I received an advance copy of this book through the Library Think Early Reviewers program. I chose the book because I’ve always been fascinated by the Titanic disaster, so am drawn to stories about other shipwrecks. I’d never heard about this one, the loss of the Asia on the Great Lakes, and the story about Christina sounded interesting and full of drama; after losing her twin brother to consumption, she runs away, because she believes her mother wishes she had died instead. I also expected that a romance would develop between Christina and the only other person to survive the shipwreck, a young man named Daniel.

However, the story left me disappointed. The story seemed to build up to a romance, and then the story just ended. There was a lot of tragedy to write about, but while the bodies stacked up, I never FELT the loss. I never connected with any of the characters, and I never really felt the fear or danger during the storm.

While the story wasn’t a total waste of my time, tt didn’t do many of the things that I expect in good historical fiction. The story was ok—but just ok. It didn’t leave a lasting impression and I don’t feel like I came away having learned something new. Most importantly, it certainly did not inspire me to learn more or to do my own research. This is not a book I’d recommend you move to the top or your list. ( )

When Christina's twin brother dies, she runs away and boards the steamship Asia. While on the Great Lakes, a storm topples the boat, leaving Christina scrambling in the water. With a dozen others, Christina finds shelter on a lifeboat, only to have it turn over and over in the water. By the end of the night, only Christina and one other are alive.

Based on a true story, this was an interesting look at a little known disaster. Christina was a strong and dynamic character, one I found myself rooting for. I think the writing style is well suited towards young adults, particularly those who want a little adventure and romance. Highly recommended. ( )

I found this book about the loss of the SS Asia in Georgian Bay to be a very quick read. The author does an excellent job capturing the fear and confusion around the sinking of the ship and the hours spent in the lifeboat. I thought there was a great deal of authenticity to the emotions and actions surrounding these events. I was a little less convinced by Christina and Daniel's time on the island, but did not mind the updating of the language or the romance between the two which most likely was out of character for the time period. I did feel that that book ended a bit abruptly and I would like to have had a little more about what became of the two afterwards. It reminded me a bit of Ruta Sepetys' book, Salt to the Sea, but there was more of a build-up to the sinking in that book and a better understanding of the characters. Still, this was a book that I appreciated for the story it told and would recommend to teens and young adults. ( )

“Historical Fiction” “Based on a true story.” Pushed my buttons, right there.

And I did enjoy the story. But there was a little bit too much of the modern girl in our heroine. And a little bit too much of imagining romance. But I know there was very little information to go on in order to make a novel out of the facts. So, I appreciate that Andrea Curtis did write this book and make known this little piece of history. ( )

Despite the interesting subject matter, I found myself really struggling to get through this book. I'll echo what others have said about the dialogue being completely period-inaccurate, which was an immediate turnoff for me. I also dislike that the reader is dropped into the tragedy as it happens. We have no time to get to know Christina as a character, and as a result it's difficult to really care about her when the ship sinks and she ends up alone in the lifeboat with Daniel. I wish we had heard some of her backstory PRIOR to events happening, as opposed to the constant internal flashbacks.

Additionally i would have LOVED a map in the frontspiece of the book with key locations noted and even maybe the track of the steamship and where the lifeboat went ashore.

Still, an interesting story about what could have been the backstory of 2 unlikely survivors of maritime tragedy. A solid 3 stars from me. ( )