. I'm unfamiliar with the history of the Pulaski Steamboat. On her fourth voyage in June 1838, her boiler exploded and she sank after 45 minutes 30 miles off N. Carolina coast travelling from Savannah, Georgia, to Baltimore, Maryland. With this historical piece, I've fallen down another rabbit hole. Marine explorers found the wreck in 2018 as well as gold coins, jewelry and other artifacts that are part of this novel.
The story is told in dual timeline manner; 1838 and present day. I'm fascinated by the historical time and unfortunately, don't feel any connection to Everly's character in modern time. Everly is a history professor and is offered a role with the found treasure exhibition at a museum in Savannah.
Mild spoiler fact vs fiction
The story is told in dual timeline manner; 1838 and present day. I'm fascinated by the historical time and unfortunately, don't feel any connection to Everly's character in modern time. Everly is a history professor and is offered a role with the found treasure exhibition at a museum in Savannah.
Mild spoiler fact vs fiction
December 15, 2020
Spellbinding. Beautifully written with a masterfully crafted plot, Surviving Savannah leaves the reader breathless and marveling at the manner in which the past and present interweave in ways we almost cannot imagine.
May 5, 2021
Everly Winthrop had grown up hearing about the tragedy of the Pulaski, a steamship that sunk off the coast of North Carolina in 1838 killing most of its passengers. Most were members of Savannah’s most wealthy families. There were few survivors. To serve as a symbol of all who were lost, a statue was erected of Lily Forsyth, a woman believed to have perished. A painting of the ill-fated vessel still hangs in Everly’s childhood home. As a history teacher, Everly is thrilled when asked to curate an exhibit at the local maritime museum as the wreckage of the ship had been found. She seeks to learn more about the people behind the tragedy and the artifacts that have been buried under the sea set Everly on the road to uncovering their stories. This engaging book shifts from present day to 1838 when we find Lily and her family preparing for their journey. Also on board is Lily’s aunt Augusta Longstreet and her brother Lamar and his wife and children. Only hours after leaving port, the ship explodes. The struggle to survive in the cold waters is told with harrowing realism. There were only two working lifeboats and others tried to stay alive by floating on rafts made from parts of the ship.
The stories of those on the Pulaski make for a very interesting story including what happened to the survivors. The despicable reality of slavery is addressed and it is heartbreaking. But the story of Evelyn makes this book especially endearing. It is her story that moved me the most. This is a woman who had experienced her own tragedy and has been simply existing ever since. Working on this project helps her decide whether she too has the will to survive and live her life.
Now known as “The Titanic of the South,” the story of the Pulaski is true and author Patti Callahan did an excellent job using well-researched facts blended with a fictional story inspired by its history.
I had put this book on the back-burner as other books shouted, “Read me!” a little louder. I’m so glad I decided to finally read it. If you have been thinking about reading Surviving Savannah, wait no more. It is a captivating book you’re sure to enjoy, especially if historical fiction is your genre.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The stories of those on the Pulaski make for a very interesting story including what happened to the survivors. The despicable reality of slavery is addressed and it is heartbreaking. But the story of Evelyn makes this book especially endearing. It is her story that moved me the most. This is a woman who had experienced her own tragedy and has been simply existing ever since. Working on this project helps her decide whether she too has the will to survive and live her life.
Now known as “The Titanic of the South,” the story of the Pulaski is true and author Patti Callahan did an excellent job using well-researched facts blended with a fictional story inspired by its history.
I had put this book on the back-burner as other books shouted, “Read me!” a little louder. I’m so glad I decided to finally read it. If you have been thinking about reading Surviving Savannah, wait no more. It is a captivating book you’re sure to enjoy, especially if historical fiction is your genre.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
April 29, 2021
Patti Callahan writes “How do we survive the surviving? Who do we choose to become after tragedy?”
Deeply atmospheric, rich and compelling. Surviving Savannah is inspired by the true and tragic story of the 1838 sinking of the luxury steamship Pulaski, now known as the “Titanic of the South,” with Savannah’s elite families on board. I was completely absorbed in this emotional story of loss, survival and hope.
The decision to live or die. I can’t imagine the split-second choices the passengers had to make on that fateful night. And then to have witnessed their loved ones perish while they survived had to of been so heart wrenching. Life after devastation, did they become better people after their tragedy? As Patti Callahan has researched and found, not all did, one boy in particular - fourteen year old Charles, referred to as a “noble boy” due to his kindness to others during the tragedy, became a despicable man later in life which you’ll read more about in the book. Survivors Augusta and Henry found love, if not for the sinking they probably would of never been more than acquaintances. It’s an incredible, beautifully told story that the author researched in detail, as it truly shows pertaining to the Pulaski tragedy and recovery. This is top of the top, of historical fiction novels released this year.
