Unsinkable

A Novel

De: Jenni L Walsh

Narrado por: Barrie Kreinik, Alana Kerr Collins

“AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER”

The Titanic was only the beginning. What she survived has become legend. Inspired by true stories of survival and resilience, Unsinkable entwines the lives of two women, one from World War 1 and another from World War 2, as they face adversity and take hold of the second chances given to them.

Violet Jessop is Miss Unsinkable.

After her mother becomes too ill to work, the responsibility to provide for the family falls to Violet as the oldest of nine. When the world enters the Great War, she serves as a nurse, helping men who could very well be her brothers. Working as a stewardess and wartime nurse, Violet not only survives a shipwreck but also two sinkings, one on the infamous Titanic. No one can understand why she would return to sea, but something keeps drawing Violet back to the tumultuous waters, where she struggles to put the tragedies of her past behind her and pursue a life and love all her own.

Daphne has survived calamity of her own.

Daphne Chaundanson grows up as an unwanted child after her mother died in a tragedy. She throws herself into education, collecting languages like candy in a desperate attempt to finally earn her father's approval. When the Special Operations Executive invites her to be an agent in France in World War II, her childhood of anonymity and her love of languages make her the perfect fit. She sees it as an opportunity to help the country she loves and live up to her father's expectations. But the dangers of war challenge Daphne in ways she never could have expected, and the secrets from her own past must be faced for her to truly have a future beyond the conflict--if she can survive it.

Inspired by true stories of Violet Jessop and the thirty-nine women of the Special Operations Executive. Two unsinkable women. Two stories of survival, family, and finding one's own happiness. One connection that reshapes both their lives forever.

• Historical, stand-alone novel
• Themes of: true events, second chances, and happy endings
• Book length: approximately 103,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Reseñas de la Crítica

'A stunning dual narrative spanning some of the marquee events of the early twentieth century. Violet and Daphne are compelling heroines of the first order, and one cannot help but root for their triumph from the first page through to the seamless, satisfying conclusion. Walsh is a master storyteller, and Unsinkable shows her skill at its best. Not to be missed by anyone who loves historical fiction and resilient heroines.'

'An extraordinary story of two extraordinary women. Jenni L. Walsh expertly weaves together Violet's and Daphne's histories--Violet is real, Daphne an amalgamation of several real-life women--to craft a historical novel that is vivid and enthralling. There is intrigue and bravery, duty and love in these pages, and readers will keep turning them to the very end, eager to learn the fates of these two inspiring women. A joy to read.'

'I fell headfirst into this historical fiction tale featuring two powerful and resilient women, Violet and Daphne. Walsh seamlessly weaves together fact and fiction in a dual timeline narrative that keeps the reader guessing, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. The courage of both main characters lingered with me long after I turned the final page--I am so looking forward to whatever Walsh writes next!'

'Jenni L. Walsh spins an incredible tale of survival and heartbreak in this riveting novel. Inspired by true events, the rich historical detail and tense plotting make for an unforgettable read. Historical fiction lovers, add this one to your list!'

'. . . One of the most difficult aspects of writing historical fiction is creating authentic character mindsets, and Walsh captures this aspect beautifully . . . While history tells us what happened, through Walsh's compassionate prose, we're able to feel what happened as well. Sitting in a lifeboat, wrapped in shadows of the night, as a ship groans its last and plunges into the Atlantic to the setting of explosives in a German depot while guard dogs bark close by: these settings feel that much more authentic under Walsh's deft pen. UNSINKABLE is a story of courage, resilience, and steering your own course in life. Recommended!'

'An exhilarating voyage of danger, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph.'

'Move aside, Jack and Rose. It's time for another perspective on the Titanic shipwreck. New books on well-worn tales can be hard to pull off, but Jenni L. Walsh's fictional account of Violet Jessup, a real woman who survived three tragedies at sea (including the sinking of the Titanic), is fresh and riveting. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah's THE NIGHTINGALE, UNSINKABLE shines with themes of endurance, tenacity and female empowerment. I predict UNSINKABLE will be a favorite among in-person and online book clubs.'

