Orphans of the Storm
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4.2 • 5 Ratings
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
From internationally bestselling author and celebrated actress Celia Imrie, an epic novel set against the backdrop of the sinking of the Titanic.
Nice, France, 1911: After three years of marriage, Marcella Navratil has finally had enough. Her husband, Michael, an ambitious tailor, may have charmed her during their courtship, but their few years of marriage have revealed a cruel and controlling streak. The 21-year-old mother of two is determined to get a divorce.
But while awaiting the Judges' decision on the custody of their children, Michael receives news that changes everything.
Meanwhile fun-loving New York socialite Margaret Hays is touring Europe with some friends. Restless, she resolves to head home aboard the most celebrated steamer in the world.
But as the ship sets sail for America, carrying two infants bearing false names, the paths of Marcella, Michael and Margaret cross and nothing will ever be the same again.
Orphans of the Storm dives into the waters of the past to unearth a sweeping, epic tale of the sinking of the Titanic that radiates with humanity and hums with life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Imrie (the Nice Series) returns with an engaging if drawn-out story based on two boys who were rescued from the Titanic. In 1911, Marcella Navratil, age 21, secretly visits a solicitor in Nice, France, to seek a divorce from her husband, Michael. Ever since the birth of their second child, her overriding thought has been to leave Michael and protect herself and the boys from his physical abuse. The story goes back in time to Marcella's first days in Nice at 16 when she plans to become a famous singer, but is persuaded by her Italian parents to learn sewing. Michael is her teacher, and it isn't long before they're involved. He manipulates her into marrying him at 17 without her parents' permission, and though their marriage is happy at first, Michael becomes increasingly abusive and Marcella fearful and lonely. The narrative's first half is nearly sunk with extensive, sometimes gratuitous depictions of Michael's demeaning behavior, but things pick up after Michael goes on the run with the boys and boards the Titanic with them, while Marcella pursues. A New York City debutante, Margaret Hays, narrates a portion of the voyage, and during the rescue operation, Margaret and the boys are fatefully joined. Despite the unnecessary length, this casts vivid light on a little-known chapter of the tragic voyage.