Told in dual time settings - 2018 and 1838, by three women - Everly, Lilly and Augusta.
Current day - A history professor at SCAD and a museum curator, Everly Winthrop is still grieving over losing her best friend Mora a year before. She can’t move past feeling it should of been her that day, and she’s more than certain she will find the drunk driver that caused Mora’s death. Things however start looking up for Everly, as she is given an opportunity by Oliver Samford (Mora’s fiancé whom she’s been ignoring since the accident) to guest-curate the Pulaski museum exhibit using artifacts recovered from the recently found Pulaski wreck site. It’s a dream come true for Everly since she was a little girl sitting on her papa’s lap hearing a thousand stories of what possibly happened to Lilly Forsyth and the Pulaski. She begins her quest researching everything she can find about the steamboat passengers, but especially Lilly Forsyth, and the Longstreet family, their story is what she wants to find most of all. While of course, being strictly professional with Oliver, she has feelings more than friendship for him. Maddox Wagner, head of the salvage company she’s working alongside, tells Everly he can see the love between her and Oliver. He can also see the unnecessary guilt that she must let go.
1838 - Augusta Longstreet, along with her brother Lamar’s family of eight, niece Lilly + husband Adam Forsyth, their baby and nursemaid are all headed up north to escape the Georgia heat for the summer. It’s only one night at sea, with a docking in Charleston to pick up more passengers. Augusta is along to help care for her brothers children. It’s revealed to Augusta after seeing bruises on her niece Lilly, that she’s in an abusive relationship. Lilly wants nothing more than to escape far away WITHOUT her husband. That wish comes to pass, but not without great loss.
At 11:04 pm on Thursday, June 14, 1838 the second engineer poured cold water into a hot and empty copper boiler, causing it to transform from boiler to bomb, exploding through the starboard side of the ship.
The horror began...
If there’s only one historical fiction novel you read this year, choose this. I can’t recommend it enough.
Deeply atmospheric, rich and compelling. Surviving Savannah is inspired by the true and tragic story of the 1838 sinking of the luxury steamship Pulaski, now known as the “Titanic of the South,” with Savannah’s elite families on board. I was completely absorbed in this emotional story of loss, survival and hope.
The decision to live or die. I can’t imagine the split-second choices the passengers had to make on that fateful night. And then to have witnessed their loved ones perish while they survived had to of been so heart wrenching. Life after devastation, did they become better people after their tragedy? As Patti Callahan has researched and found, not all did, one boy in particular - fourteen year old Charles, referred to as a “noble boy” due to his kindness to others during the tragedy, became a despicable man later in life which you’ll read more about in the book. Survivors Augusta and Henry found love, if not for the sinking they probably would of never been more than acquaintances. It’s an incredible, beautifully told story that the author researched in detail, as it truly shows pertaining to the Pulaski tragedy and recovery. This is top of the top, of historical fiction novels released this year.
Told in dual time settings - 2018 and 1838, by three women - Everly, Lilly and Augusta.
Current day - A history professor at SCAD and a museum curator, Everly Winthrop is still grieving over losing her best friend Mora a year before. She can’t move past feeling it should of been her that day, and she’s more than certain she will find the drunk driver that caused Mora’s death. Things however start looking up for Everly, as she is given an opportunity by Oliver Samford (Mora’s fiancé whom she’s been ignoring since the accident) to guest-curate the Pulaski museum exhibit using artifacts recovered from the recently found Pulaski wreck site. It’s a dream come true for Everly since she was a little girl sitting on her papa’s lap hearing a thousand stories of what possibly happened to Lilly Forsyth and the Pulaski. She begins her quest researching everything she can find about the steamboat passengers, but especially Lilly Forsyth, and the Longstreet family, their story is what she wants to find most of all. While of course, being strictly professional with Oliver, she has feelings more than friendship for him. Maddox Wagner, head of the salvage company she’s working alongside, tells Everly he can see the love between her and Oliver. He can also see the unnecessary guilt that she must let go.
1838 - Augusta Longstreet, along with her brother Lamar’s family of eight, niece Lilly + husband Adam Forsyth, their baby and nursemaid are all headed up north to escape the Georgia heat for the summer. It’s only one night at sea, with a docking in Charleston to pick up more passengers. Augusta is along to help care for her brothers children. It’s revealed to Augusta after seeing bruises on her niece Lilly, that she’s in an abusive relationship. Lilly wants nothing more than to escape far away WITHOUT her husband. That wish comes to pass, but not without great loss.
