Review of 'The Girl in Lifeboat Six' by Eliza Graham
Review of 'The Girl in Lifeboat Six' by Eliza Graham
Release date: July 6th, 2023
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REVIEW
This is one seriously powerful World War II story dripping with courage, strength, loss and love. Love for a parent, a child and friend. Plus, the early start of a romantic interest. But the danger that some of these characters faced had my heart in my throat. The various harrowing events at the centre of this novel created such tension, it was as taut as a bow string! And when that arrow flew, the damage was mind numbing.
I have read a number of novels lately on the topic of the torpedoed passenger ships of World War II. Each one has been excellent in their own right with various external focuses but this novel’s different approach and plot really shook my heart. Romilly is an intriguing character. Two weeks after her mother passes away, she accepts a companion position that involves being a nanny to eight year old Freddie and his grandmother on a voyage to New York from London.
I kept forgetting this woman was nineteen years old as she seemed so mature for her age. She is also much stronger than she thinks. Even though she appears to be running away from her problems at home, we can easily sympathise with her need to escape a war targeted city. Her survival instincts are on alert and from the very start once boarding the ship, she is paying attention to her surroundings and the safety measures. Her careful observances prove useful and, when the ship goes down after being attacked by a German U-Boat, she knows what to do. But, of course, an unexpected event occurs to set her off track temporarily. Freddie dashes off to retrieve his frightened dog. Romilly goes after him causing them to lose their spot on Lifeboat Six. Yet she still handles the diversion well—even though it puts her and Freddie in an incredibly difficult situation. Survival is number one in her mind and she will do all she can to save the boy, his dog and his grandmother. Even the handsome, intriguing Edward she meets on the ship is in need of her help. She does everything in her power while the ship is going down. When Edward is thrust overboard, she tries to get him out of the freezing water and on to a life raft. What follows, creates even more tension and despair when his fate looks grim.
The story is so well presented you fall into its embrace and it offers a clutching hold to the very end. I could hardly breathe in spots! I will not spoil the experience for others but I will say Romilly’s journey continues on land and there are many obstacles yet for her to face (and unexpected twists!). We see how difficult it was for survivors seeking refuge in America. Finding a place in society, dealing with a different culture. Even their response to plenty of food and other comforts would have felt foreign to those who had been on rations and lived in constant fear. Eliza provides a broad and informative picture.
A further note on Freddie: I found him to be such an amazing child so perceptive and connected to his surroundings. He had to face so many changes and loss at such a young age. His warm attachment to Romilly is understandable—her devotion and compassion for this boy was admirable. Their connection would have been made stronger partly due to their struggle together to survive. It was a joy to watch their relationship grow but also heart-breaking when they were briefly torn apart.
The historical inference of what might have happened on the ship, Charles Lindbergh, the London bombings and New York of 1941—appear to be authentic representations and well researched. I personally felt totally transported to the settings and events and was immersed in that world—both fictional and real. This story offers a sweeping view of New York city at that time as seen through the fresh eyes of Romilly. We get a clear idea of what it was like for those who tried to escape the London bombings and the refugees leaving other parts of Europe to find peace and safety. It was a difficult era and I certainly felt the author took us on a complete and unforgettable journey.
I cannot praise Ms Graham enough for delivering such a moving and heart-gripping story that I most definitely and sincerely recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
