Review of 'The Girl Who Came Home' Novel by Hazel Gaynor

Since recently discovering Hazel Gaynor’s novels, I have loved the two I have read (this one and The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter). As a result, I have been furiously collecting more of her titles. She has an amazing talent that touches my poet’s heart and I identify with her writing on so many levels. My creative side has a real connection to her themes, descriptions and the delivery style of her words. She is a New York Times Bestseller so obviously her exciting newish voice in historical fiction has resonated with many. (Publisher: HarperCollins)

I loved The Girl Who Came Home. Interestingly enough, I had just finished reading and reviewing Kathleen McGurl’s brilliant new novel The Lost Sister (I also highly recommend) which also includes the Titanic. So, my mind was quite focused on this ship. (Read my review.)

I won’t retell the story of The Girl Who Came Home except to say Hazel has drawn upon the true lives of fourteen members (she has changed their names) of a small village in Ireland who embarked on an emigration journey to New York aboard the Titanic on its maiden fateful voyage. She takes us step by step, moment by moment through their experiences with a main focus on Maggie Murphy (based on the real Annie Kate Kelly and Annie McGowan) and to a lesser extent her aunt Kathleen Dolan (based on Catherine McGowan, the woman who is thought to have organised the group’s journey). Friend Peggy Madden (based on Delia McDermott) also plays an important role in Maggie’s life. Others of the group on the Titanic voyage, and on shore in Ireland and in United States, have a real connection to Maggie as well. Hazel also uses some of the real people (with names changed) outside of the fourteen from Ireland who were on/or part of the ship’s crew and event.

Hazel’s research is meticulous. She uses it powerfully, sensitively and thoughtfully to present the heartbreaking drama of the ship’s sinking, the loss of lives and aftermath of the survivors. The disjointed minds of many filled with grief and survivor’s guilt comes through very clearly, arousing our sympathies on a very deep level. It is not a book to read quickly since it stirs up emotion that alone can leave you feeling drained. Hazel has made it is easy for us to put ourselves in the shoes of the passengers and their loved ones providing a portrait of life before, during and after the tragedy.

There is also Maggie’s love story with its surprising twists that begin in the historical timeline and carries over in the current/modern day one. Plus a separate current day romantic relationship of her great granddaughter that’s riddled with setbacks but ultimately takes a positive direction.

Carpathia is somewhat of a hero and must be mentioned for this ship managed to save a number of the survivors. The sad realisation is that more may have been rescued if there had been enough lifeboats on the Titanic and enough time before it sank.

The Girl Who Came Home is filled with letters and journal entries that provide wonderful insight into the hearts of its writers. These private quiet reflections add a personal touch. Also, a number of wireless messages are included that were actually from the real records of the Titanic, providing more of the realistic elements to the story's fabric.

The novel is set in two timeliness, one in 1912 and the other of 1982, but I found the transitions easy to follow. The suspense is wonderfully executed as we are taken along on an authentic ride of the characters’ journeys. Although Maggie is the main point of view for the 1912 timeline and Grace for the current 1982 version, others have an opportunity to share their stories such as Seamus, Frances, Katie, Harry (ship’s steward), Thomas and Vivienne-- thus giving us a large snapshot of those affected by the events. This great narrative tool not only helps with the unravelling of the past but also assists with revealing the flow-on effects to the present. Does Maggie ever get to go back home as hinted in the title? Read the book and see.

Yes, I loved this novel. Beautifully written with its strong demonstration of the power of love, the will to survive and the possible triumph over tragedy. Devastation, liberation and restoration permeate this novel along with the terror and beauty of memories and how the human spirit like a phoenix can rise from the ashes of defeat. This novel is unforgettable, deeply powerful and a major triumph. 5 Stars. 🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