At 11:04 pm on Thursday, June 14, 1838 the second engineer poured cold water into a hot and empty copper boiler, causing it to transform from boiler to bomb, exploding through the starboard side of the ship.
The horror began...
If there’s only one historical fiction novel you read this year, choose this. I can’t recommend it enough.
March 10, 2021
What fun to do research for a sunken ship.
The Pulaski was finally found after sinking in 1838.
Everly Winthrop was given the task of finding what really happened to The Pulaski.
We also meet Lilly who was on the sunken luxury ship.
SURVIVING SAVANNAH takes us back and forth in time as we learn about Lilly Longstreet’s privileged life and then the terror of trying to save herself, her nursemaid, and her baby. Many wealthy families were on board.
We then move to present day as Everly does the research and deals with issues of her own.
Ms. Callahan included very interesting information from her amazing, thorough research along with her marvelous writing and story line.
The story line flowed well from one time period to the next.
The characters were well developed and ones you will cheer on and love.
I loved learning about Savannah, and about this ship. I had never heard of this event.
SURVIVING SAVANNAH will pull you into the mystery of The Pulaski and have you wanting to know everything uncovered and everything about Savannah.
Historical fiction fans and fans of Savannah will enjoy this book.
A truly addictive read you won't want to put down. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Pulaski was finally found after sinking in 1838.
Everly Winthrop was given the task of finding what really happened to The Pulaski.
We also meet Lilly who was on the sunken luxury ship.
SURVIVING SAVANNAH takes us back and forth in time as we learn about Lilly Longstreet’s privileged life and then the terror of trying to save herself, her nursemaid, and her baby. Many wealthy families were on board.
We then move to present day as Everly does the research and deals with issues of her own.
Ms. Callahan included very interesting information from her amazing, thorough research along with her marvelous writing and story line.
The story line flowed well from one time period to the next.
The characters were well developed and ones you will cheer on and love.
I loved learning about Savannah, and about this ship. I had never heard of this event.
SURVIVING SAVANNAH will pull you into the mystery of The Pulaski and have you wanting to know everything uncovered and everything about Savannah.
Historical fiction fans and fans of Savannah will enjoy this book.
A truly addictive read you won't want to put down. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2020
The description of this book was intriguing to me and I thought I would enjoy it more than I did. It was just okay for me as I found the dual timeline to be more distracting than enjoyable, skipping back and forth in short chapters, so I was unable to really enjoy either of the stories. At about one third of the way through I started to read every other chapter because I basically wanted to find out what happed to Lilly and the others on the Pulaski. I also skipped to the end to read the Author’s notes which were very interesting and told the entire story of the Pulaski. This was one of those books where the dual timeline did not work well, it took away from a fact based story that took place in 1838 and the present story was nowhere near as interesting or as compelling.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Books for the advanced digital review copy!
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Books for the advanced digital review copy!
January 19, 2021
Exquisite! Ten Stars and Best Historical Fiction of 2021. Movie-worthy.
I finished SURVIVING SAVANNAH in two sittings and speechless! EXTRAORDINARY!! Hands down, the BEST historical fiction I have ever had the opportunity to read!
I knew NYT bestselling author, Patti Callahan was a master storyteller but this one is her best and a true gem. The best-kept hidden secret. I have had the opportunity of reading all her books. She was truly meant to tell this mesmerizing story, inspired by true events.
The Pulaski, known as the "Titanic of the South" included Savannah's society, a wealthy family of eleven and some servants, boarded to leave the heat of the South for Maryland. Some with many secrets and shame. The ship was not equipped for a boiler explosion in 1838. How would they survive?
Now, 180 years later the wreckage was discovered off the coast of Wilmington, NC. Now Savannah's history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski remains.
However, Everly has experienced a loss of her own and still grieving. She is obsessed with the lives of those who lost their lives and somehow feels she must seek the answers in order to survive herself. Her answers may be closer than she could have imagined.
From past to present, SURVIVING SAVANNAH is elegantly written, lyrical, emotional, meticulously researched, and a perfect blending of fact and fiction. Rich in detail, character, and history —a captivating tale, intricately woven of survival, love, and loss with three courageous women you will root for.
"How will we survive the surviving?" What happens when tragedy occurs and your loved one is lost? Gone forever. There are no do-overs. How will you, the "survivor" lead your life? How will you go on? Will it change you in a positive or negative way? The author explores eloquently, different outcomes from the tragedies.
If you LOVE strong women (both past and present), you will devour this one. Callahan flawlessly captures the essence of her characters as though you experienced every step of their journey firsthand.
