Blog Tour: Call of the Titanic by Lindsay Galvin

I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic.  Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year. 

The story is written from the dual viewpoint of Clara Montgomery who finds herself aboard the Carpathia and Sidney Daniels (a third-class cabin steward) who gives his testimony during the inquiry which follows the tragic sinking of the Titanic.  These two viewpoints are interspersed throughout the story alongside telegrams to and from the Titanic and other ships.  The use of fictionalised testimony in the style of the actual testimony given at the inquiry, and the telegrams to and from the Titanic and other ships, really brought home the reality of this tragic event, and brought tears at the loss of so many lives and the devastating and unimaginable situation they found themselves in.   

12-year-old Clara Montgomery, who dreams of adventure, is eagerly looking forward to a visit from her cousin, Harry Cottam, who is a telegraph operator aboard RMS Carpathia.  When an impetuous decision sees her hide inside a trunk he is taking back to England, she finds herself diving headlong into the adventure of her life …

Clara falls asleep inside the trunk, and rather than waking on her family’s New York farm, she finds herself aboard a train and then being loaded by crane into the cargo hold of the Carpathia.  As she tries to free herself from the trunk, she hears a growl outside, and realises that there is an animal in the hold with her.  Despite her fear, she opens the trunk, and is relieved to discover that the animal she thought was a bear is a huge Newfoundland dog – Rigel.  Clara adores animals and has an affinity with them, so the two quickly form a bond:  one of friendship, trust and protection which holds them close throughout their forthcoming adventures. 

When Clara is discovered by the first-class steward, he doesn’t believe her account of how she became a stowaway, and takes her to see the Captain who takes her under his protection.  Clara is determined that she will not be separated from Rigel so sneaks out at night to visit him and take him for a walk on deck.  Something out at sea draws Rigel’s attention:  could it be a sea serpent that most believe is a creature of myth, but which the Captain asserts may be real?  Could this serpent possibly exist and, if so, will it prove itself friend or foe?

As Clara and Rigel explore the Carpathia, and discover adventure and excitement on board, little do they know that they are about to find themselves caught up in a rescue mission as the Carpathia races through an ice-field, and towards the sinking Titanic …

Clara’s adventure aboard the Carpathia and Sidney’s testimonial to the U.S Senate Inquiry (which has been interspersed throughout the narrative) come together when Rigel senses that someone is in need of help, and Clara puts her trust in him, and finds herself heading towards danger ….

I really liked Clara whose strong will, determination and impetuous nature may lead her into trouble on occasions, but these traits also help her to stand up to those who seek to belittle her, and to face danger with incredible courage.   

I really enjoyed the blend of historical fiction with a fantasy element which did have truth in sea-faring historical accounts.  I also really enjoyed that the story was set aboard the Carpathia, and loved finding out more about its Captain who sounds like an incredible person.  Reading the Author’s Note gives a wonderful insight into some of the real people mentioned in the story including Sidney Daniels, Rigel, Captain Rostron and Harold Cottam:  I totally agree with the author’s heading of ‘True Heroes’.  

Call of the Titanic is a truly unforgettable, poignant story of fortitude and friendship in the face of a devastating catastrophe, and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+. 

Thank you so much to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour!