Luck of the Titanic

By: Stacey Lee

Narrated by: Rebecca Yeo, Stacey Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

From the critically-acclaimed author of The Downstairs Girl comes the richly imagined story of Valora and Jamie Luck, twin British-Chinese acrobats traveling aboard the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage.

Valora Luck has two things: a ticket for the biggest and most luxurious ocean liner in the world, and a dream of leaving England behind and making a life for herself as a circus performer in New York. Much to her surprise though, she's turned away at the gangway; apparently, Chinese aren't allowed into America.

But Val has to get on that ship. Her twin brother Jamie, who has spent two long years at sea, is there, as is an influential circus owner, whom Val hopes to audition for. Thankfully, there's not much a trained acrobat like Val can't overcome when she puts her mind to it.

As a stowaway, Val should keep her head down and stay out of sight. But the clock is ticking and she has just seven days as the ship makes its way across the Atlantic to find Jamie, perform for the circus owner, and convince him to help get them both into America.

Then one night the unthinkable happens, and suddenly Val's dreams of a new life are crushed under the weight of the only thing that matters: survival.

* This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of resources from the printed book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Stacey Lee (P)2021 Listening Library

Critic reviews

An Indie Bestseller

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection

“Lee gives life to the young women of the Chinese diaspora, writing them back into the story.... So rich and focused are [Val's] schemes that as a reader, it's very easy to get caught up in them, and forget that before long, the only thing that will matter is the icy depths of the Atlantic.” (NPR)

“Historical romance fans will love Luck of the Titanic.” (Bustle)

“Lovingly rendered, Val’s bittersweet story is one of hope, courage and the fight to survive.” (Ms. Magazine)

Just OK

The female character is unlikable, and the sinking of the Titanic happened some pages before the ending. Maybe it's my fault for expecting too much.

Is it weird to say that Valora, the main character of the book, is its biggest weakness? Yes, that's right.

However, what I did like about this book was me being educated about six Chinese survivors in the Titanic sinking. It was an eye opener, and it made me read about them more.


I love the narrator's voice because it was soothing and clear.

I can’t stop weeping

Even though I know how Titanic ends, I was still unprepared. Loved the gutsy heroine.

Another hit from Stacey Lee

I have read every single one of Stacey Lee's books. I was a little apprehensive about this one going in because I'd been waiting for someone to write a good story starring the Titanic with a young female lead but had yet to find one and had really high hopes and was so overjoyed when I stumbled on this. My hopes were not dashed. She did an amazing storytelling of the struggles and diversity into the passengers aboard and the main characters will stick with you even after the story ends..So go read it, You Codfish!!

The plot was kind of half baked however I did like some of the characters

The performance was fine, the narrator did really well. However, I didn’t like the plot of the book and the ending ruined it for me a little bit.

Historical non fiction that is a must read!

On the edge of my seat the entire time!
Several stories interwoven throughout.
Sibling dynamics
Love
Friendship
History
Racism
Truly a must for all to enjoy and digest while making important historical connections.

Easily the best book I’ve read so far this year

Easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. This book took me by complete surprise as a tsunami. I had enjoyed The Downstairs Girl but Stacey Lee has outdone herself. Rebecca Yeo is a star. The brightest star. This story is so dramatic, romantic and beautiful, I feel like it is impossible not to fall in love with this twins story and Valora’s journey as she tries to save her brother amidst the world’s epitome of hell. I truly cried with this one and I will dream with Valora and Jamie for years to come.

Had trouble with the performance

The performance was distracting for me. The story bounced around a lot. Overall it was a very depressing book.