Some highly-charged topics of class, privilege, greed, abuse, and racial injustice —ripped from today's headlines.
Behind the Book with Patti —Interview: HERE
VIDEO (Patti goes behind the scenes).
I fell in LOVE with characters: Augusta, Lily, Priscilla, (especially Everly), Oliver, Henry, and Maddox. Timely, absolutely stunning, and thought-provoking.
Normally with historical fiction, I am drawn more to the past story vs. the present; however, her dual timelines are equally as compelling! If you are a fan of historical Savannah, the author offers a wealth of information for additional reading. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions.
There is so much to tell and could go on and on. Get this one on your pre-order list now. It is like nothing you will ever read. A true masterpiece. Highly recommend!
Stay Tuned for Interview: Patti will be the featured author in my upcoming March 2021 An Elevator Ride with the Author Series. I cannot wait for the interview to learn more.
A special thank you to the author, #Berkley, and #Netgalley for an advanced reading copy. I also pre-ordered the hardcover and the audiobook.
#JDCMustReadBooks
BONUS: Be sure and check out Patti's website for signed copies, more historical information, and bonus coins.
PS. If you have not read Patti's Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis or her podcast, Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis check it out. Another great historical fiction by the master storyteller.
I finished SURVIVING SAVANNAH in two sittings and speechless! EXTRAORDINARY!! Hands down, the BEST historical fiction I have ever had the opportunity to read!
I knew NYT bestselling author, Patti Callahan was a master storyteller but this one is her best and a true gem. The best-kept hidden secret. I have had the opportunity of reading all her books. She was truly meant to tell this mesmerizing story, inspired by true events.
The Pulaski, known as the "Titanic of the South" included Savannah's society, a wealthy family of eleven and some servants, boarded to leave the heat of the South for Maryland. Some with many secrets and shame. The ship was not equipped for a boiler explosion in 1838. How would they survive?
Now, 180 years later the wreckage was discovered off the coast of Wilmington, NC. Now Savannah's history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski remains.
However, Everly has experienced a loss of her own and still grieving. She is obsessed with the lives of those who lost their lives and somehow feels she must seek the answers in order to survive herself. Her answers may be closer than she could have imagined.
From past to present, SURVIVING SAVANNAH is elegantly written, lyrical, emotional, meticulously researched, and a perfect blending of fact and fiction. Rich in detail, character, and history —a captivating tale, intricately woven of survival, love, and loss with three courageous women you will root for.
"How will we survive the surviving?" What happens when tragedy occurs and your loved one is lost? Gone forever. There are no do-overs. How will you, the "survivor" lead your life? How will you go on? Will it change you in a positive or negative way? The author explores eloquently, different outcomes from the tragedies.
If you LOVE strong women (both past and present), you will devour this one. Callahan flawlessly captures the essence of her characters as though you experienced every step of their journey firsthand.
Some highly-charged topics of class, privilege, greed, abuse, and racial injustice —ripped from today's headlines.
Behind the Book with Patti —Interview: HERE
VIDEO (Patti goes behind the scenes).
I fell in LOVE with characters: Augusta, Lily, Priscilla, (especially Everly), Oliver, Henry, and Maddox. Timely, absolutely stunning, and thought-provoking.
Normally with historical fiction, I am drawn more to the past story vs. the present; however, her dual timelines are equally as compelling! If you are a fan of historical Savannah, the author offers a wealth of information for additional reading. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions.
In SURVIVING SAVANNAH, Patti Callahan has woven a sweeping, captivating tale; of a contemporary woman lost in a fog of grief who finds solace-- and finally, redemption as she uncovers the long-buried secrets of a nearly forgotten shipwreck—and the courageous women who survived to bear witness to history. Based in fact, steeped in heart-breaking detail, SURVIVING SAVANNAH raises the little-known, 180-year-old story of the Southern Titanic to the forefront of American historical fiction.
There is so much to tell and could go on and on. Get this one on your pre-order list now. It is like nothing you will ever read. A true masterpiece. Highly recommend!
Stay Tuned for Interview: Patti will be the featured author in my upcoming March 2021 An Elevator Ride with the Author Series. I cannot wait for the interview to learn more.
A special thank you to the author, #Berkley, and #Netgalley for an advanced reading copy. I also pre-ordered the hardcover and the audiobook.
#JDCMustReadBooks
BONUS: Be sure and check out Patti's website for signed copies, more historical information, and bonus coins.
PS. If you have not read Patti's Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis or her podcast, Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis check it out. Another great historical fiction by the master storyteller.
