Something has drawn me to books about big ships and the Titanic time period recently. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s one of my favorite historical fictions so far this year.

Violet Jessop was one lucky woman. She was forced to work from a young age to support her family. She worked as a stewardess on large steamships and as a wartime nurse during World War I. One of her stewarding roles was on the infamous Titanic, who’s sinking she survived.

We also meet Daphne in this story. She is a Special Operations Executive for France during World War II. She has a painful past but she’s determined to do her duty for her country during the war. While she serves, she finds out a lot about her past.

I was very drawn to Violet’s character. She had a lot on her shoulders and yet she just kept doing what she needed to do. I don’t think I would ever be able to get on another boat after the first one I was on went down. She’s a strong woman. I felt for Daphne also. She was treated like an unwanted burden while she was growing up, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more out of her life. As she finds out her true history, she becomes and even better woman.

I enjoyed the narration of this book. The dual narrators gave more depth to the audio.

Thank you Harper Collins Focus and NetGalley for my ALC of this book.

This was very enjoyable read. I love anything that is about the Titanic. The characters are great! This book had all the feels. I listened to the book and the narrator had a pleasant voice. Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thank you HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for allowing me to read and review Unsinkable on NetGalley.

Published: 01/09/24

Narrators: Barrie Kreinik, Alana Kerr Collins

Stars: 3

Okay. The Titanic angle grabbed me. I have read a great deal of World War II history and historical fiction and was becoming frustrated with the romanticizing of WW II. While I have paused picking up new WW II books, I couldn't pass on Unsinkable and I wish I had. This was just okay for me. There were highs and lows.

This is another I would buy if asked as gift. I will remember the title, but will struggle remembering the book.

Unsinkable by Jenni Walsh is an absolute gem. This captivating historical novel vividly brings the Titanic to life with meticulous detail and compelling characters. The story features real-life figures like Captain Smith, Molly Brown, and Thomas Andrews, enhancing its authenticity. The protagonist’s bravery and determination are truly inspiring, and the relationships formed add emotional depth. The pacing is perfect, balancing intense action with heartfelt moments. Unsinkable is a must-read for historical fiction lovers, blending education with entertainment beautifully. Highly recommended!

3.5 ⭐️

I loved this book from the first page. The story was not perfect, but I loved how the two life’s merged together. One could noy live with out each other … two unsinkable ladies. Strong, intelligent, independent…. Loved both sides of the story would definitely recommend it.
And the ending ! Was just amazing!

I struggled to get into this audiobook due to the audbible breathing sounds of the narrator between sentences or in the middle of long phrases. I didn't even make it through the first chapter of the audio due to the distraction of the breath sounds

I will try to pick up the physical book and give it a try because I am still interested in the premise of the novel.

This is a great book which tells an interesting story. The audiobook is well narrated and the tone and pacing of the text brings the story to life.

I really wanted to like this book, because I truly love this kind of stories: individual destinies which are so incredible that they sound more like novels than true stories. Violet Jessop has one of these one of a kind stories: she survived all of the incidents and drownings of the three ships of the Olympic type, among which the famous Titanic.

The book had four main issues to me, the first being, that the two main characters, Violet and Daphné are having no common ground, except at the very end, in a way that is actually not linking the stories sufficiently for them to work as a unity. It felt like reading two books at once, with some poor attempts to make them one, when Daphné reflects on the fate of the Titanic. Each one could - and should - have been developed as a single story.

The second flaw for me was that Violet story is actually barely enhanced from the four lines that I wrote above, except for an imaginary romance which is then dismissed. As far as I know, the biography of Violet did not linger onto romantic feelings, because the core of her story is elsewhere and it was actually disappointing to feel like there was a need for a sweetheart to make her story complete.

The third issue in my eyes was that both the characters where described as having a strong focus on feeling responsible for their families or searching for recognition. It felt repetitive and not really bound to any actual actions. It was kind of boring and especially in Violet case, it felt unrealistic and annoying.

Finally, the ending was too out of the blue. I understand where the author was coming from, but this book was sold as inspired from true stories and ends up being a work of fantasy seeking some happy ending.

I am glad that I could hear from the uncommon story of Violet Jessop, but it could have been dealt with in a better way. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for sharing an audio version of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Unsinkable is the perfect way to describe the 2 main characters of this book. I enjoyed listening to the stories of Violet and Daphne. They showed themselves to be strong and smart women during challenging times. It was also fun to see how their lives were connected even though they were from different generations.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#Unsinkable #NetGalley

Unsinkable is written in dual timeline featuring two strong women from very different lives and generations. Jenny L. Walsh weaves the two stories together beautifully and perfectly.

Violet Jessop is the oldest of nine and is thrust into family provider after her mother becomes too ill to work. Violet is working as a nurse and stewardess aboard the Titanic, serving in The Great War . She becomes one of The Titanic survivors, in 1912. She returns to the sea 4 years later and survives the sinking of The Britannic.

Daphne Chaundanson also faces family crisis after her mother dies tragically. She has her father but is unable to earn his love and attention. The Special Operations Executive invites her to be an agent in France in World War II, Daphne sees it as an opportunity to help the country she loves and gain her father’s approval. She never expected the keen dangers and challenges of war yet, is passionate about taking back her country.

Unsinkable is inspired by true stories of Violet Jessop and the thirty-nine women of the Special Operations Executive. Both are unsinkable women. Read these 2 inspiring stories of survival, family, and finding happiness.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this account of two amazing women.

