Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by

On May 1, 1915, the Lusitania set sail from New York, carrying a record number of passengers, including many children, despite the looming threat of German U-boats. The ship's captain, William Thomas Turner, believed in the safety of civilian ships, but Germany was determined to change the rules of warfare. Meanwhile, a secret British intelligence unit tracked the U-boat U-20, commanded by Walther Schwieger, without alerting anyone. The convergence of these forces led to one of the 20th century's greatest disasters, a story Erik Larson brings to life with vivid detail and emotional depth. Larson masterfully weaves together the stories of the Lusitania's passengers, the crew, and key historical figures like President Wilson, creating a narrative that is both thrilling and poignant. The book explores the human elements of the tragedy, from the hubris of the ship's captain to the personal dilemmas of those involved, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known event.

Reviews

Columbia Magazine · 2025-10-24

fantastic 4.50

The book reads like a contemporary thriller, with all the freshness and dramatic tension of a spy novel. It offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania.

Dead Wake is a remarkable piece of non-fiction that reads like a contemporary thriller. The author's ability to weave together historical facts with a narrative that feels immediate and tense is truly impressive. The book offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania, providing a fresh look at a well-known historical event. The author's attention to detail and thorough research is evident throughout the book, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in history. The narrative is engaging and well-paced, with short chapters that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The book's ability to capture the drama and tension of the time makes it a standout in the genre of historical non-fiction.

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Dead Wake may be a work of nonfiction, but it has all the freshness, immediacy, and dramatic tension of a contemporary thriller or spy novel.

The author's ability to weave together historical facts with a narrative that feels immediate and tense is truly impressive.

The book offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania, providing a fresh look at a well-known historical event.

Book Thoughts from Bed · Book Thoughts from Bed · 2016-05-24

great 4.25

The author provides a detailed and accurate account of the sinking of the Lusitania, offering a comprehensive look at the historical context. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War I history.

In 'Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania', Erik Larson provides a detailed and accurate account of the sinking of the Lusitania. The book is particularly strong in its portrayal of the historical context, offering a comprehensive look at the events leading up to the disaster. The author's ability to blend historical facts with a compelling narrative makes this a gripping read. The book is well-researched and well-written, with a narrative that is both engaging and informative. The author's attention to detail is evident throughout the book, making it a must-read for anyone interested in World War I history or maritime disasters. The book's ability to capture the drama and tension of the time makes it a standout in the genre of historical non-fiction.

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The author did an excellent job of giving the reader all perspectives and accurate history of the ship.

Since this one my first read on history of WWI I had a lot of questions and they were all answered.

The book is well-researched and well-written, with a narrative that is both engaging and informative.

The Guardian · Richard E. Grant · 2015-05-07

excellent 4.00

The book excels in its detailed description of early submarine warfare, offering a vivid portrayal of life inside these early submarines. It provides a comprehensive look at the events leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania.

In 'Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania', Erik Larson offers a meticulous account of the events surrounding the sinking of the Lusitania. The book is particularly strong in its depiction of the technology and tactics of early submarine warfare, providing a chilling insight into the lethal capabilities of these early submarines. Larson's narrative is engaging and well-researched, offering a comprehensive look at the political and military context of the time. The author's ability to blend historical facts with a compelling narrative makes this a gripping read. However, some readers might find the detailed descriptions of the submarine technology a bit dense, but it is a small price to pay for the depth of information provided. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War I history or maritime disasters.

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Larson's vivid evocation of life inside early submarines is both chilling and fascinating.

The book is at its best when describing the lethal new technology of early submarine warfare.

Larson's narrative is engaging and well-researched, offering a comprehensive look at the political and military context of the time.

Appears in Lists

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