May 27, 2021
A very well researched novel and interesting read. It had a good mix of history, romance, and some mystery. I felt I learned a lot about the Pulaski shipwreck, Savannah, and this time period in history.
The story switched back and forth between museum curator Everly who is piecing together the mystery of who survived and Augusta and Lilly who experienced the ship’s explosion in 1838. At times the story did seem more dominated by present day Everly who was coming to terms with her own loss and guilt. I connected more with the past timeline of Lilly and Augusta’s stories. I felt like I was right there with them as they experienced devastating tragedy and loss, hope, and the strength to more forward.
Overall, a fascinating and well written historical fiction read that was based on true events. The story had a little bit of everything and leaves you pondering about fate, destiny, choice, and what it means to survive.
The story switched back and forth between museum curator Everly who is piecing together the mystery of who survived and Augusta and Lilly who experienced the ship’s explosion in 1838. At times the story did seem more dominated by present day Everly who was coming to terms with her own loss and guilt. I connected more with the past timeline of Lilly and Augusta’s stories. I felt like I was right there with them as they experienced devastating tragedy and loss, hope, and the strength to more forward.
Overall, a fascinating and well written historical fiction read that was based on true events. The story had a little bit of everything and leaves you pondering about fate, destiny, choice, and what it means to survive.
March 8, 2021
Do we have a destiny? How do we survive the surviving? What happens to us after we live through tragedy both great and small? Is there such a thing as fate? Who do we become and why? Can we ignore our past if we are ashamed of it?-Patti Callahan
This is why we read historical fiction. The past shapes who we are today and we ignore or deny it at our own peril. Using the perspectives of three women (Everly in the present day/Lilly and Augusta from the 19th century), Patti Callahan gives us the story behind the sinking of the Pulaski in June of 1838. If you have read accounts of the Titanic, Lusitania, or other shipwrecks you will see familiar themes. How people react in the immediate aftermath. Who gets in the lifeboats. The relentless thirst and sun exposure. The despair of watching others perish. The realization of what really matters in life. The joy of rescue. Having Everly herself dealing with trauma was a fascinating juxtaposition against the shipwreck and abuse we see in the lives of Augusta and Lilly. The Author's Note, Resources and Facts, and Acknowledgments are the pillars that support the narrative. What I found most compelling was the that while Callahan was working on the novel, the Pulaski wreckage was discovered. Some may call it coincidence. I call it Providence.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
This is why we read historical fiction. The past shapes who we are today and we ignore or deny it at our own peril. Using the perspectives of three women (Everly in the present day/Lilly and Augusta from the 19th century), Patti Callahan gives us the story behind the sinking of the Pulaski in June of 1838. If you have read accounts of the Titanic, Lusitania, or other shipwrecks you will see familiar themes. How people react in the immediate aftermath. Who gets in the lifeboats. The relentless thirst and sun exposure. The despair of watching others perish. The realization of what really matters in life. The joy of rescue. Having Everly herself dealing with trauma was a fascinating juxtaposition against the shipwreck and abuse we see in the lives of Augusta and Lilly. The Author's Note, Resources and Facts, and Acknowledgments are the pillars that support the narrative. What I found most compelling was the that while Callahan was working on the novel, the Pulaski wreckage was discovered. Some may call it coincidence. I call it Providence.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2021
In 1838, The Steamship Pulaski set sail from Savannah to Baltimore, loaded with wealthy passengers, their extravagant belongings, and also their enslaved people. Lilly Forsyth, her nursemaid, the enslaved Priscilla, and Lilly's daughter Madeleine board along with Lilly's cousins, the wealthy and famous Longstreets. Lilly is also accompanied by her arrogant, cruel, and abusive husband, Adam. Dripping with wealth and carrying all the comforts of home, the Pulaski sets sail for a one-night voyage to Baltimore so the rich can escape the Southern heat. A horrific explosion and fire occur during the night, causing the sinking of the ship and great loss of life. Lilly, Priscilla, and Madeleine begin their desperate attempt to survive in more ways than one.
In present day, Everly has suffered a great personal loss after the death of her best friend Mora. She is approached by Oliver, who was engaged to Mora when she died. Oliver is part of a team which has discovered the remains of the Pulaski after more than 180 years and is beginning the recovery.. He asks Everly to curate the artifacts and help arrange an exhibit. Everly has been living a reclusive life since the death of Mora in a horrible hit-and-run accident that Everly survived. She is going through the motions and is obsessed with finding the hit -and-run driver, who is still unidentified. Can she commit to a project such as the Pulaski?