'Violet survives a shipwreck and two sinkings, but the sea still beckons. Daphne joins the armed forces during WWII to prove her worth. An inspiring tale of second chances.'

Outstanding narrator

I loved the way the author explains the creation and inspiration for each of her characters from real people.

Great story

I enjoyed the book front to back- I wish that the ladies would have come to a knowledge that they were both onthe Titanic and that violet is the one who saved this baby.

Good, not great

The subject matter was interesting, but the 2 main characters' inner monologues got a bit tedious. Narration was excellent.

Fantastic Storyline!

I loved this book! I’ve never read anything by Jenni Walsh but I will check out her other works. The story of Violet was amazing and I loved what the author did with Daphne. I especially loved her notes at the end. Well done Ms. Walsh!

The Characters

I love two characters & the Era's they lived in. Plus the story was facinating.

Unsinkable

*Spoilers Ahead*

First, I have a bone to pick with you, Mrs. Walsh: HOW ARE YOU GOING TO WRITE A BOOK THAT FEATURES THE TITANIC, NAME A CHARACTER “LEO,” PUT HIM ON A BOAT THAT SINKS, AND THEN MAKE US WAIT TO SEE IF HE SURVIVED?!? That’s almost on a Shonda Rhimes level of playing with my emotions. From the time Leo was introduced until the end of Violet’s experience with the HMS Britannic, I feel like I didn’t take a full breath. Your 80s baby audience is NOT OKAY with the memories this character inclusion brings to the surface. “I’ll never let go, Jack!”

My indignation set aside, I loved the premise to the story; the retelling of Violet Jessup’s life and Daphne as an accumulation of some real-life stories of several very heroic women during WWII were perfect parallels. I wanted to shake Violet several times for her steadfast refusal to consider any other alternative to the life that she was living, but I guess I respect it on some level. Also, when basing a story on a real person’s life, there is only so liberty that can be taken with the narrative. I loved Daphne’s intelligence, wit, and vulnerability. She was a particularly relatable character.

4.5 rounded up for the ending. I mentally called the connection between the two women pretty far in advance, but it did not make the conclusion feel trite. The biggest issue I had with the ending is that it felt a little rushed, and it was tied up a little too neatly. However, after reading the author’s note with her self-admittance and rationalization, I understand why she made that narrative choice and I support it. If I had a chance to write a happy ending for them, I probably would have, too.

Narration:
Barrie Kreinik was perfect as Daphne and Alana Collins was great as Violet. I have a special love of the Irish lilt and was actually happy at the amounts of times Violet told herself and others to stay “calm” - a favorite pronunciation of mine. There was not a ton of voice variations for the men, but there were enough to make them seem separate.

I was approved this audiobook ARC from NetGalley. Unfortunately, I was unable to listen to it because the archival date passed before I could get to it. So, I used one of my coveted Audible credits to listen to this book. I regret nothing.

A Delightful listening experience

I knew these story characters would come together but I was disappointed that the author did not allow the connection to be made when Violet and Daphne finally met. The story was enjoyable to listen to and saw some correlations in other historical fiction I have read as well. It made history all the more real. And of course, who doesn't love listening to a lovely English accent. Violet sounded more Irish to me or maybe cockney but no matter it was delight.

Intricately Woven Historical Fiction

I loved the characters and the way their stories unfolded, and I constantly searched for their connection. The narration in audible adds depth to the listeners understanding of the characters as well. However, it’s the author’s note that was the final bow for me.

Jenni L. Walsh delivers equal emotional weight to Violet Jessop—a real-life Titanic survivor—and Daphne, a fictional character inspired by the courageous women of WWII. I knew Violet was inspired by a true account, and I had assumed Daphne was also inspired by a real person that had somehow crossed the path of the real Violet. Much to my surprise, the story of Daphne was created by an immense appreciation and understanding of so many women in history! Walsh’s remarkable achievement lies in how both women feel equally vivid and authentic. Both Violet and Daphne are carefully illustrated with such depth, making their parallel journeys enthralling. The author’s note truly had me in awe of how Walsh, through research and an immense talent for storytelling, both honors history and imagines the untold stories of so many women who refused to sink in life.