Surviving Savannah

By: Patti Callahan

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley, Catherine Taber, Patti Callahan

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

It was called "The Titanic of the South." The luxury steamship sank in 1838 with Savannah's elite on board; through time, their fates were forgotten - until the wreck was found, and now their story is finally being told in this breathtaking novel from the New York Times best-selling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis.

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.

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

©2021 Patti Callahan (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Fans of Christina Baker Kline and Kate Quinn will love this beautiful, richly detailed novel about a lost bit of American maritime history. In a seamless blending of fact and fiction, Patti Callahan has created an atmospheric, compelling story of survival, tragedy, the enduring power of myth and memory, and the moments that change one's life." (Kristin Hannah, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Great Alone)

"Hidden history rises from the watery depths in all its glittering glory but also in its intimate, human detail. Meticulously researched, beautifully written, underpinned by timeless themes of personal trauma and its aftereffects, Surviving Savannah is a journey readers and book clubs will treasure.” (Lisa Wingate, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Book of Lost Friends)

“Gripping...bringing to life a little-known shipwreck in meticulous detail. [An] engrossing, centuries-spanning tale.” (Publishers Weekly)

I loved it!!

I had a hard time putting it down- such a great story. Addressed issues of fate and what we do with our situations-thought provoking!!

Love historical fiction

Very good story. Unfortunately I wasn’t crazy about the performance of Everly. I prefer a clear, full volume narration to the whisper voice used in this audio book.

Thrilled I stuck with it...

I almost gave up in this book, there was so much information to be given and so much tension to create. I actually drew family tree so I could enjoy it more and move on. I loved Augusta’s story. Amazing outcome to a terrible disaster. There was a tremendous amount of history, and I love that.

I much enjoyed this book!

Soooo Good!

In this wonderful combination of history and present, the author delves into the effects and responses to tragedy. The story is both compelling and redeeming, and the insights into the way people process grief and loss offer helpful guidance to those experiencing these feelings. The performance by the two readers was perfect, bringing the characters to life so expertly that I was lost in their language.

Loved this book!!

Four stars...

Storyline great... just needed to end earlier. Everly needed to get over herself much sooner...

Perfection !!

The author went to great lengths to gather and present a story of historical fiction that for many was unknown, including myself. I live in Savannah so it was especially intriguing. I was able to attend the opening reception and exhibit at the Ships of the Sea Museum in Savannah that displayed artifacts recently recovered from the wreckage. It was a fascinating event since I had just listened to the book.

such a deeply enthralling story!

we didn't want the book to finish...very meaningful truths. Historical fiction makes a real impact...makes you live more awake to life.

Such a Great Book!

Surviving Savannah is such a great book of Historical Fiction. The story, narration and factual history are enjoyable from start to finish. If there are negative reviews, ignore them.

Surviving Savannah

Loved every minute of this book. Would highly recommend especially for bookclubs. The story is written so well & characters so real

A Must Read!!!

Historical Fiction at its best !
The dual timeline and the actual historical facts compel me search for more information and to visit Savannah. On a personal side to reflect on one’s own life experiences and loss and how it changes our own journey.
Rebecca Lee, Illinois