This captivating and exquisitely written story looks at the many different sides of survival. There is survival of a tragedy, such as the sinking of the Pulaski, there is survival of slavery and horrific abuse, and survival of an accident that turned to murder. Then the author looks at different reactions of the survivors. This takes a fascinating turn, as different characters have very different reactions to the same tragedy. Some embrace life, knowing that it is fleeting, some cower in fear, and others blaze with hate and anger. The characters, especially Lilly, Priscilla, and Everly, are well developed and engaging. The story is an intriguing mix of fact and fiction. Patti Callahan takes a real event, the sinking of the Pulaski, and combines it with both real and fictional characters to create a story that is fascinating and hard to put down. I would recommend it for any fans of historical fiction or maritime fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. My review is voluntary.
In present day, Everly has suffered a great personal loss after the death of her best friend Mora. She is approached by Oliver, who was engaged to Mora when she died. Oliver is part of a team which has discovered the remains of the Pulaski after more than 180 years and is beginning the recovery.. He asks Everly to curate the artifacts and help arrange an exhibit. Everly has been living a reclusive life since the death of Mora in a horrible hit-and-run accident that Everly survived. She is going through the motions and is obsessed with finding the hit -and-run driver, who is still unidentified. Can she commit to a project such as the Pulaski?
This captivating and exquisitely written story looks at the many different sides of survival. There is survival of a tragedy, such as the sinking of the Pulaski, there is survival of slavery and horrific abuse, and survival of an accident that turned to murder. Then the author looks at different reactions of the survivors. This takes a fascinating turn, as different characters have very different reactions to the same tragedy. Some embrace life, knowing that it is fleeting, some cower in fear, and others blaze with hate and anger. The characters, especially Lilly, Priscilla, and Everly, are well developed and engaging. The story is an intriguing mix of fact and fiction. Patti Callahan takes a real event, the sinking of the Pulaski, and combines it with both real and fictional characters to create a story that is fascinating and hard to put down. I would recommend it for any fans of historical fiction or maritime fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. My review is voluntary.
February 15, 2024
This is a dual time line novel about the sinking of the boat Pulaski, often called the Titanic of the South. I often enjoy the historical timeline much better than the present day one, but I did enjoy both in this one. I did feel like it was slower paced at times and had a lot of philosophizing (is that a word?) about life after tragedy and loss. Sometimes I got a bit bored in those passages even though they fit in with the characters and their growth or change in the story. Overall this was a 3.5 for me.
May 17, 2023
Loved this book and it’s harrowing historical account of the sinking of the Savannah. Totally riveting!
March 30, 2021
A thought-provoking and riveting story of catastrophe, survival and hope.
SUMMARY
In 1838, twelve members of the Longstreet family of Savannah Georgia board the luxury steamship Pulaski, to travel to Baltimore to escape the brutal Savannah summers. This is the newly built ship’s fourth journey. There are over 180 passengers and crew members on board when the ship explodes in the middle of the night. With only two working lifeboats on board, many lives were lost on that horrendous night.
The wreckage is discovered 180 years later in a hundred feet of water thirty-five miles off the coast of North Carolina. Everly Winthrope, a Savannah history professor is ask to guest-curate the collection of artifacts being recovered from the Pulaski for a local history museum. Everly’s research on what happened that night leads her to focus her efforts on two members of the Longstreet family who had boarded the ship.—Augusta Longstreet, and her niece Lilly Forsyth. These two women face difficult and heartbreaking decisions on the night of the explosion. Everly is also facing difficult decisions of her own if she is going to survive the recent loss of her best friend.
”There were many ways to survive and many ways to survive the surviving.”
REVIEW
Surviving Savanah is a thought-provoking story of catastrophe, survival and hope. Author Patti Callahan plucks this riveting steamship story from real life and creatively weaves the past and the present, alternating between Everly in present day, and Lilly Forsyth and Augusta Longstreet in 1838. The perseverance, determination and resilience reflected by these women makes this story captivating.
The story explores the horror of having to make instantaneous decisions that have life and death consequences and the sorrow of being a survivor when those you know and love have died. But it’s also about hope for the future and surviving the survival.
Callahan’s characters are delightfully well-developed and her writing is vividly descriptive, particularly of the days following the explosion, as many passengers are floating in the water barely clinging to life.
She has thoroughly proven her ability once again as an outstanding author. She has authored numerous novels, most recently including The Favorite Daughter and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“The life we live is the life we choose. With ever decision of the hear soul and mind. What do we do with our survival? Now what?”
“You know,” he said finally, “not everyone who survives trauma becomes a better person. The idea that surviving brings everyone to a new and better place is a lie told by people who need the world to make sense.”
