Cathy Gohlke
Tyndale, 2012
When I saw this available for review from Tyndale, I was intrigued. I haven't read much historical fiction about the Titanic, but with the anniversary approaching, I decided to give it a go. Promise Me This quickly swept me into the story, and didn't let me go.
I'm going to be very careful with this review, because there is something to be gained from going into this reading without knowing all the details. (Or maybe I just want everyone to experience the 'What on earth?!' feeling I had when I got to a certain part.) The main characters are Annie Hall and Michael Dunnagan. Annie comes from a distinguished and wealthy - though somewhat haunted - London family. Michael is an Irish orphan, fighting for survival on the streets and docks. The link between the two is Owen - Annie's big brother, who takes Michael under his wing, quite literally giving him new life.
Owen sets sail on the Titanic, discovering Michael stowed away a few days into the voyage. Realizing God had some purpose for the boy reappearing in his life this way, Owen begins to teach Michael everything he knows about gardens and plants - preparing him for a new start in America, and adopting him as a brother. But the Titanic has a date with an iceberg, and Owen never makes it to New Jersey, though he makes sure Michael does. And Michael vows to do all he can to bring Annie safely to America too, fulfilling Owen's promises and goals. Annie however, is less inclined to go along with this plan, finding it hard to forgive Michael for living when she is forced to lose so much. So begins a long, painful journey of healing and reconciliation - and the all-powerful force of Love.
Annie and Michael each struggle with their own demons, eventually learning that the only way forward is to embrace the life they're given and the people who love them. They become friends, then more - and plans are set in place for Annie to join Michael and her aunt in New Jersey. When World War I breaks out, those plans are halted, and a new chapter in Annie and Michael's story begins. Annie's letters stop abruptly one day, and she seems to disappear into thin air. Michael returns to England, then goes on to the front lines in France, to find her. What follows is a story that breaks your heart and makes you smile all at once.
I loved this book, but at least once I was sorely tempted to throw it at the wall and scream. Gohlke does a masterful job of creating characters that I can relate to and cheer for, and then wham!, out of nowhere a story twist comes that - seriously - made me want to shriek. But I kept reading! And man, the reward was worth the momentary frustration. So take heart, readers! Keep reading, and you'll be happy again! I promise you this. It's an emotional read - having not read any Titanic fiction, the scenes surrounding the sinking and aftermath were intense. I am a fan of WWI stories, so was more prepared for that emotional rollercoaster. Promise Me This is a exceptional piece of historical fiction I think: it has the historical details to make it feel real, but it's not overly 'historical' - there is a lot of emphasis placed on the characters, on Annie and Michael, but also the secondary/supporting cast. It's like visiting with people from the past, and experiencing their experiences. On the whole, very glad I read it.
Book provided by publisher for review.
Cathy's site http://www.cathygohlke.com
Tyndale Tyndale.com
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Thank you, Rebecca, for your excellent review of PROMISE ME THIS. I smiled, and nearly wept, then smiled again at your description of your roller coaster ride through the story. Life, and books, are sometimes like that. I'm so glad you made the journey and shared it with your readers.
ReplyDeleteLife certainly is an up-and-down ride :o)
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the read, and was happy to be a part of the tour!
Can't wait to read this one- it's on my list!
ReplyDeletePromise Me This was very well-researched and well-written. One thing I thought was really neat was that the author, Cathy Gohlke, had actually found the name "Owen Allum" on a copy of the ship's manifest, and researched his history. From this she developed the character of Owen Allen, who, even though he has only a short time in this book, is a central character because of how his life intertwined with Annie's and Michael's. Cathy also has a real gift for creating believable locations, as well as characters. From the lavish interior of Titanic to the grim ocean waters where she sank; from the city streets of England to the battlefields of France; from the Irish slums to the peace of small-town New Jersey, every setting felt real. I found myself caring about the characters and what happened to them. I was sad when Owen died. I really wanted to do away with Aunt Eleanor. :) I cheered for Michael in his dogged determination to keep his promises to Owen, and to find Annie. And I especially loved the theme of self-sacrifice and "greater love hath no man than this . . . " that ran through the book.
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