Erik Larson makes history come alive once again. I'd known nothing about this subject, except having the misconception that the sinking of the Lusitania had immediately forced the US into WWI.

One would think that when reviewing a history book, there would be no risk of spoilers, and yet--there are some surprising and shocking facts here that I will not give away. Larson's research is
intense and encompassing, and he packages and delivers this fascinating account in a very readable form.

Larson breathes life into the passengers of this ill-fated voyage through survivor memories and correspondence, the ways people packed, what they brought, and why they were traveling. It's an interesting look at life as it was one hundred years ago. We also get a peek into President Woodrow Wilson's life and the private, emotional challenges he had to navigate at this time.

At the end of the narrative, there are about one hundred pages of notes that are fascinating, as well. The best compliment I can pay Erik Larson is that I feel compelled to look up more about the Lusitania. He provided just the right amount of information to get many people interested in further reading.

Bravo!