Publisher Berkley
Published March 9, 2021
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
In 1838, twelve members of the Longstreet family of Savannah Georgia board the luxury steamship Pulaski, to travel to Baltimore to escape the brutal Savannah summers. This is the newly built ship’s fourth journey. There are over 180 passengers and crew members on board when the ship explodes in the middle of the night. With only two working lifeboats on board, many lives were lost on that horrendous night.
The wreckage is discovered 180 years later in a hundred feet of water thirty-five miles off the coast of North Carolina. Everly Winthrope, a Savannah history professor is ask to guest-curate the collection of artifacts being recovered from the Pulaski for a local history museum. Everly’s research on what happened that night leads her to focus her efforts on two members of the Longstreet family who had boarded the ship.—Augusta Longstreet, and her niece Lilly Forsyth. These two women face difficult and heartbreaking decisions on the night of the explosion. Everly is also facing difficult decisions of her own if she is going to survive the recent loss of her best friend.
”There were many ways to survive and many ways to survive the surviving.”
REVIEW
Surviving Savanah is a thought-provoking story of catastrophe, survival and hope. Author Patti Callahan plucks this riveting steamship story from real life and creatively weaves the past and the present, alternating between Everly in present day, and Lilly Forsyth and Augusta Longstreet in 1838. The perseverance, determination and resilience reflected by these women makes this story captivating.
The story explores the horror of having to make instantaneous decisions that have life and death consequences and the sorrow of being a survivor when those you know and love have died. But it’s also about hope for the future and surviving the survival.
Callahan’s characters are delightfully well-developed and her writing is vividly descriptive, particularly of the days following the explosion, as many passengers are floating in the water barely clinging to life.
She has thoroughly proven her ability once again as an outstanding author. She has authored numerous novels, most recently including The Favorite Daughter and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“The life we live is the life we choose. With ever decision of the hear soul and mind. What do we do with our survival? Now what?”
“You know,” he said finally, “not everyone who survives trauma becomes a better person. The idea that surviving brings everyone to a new and better place is a lie told by people who need the world to make sense.”
Publisher Berkley
Published March 9, 2021
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
April 22, 2022
4 sweeping historical stars
This dual timeline historical fiction story is set in Savannah and features an interesting cast of characters, many of them drawn from real life people.
The older storyline centers around the 1838 boiler explosion and sinking of the luxury steamship Pulaski, sometimes called the “Titanic of the South”. Somewhat luckily for these passengers, there wasn’t freezing cold water, but many ended up scorched by the sun, thirsty, and hungry as they waited to be rescued for days. And sadly, not nearly enough lifeboats or life jackets. Entire families (and their servants/slaves) were lost in the tragedy, many of them from the elite class in Savannah.
The present-day timeline features Everly Winthrop, a history professor who has been tapped to curate an exhibit at the local museum. The shipwreck has been discovered and artifacts recovered. As Everly investigates the artifacts, we get glimpses of what the shipwreck was like for some of the passengers on board.
This is my first read from author Patti Callahan, but I will definitely read some of her earlier books now!
Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley for the copy of this one to read and discuss.
This dual timeline historical fiction story is set in Savannah and features an interesting cast of characters, many of them drawn from real life people.
The older storyline centers around the 1838 boiler explosion and sinking of the luxury steamship Pulaski, sometimes called the “Titanic of the South”. Somewhat luckily for these passengers, there wasn’t freezing cold water, but many ended up scorched by the sun, thirsty, and hungry as they waited to be rescued for days. And sadly, not nearly enough lifeboats or life jackets. Entire families (and their servants/slaves) were lost in the tragedy, many of them from the elite class in Savannah.
The present-day timeline features Everly Winthrop, a history professor who has been tapped to curate an exhibit at the local museum. The shipwreck has been discovered and artifacts recovered. As Everly investigates the artifacts, we get glimpses of what the shipwreck was like for some of the passengers on board.
This is my first read from author Patti Callahan, but I will definitely read some of her earlier books now!
Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley for the copy of this one to read and discuss.
April 28, 2021
Surviving Savannah is my 1st novel by Patti Callahan.
She gives us a beautifully written fictional tale based on a real event, the sinking of the steamship Pulaski, in the Atlantic off the Carolina coast in 1838.
Told in dual timelines, those of two courageous women who were on the Pulaski when it exploded and a modern day woman who is not only researching the horrific event but also dealing with her own tragedy.
The author's research of that fateful night and the newly discovered wreckage and remnants brought up from the ocean floor is exceptional!
Most definitely a fascinating read!
She gives us a beautifully written fictional tale based on a real event, the sinking of the steamship Pulaski, in the Atlantic off the Carolina coast in 1838.
Told in dual timelines, those of two courageous women who were on the Pulaski when it exploded and a modern day woman who is not only researching the horrific event but also dealing with her own tragedy.
The author's research of that fateful night and the newly discovered wreckage and remnants brought up from the ocean floor is exceptional!
Most definitely a fascinating read!
April 27, 2021
4 stars - A great HF novel about a topic I knew nothing about!
This was a beautifully written and extremely well researched book about the sinking of the luxury steamship, Pulaski or the “Titanic of the South”. The story of the Pulaski sinking was completely new to me and one I found very interesting. It is told from multiple narratives and dual timelines, so you get to read experiences first hand on the ship as well as in present time with the discovery and restoration of the ship, its artifacts and piecing together what happened. As often is the case for me, I enjoyed the past perspective more than the present, but both provided knowledge that helped flesh out the story in its entirety. I thought the theme of survivor’s guilt was well conceived and done very well. This book would be great for a book club as well!
Since this was my first read by the author, I look forward to her next and cannot wait to see what topic she picks!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the Netgalley widget in exchange for an honest review.
Review Date: 03/11/2021
Publication Date: 03/09/2021
This was a beautifully written and extremely well researched book about the sinking of the luxury steamship, Pulaski or the “Titanic of the South”. The story of the Pulaski sinking was completely new to me and one I found very interesting. It is told from multiple narratives and dual timelines, so you get to read experiences first hand on the ship as well as in present time with the discovery and restoration of the ship, its artifacts and piecing together what happened. As often is the case for me, I enjoyed the past perspective more than the present, but both provided knowledge that helped flesh out the story in its entirety. I thought the theme of survivor’s guilt was well conceived and done very well. This book would be great for a book club as well!
Since this was my first read by the author, I look forward to her next and cannot wait to see what topic she picks!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the Netgalley widget in exchange for an honest review.
Review Date: 03/11/2021
Publication Date: 03/09/2021
March 8, 2021
It is a great week when Patti has a new book out! Surviving Savannah is inspired by the incredible true story of the Steamship Pulaski, which sank off the coast of North Carolina in 1838 with the majority of passengers losing their lives. Patti's remarkable book focuses on two of those women and their unfathomable attempt to get themselves and their children to safety, told through the eyes of a modern day historian investigating what happened. Surviving Savannah is out tomorrow and you will love it!
April 13, 2021
As often happens, I believe, in dual timeline stories, you end up liking one story more than the other. This is what happened with Surviving Savannah. I preferred the characters who survived the shipwreck, and their stories to the modern day tale. I thought the contemporary tale was overdone and its characters flat.
December 31, 2021
On June 13, 1838, the luxury steamship "Pulaski" left Savannah to travel north to Baltimore. Affluent families from Georgia wanted to escape the summer heat. A boiler explosion in the middle of the night caused the "Pulaski" to sink. There were too few lifeboats so people had to hang on to pieces of the decks, and many had never learned to swim. The book follows the stories of two women--Lilly and Augusta--as the passengers struggled to stay alive in the ocean off the coast of North Carolina.
A present day timeline tells the story of the "Pulaski" disaster from the point of view of Everly, the curator of an exhibit at the Rivers and Seas Museum. We follow Everly as she discovers connections in her research, and marvel at the artifacts brought up by divers exploring the site of the shipwreck. The interactive exhibit she designed followed the lives of a Savannah family, including the enslaved servants who traveled with them. Everly is suffering from survivor's guilt because she was present when her best friend was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The survivors of the 1838 steamship disaster also had the difficult task of moving on in their lives after the loss of so many loved ones.
Usually in a dual timeline book there is one timeline that I enjoy more. In "Surviving Savannah," I found both timelines fascinating. The "Pulaski" disaster has been called the "Titanic of the South," and would probably be a great subject for a film.
A present day timeline tells the story of the "Pulaski" disaster from the point of view of Everly, the curator of an exhibit at the Rivers and Seas Museum. We follow Everly as she discovers connections in her research, and marvel at the artifacts brought up by divers exploring the site of the shipwreck. The interactive exhibit she designed followed the lives of a Savannah family, including the enslaved servants who traveled with them. Everly is suffering from survivor's guilt because she was present when her best friend was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The survivors of the 1838 steamship disaster also had the difficult task of moving on in their lives after the loss of so many loved ones.
Usually in a dual timeline book there is one timeline that I enjoy more. In "Surviving Savannah," I found both timelines fascinating. The "Pulaski" disaster has been called the "Titanic of the South," and would probably be a great subject for a film.
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