I truly loved this story and the journey that this story took me on. I loved the tenacity of both of the females characters and loved how both of their lives intersecting in such a unique way. A historic time frame fraught with such agony and heartache, surprisingly, was such a heartwarming story to read. How Walsh wove real life events and accounts and took them and made them into something new and all her own was such a delight to witness. I'm glad I listened to the afterward and her process in writing this book, as it gave a lot of insight and added depth to the story. This was one of my favorite listens so far this year!

I want to start off by saying that I want to apologize for a late review. I was given a complimentary audiobook. In return for my honest thoughts and review. This isn’t the first book that I have read/listen to from this author. I am drawn to this author writing style. I really enjoyed different time lines 1912 and 1939 and different POV. When in the end they come together. Without me realizing there is a connection. I know this book does have mixed reviews. But requesting this book I knew that I enjoyed this author other book that I have read which was Call of the Wrens, So I went in to this audiobook with open mind. Like I do all my books that I have read. I didn’t know to much about this book. I haven’t read any book about the titanic at all. I am so happy that I listened to this book. I enjoyed the narrator. She kept me wanting to not stop or put this audiobook away. I highly recommend this book. This author is definitely auto reads for me.

About Book:
1912 Young woman Violet is a stewardess aboard the Titanic. Who even through been through so much in this story, Continues aboard ships to work for her family back home. Having four brothers and a sisters. A mother who is ill and doesn’t like that Violet continues to work.
1939 Daphne who is a young woman who goes to War to help rescue people and figure out what the Nazi’s were up during the war. Her father a famous actor. Her mother never found. Daphne trying to make her father happy. This book follows these two beautiful lives.
Thank again to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to listen to amazing and beautifully book.
My reviews will be up will be up on goodreads and bookbub.

Violet Jessop bears the weight of family responsibility before serving as a wartime nurse and stewardess, miraculously surviving two ship sinkings including the Titanic disaster and becomes known as Miss Unsinkable. Meanwhile, Daphne Chaundanson, driven by a desire for approval, becomes a linguist and wartime agent, grappling with personal demons amidst the perils of World War II as she seeks redemption and a future beyond the conflict. Two stories, two wars, and one connection that links them together.

I’ve heard of Violet Jessop before, so I was intrigued when I saw this book was at least partly about her. I was hoping for a bit more depth, but it did feel as though the author jumped from one significant event to another with her story. But it was interesting enough to keep listening.

The second part of the story was harder for me to get into. I’ve read about some of the stories from the SOE, so it felt a bit ridiculous to have one character as an amalgamation of several women. It was easier for me to zone out during her chapters, even though the narrator did a lovely job. And I did find the connection a strange one, and a little annoying that it was revealed at the very end.

Overall, it was an enjoyable listen. Both narrators were a delight to listen to. I’d put this as a 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy fictional tellings of historical people.

A fictionalized account about real Violet Jessop, a stewardess/maid on the Titanic who survived the sinking and two other maritime disasters, Unsinkable follows her story caring for her family by continuing to work on ships despite her rocky relationship with them. We also see Daphne, who shares her life as an amalgamation of several WWII spy network women and their experiences in her own second timeline. The mirror of the two women, based on and encountering real, famous women through their histories lead to fascinating stories that are hard to put down. Daphne's penchant for maritime factoids, frequently brushing on and referencing Violet's timeline is a brilliant callback that weaves the stories tighter.

#arc
#netgalley
#unsinkable

Absolutely beautiful and incredible story! This is such a great and interesting setting, especially when looking for a break from war historical fiction. The characters were neat and despite being two POVS with lots of side characters, I found it easy to follow. Both narrators were wonderful and easy to listen to, even at a high speed.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an audiobook to listen and review voluntarily.

Engaging story with amazing narration. Enjoyed this one from cover to cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an audio-ARC of Unsinkable by Jenni L. Walsh; narrated by Barrie Krienik and Alana Collins.
I love to read books about the Titanic and although this book is portrayed as that, it is only a small part. "Unsinkable" navigates dual timelines with finesse, weaving a tale of resilience and adversity through the compelling narratives of two women. Walsh skillfully crafts characters who face formidable obstacles, their journeys intertwining towards a satisfying conclusion that seamlessly connects both timelines. Blending suspense with historical authenticity and rich fictional details, the novel offers a captivating exploration of human strength in the face of adversity.

I really enjoyed this very interesting story of 2 women. One based on a real person and the other merged from the actions of many very brave women’s exploits in WW2. There was only a very thin thread joining the 2 but it was interesting hearing their stories. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to this audiobook.

I absolutely loved the audio version of Unsinkable, by Jenni L. Walsh. It is a dual story line of two remarkable women, one from World War 1 and another from World War 2. The first story is told from the perspective of Violet Jessop, who was a room attendant on the Titanic, and two other similar ships that also ended up sinking. The other story is from the perspective of Daphne Chaundanson, who gets involved in the French Resistance as a spy for Britain. Both women face countless adversities and overcome all of them. I especially enjoyed the end of the book when they come face to face as they experience second chance at love, which seemed all but impossible based on their earlier life choices.
It's been a few weeks since I finished this story and I'm still thinking about it! Do yourself a favor and pick up and listen to this incredible novel!

I loved this story about a shipwreck survivor and Special Operations Executive . The dual narrators makes the story easy to follow as the stories are shared. This historical fiction caught my attention originally because of the Titanic survivor Violet but kept my attention because of the cheeky Daphne, whom I found funny at times during this tale.