There were over 700 survivors of the Titanic disaster and their horrific experience has captivated readers and moviegoers for over 100 years. But what was it actually like for a woman to say goodbye to her husband? For a mother to leave her teenage sons? For the unlucky many who found themselves in the freezing Atlantic waters? Titanic Voices is the most comprehensive collection of Titanic survivors’ accounts ever published and includes many unpublished and long-forgotten accounts, unabridged, together with an authoritative editorial commentary. It is also the first book to include substantial accounts from female survivors and those travelling third class.
The Titanic sunk 109 years ago, tragically killing roughly 1,517 people. There  is little doubt that it was the biggest maritime disaster and because of it, laws on lifeboats were introduced to prevent it ever happening again.

Thanks to films and TV shows we have an  insight into the doomed maiden voyage, but what was it actually like ?

Hannah Holman beautifully presents the accounts of men and women in first class, second class, steerage and the crew members. I have savoured this book, it is accessible because you can read each account individually.

Each chapter belongs to a lifeboat – starting with the first lifeboat launched and the accounts of those survivors and ending with The Carpathia and its passengers.

It is a an eye-opening experience: you feel the anxiety, the heartache, the uncertainty. All the time you are reading you are thinking this is awful yet remarkable.

Admittedly I did have a slight shock when reading this as one of the survivor account was that of a passenger called Margaret Graham, I knew it couldn’t be the same Margaret Graham who is a Editor of Frost Magazine but it did give me goosebumps and I had to email her to confirm it!

I fully recommend this to anyone who has a interest in history, bookworm or no this is a book that you will not want to put down

Available as paperback or eBook here