"Surviving Savannah" by Patti Callahan
With all the splendor of royalty, the rich and
elite of Savannah board the luxury steamship,
The Pulaski, on June 13th, 1838, for its maiden
voyage to Baltimore. Some of these aristocrats,
with their priceless belongings, and humble
servants trailing behind, will travel on to refreshing
Saratoga Springs, New York, to begin what promises
to be a much-anticipated trip far away from the
sweltering, oppressive, summer heat of the deep South.
Little do the unlucky travelers know, that within hours, a
boiler room explosion will rip the ship apart, throwing
innocent adults and children overboard, where they will
frantically try to save themselves from the sheer terror
of the dark, churning sea. Many will perish, some
will astonishingly live, but all will become part of a
tragic disaster few historians dwell upon, until the
mangled wreckage is discovered 180 years later.
In alternating chapters, this true, captivating tale about
"The Titanic of the South", combines the present day
fascination of uncovering precious relics beneath the
ocean, with the past agonizing experiences of the brave
souls who were part of an adventure gone terribly wrong.
Everly Winthrop is an enthusiastic, history professor
who decides to accept an invitation to guest curate a
proposed museum exhibition of recent artifacts from
The Pulaski. As Everly examines the many treasures
that have remained in the solitary cocoon of the ocean's
depths, painful memories surface about the best friend
she lost to a tragic, unsolved accident, one that she
believes falls on her shoulders. Exploring those who
perished years ago, only intensifies her own profound
guilt and sadness.
Everly's extensive research reveals forsaken details
about those unfortunate enough to be on the doomed
1838 steamer, namely a wealthy, distinguished family
of eleven. Two extraordinary survivors from this
well-heeled family, were Augusta Longstreet and her
niece, Lilly Forsyth. Chapter by chapter, readers learn
of their hidden secrets and desires. But nothing
compares to being at the mercy of vast, threatening
waters that challenged their endurance in unimaginable
ways.
This emotional, historical fiction novel once again
showcases author Patti Callahan's ability to take a
mesmerizing event in history, and combine it with her
own intriguing plot and rich, tortured characters.
Especially engaging are the passages about Augusta,
Lilly, and an indentured nursemaid, all of whom possess
inner strength, loyalty, and unparalleled determination.
They each overcome fate's overwhelming obstacles
with fierce fortitude and perseverance.
March 9th marks the date for Callahan's newest release,
perhaps one of her finest sagas to date. The author note
at the end of the book further explains the facts behind
this miraculous survival at sea at a time in history few
remember, or honor, until now.
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