Book Review: Surviving Savannah

 

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This was one of those "do-not-disurb-me-I'm-reading" books that I seriously could not put down.

There were very few things that I didn't like about Surviving Savannah, so I'm just going to gloss over them quickly.  First, I found it hard to keep the whole Longstreet family organized in my head throughout the story.  I was constantly asking myself, "Who is this again?"  A family tree could've helped me keep them straight as I was reading, but I was reminded of who fit where at the end during the museum display's grand opening.  Along with that, it was sometimes a challenge switching between three different POV's, but they all flowed nicely.

Other than that... I was obsessed.  The stories of Everly, Augusta and Lilly were hauntingly enchanting and I clung to every word.  I loved how the title ties into the story by the end and I got literal goosebumps when I read, "'The life we live is the life we choose with every decision of the heart, soul and mind.  What do we do with our survival?  Now what?'"

Ugh.

So.  Good.

But it gets better (in a morbid sort of way)...

Surviving Savannah was based on a true story.  The Pulaski shipwreck was a legit shipwreck in 1838.  In her author note, Callahan explains that this story was both fictitious and factual.  She did intensive research to tell the story of the victims on the Pulaski - a story I would've never known had it not been for this book.  All I ever heard about was the Titanic!

If you love history and are as fascinated by shipwrecks as I am, Surviving Savannah is the perfect read for you.  And just in time for summer!

Surviving Savannah was released March 9, 2021.  It is available to purchase through major retailers, or my personal favorite book distributor, Bookshop.  Buy through Bookshop, support local bookstores!