As already mentioned in my review of Zielsveel, I’m currently aiming to read more Dutch and Flemish books. This time, I’ll discuss Unsinkable by Lotte van den Noort!
Note: Even though this book is originally Dutch, an English version is available as well!
Unsinkable
What if…the story of the Titanic didn’t happen as we all think it did? Unsinkable explores one of the conspiracy theories that exists about the famous ship. It’s the story of Katharina, a rich girl whose family gets into financial troubles, forcing her to work shifts at a hotel. Luckily enough for her, her fiancé sticks with her even after she’s lost her fortune and they decide to create a new life for themselves in the States. The best way to make that happen quickly? Board the Titanic as a chamber maid!
An emotional, alternative history
I have to admit I’ve always had a particular interest in conspiracy theories, so I was very excited to discover this story. It’s even centered on a theory I hadn’t heard about previously, so that was a nice bonus.
When I started reading, I struggled to lose myself in the story because I really didn’t like the main character. To be honest, that never changed. She’s extremely annoying and very ungrateful.
Nevertheless, I quite liked the story itself. I especially appreciated the action scenes and all the scenes that were really linked to the ship itself. Those were very impressive. It was almost as if I could feel the power of the engines and it was easy to imagine how big an event all of this was for the common people at the time. The disaster scenes were very good as well. I almost struggled to breathe myself. Which became a quite literal concern the next night as I spent it tossing and turning…the book was so realistic it gave me nightmares.
Three out of five gemstones!
Age category: Young adult
Do you want to discover more?
If my review inspired you to pick up the book, don’t hesitate to check it out at Goodreads or at the below online stores.
Amazon.nl: English Hardcover Edition
Furthermore, it’s possible to order a signed (Dutch) edition via the website of the author, where you can also order a bundle that includes a boarding pass and bookmarks!
Similar to this
The next book by Lotte van den Noort that I will read is Unwritable. This is the story of a girl who joins a group of rebels in the New Orleans of the 1930s. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
I’ll try to read at least one Dutch book each month. In August, I’ll read Wij, twee jongens (Which translates as We, two boys) by Aline Sax. This is the first part of a duology I read as a teenager. It’s the story of a poor family from Flanders that aims to look for a better life in the USA. Things go wrong quite soon though, and only one of the sons ends up in New York. All by himself, he’s struggling to find a way back. But then, he meets Jack…This book has not yet been translated to English.
Last but certainly not least, I would love to recommend one of my favourite YA historical series. It’s even a Dutch one too (unfortunately, still not translated to English either, which is truly a crime 🙁 ). I’m talking about the Groene Bloem Trilogy (Green Flower) by Floortje Zwigtman. This trilogy introduces us to a young boy who gets involved with the artistic circle around Oscar Wilde. It’s simply amazing! I really have to review it soon!