Celia Imrie

My husband and I recently visited the Titantic museum in Branson, Missouri. This is the third time we have visited a Titantic exhibit, the other two times as a traveling exhibit, a decade or two ago in other American cities. I purchased this book in the gift shop at the museum.

This time we came across the brief story of the two Navratil boys who survived the tragedy, but their father who had accompanied them, did not. Because their father was travelling under an assumed name, a fake storyline and other deceptions, authorities had difficulty locating their family. This historical novel describes the lives of the families of the boys and how they came to be in this difficult situation, the boys being too young to provide their own identification. And, their mother's desperate efforts to find and reunite with the boys.

Thoroughly researched by Fidelis Morgan, Ms. Imrie has added personalities and dialog to the research to create this gripping, relatable story.… (more)

Married in haste, seamstress Marcella Navratil repents her choice. She loves her children but her husband has changed. Michael Navratil is on the verge of bankruptcy so decides to escape France and make a new life for himself in America. He takes the two children of the marriage and sets sail but the ship itself is about to play a huge role in the family's future.
It wasn't until I got the the end of the book that I discovered that this is based on a true story which was a surprise as the tale was far-fetched to say the least. However it is the telling of the tale rather than the narrative that seems at fault. Marcella comes across as a silly girl and, although a devoted mother, she lacks dimension. Michael is written as a pantomime villain. It's a great tale but overly embellished with emotive detail which spoils.… (more)