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nic_fish's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed, teen content. Would like to read the sequel.
kayharkness's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me on a journey. The journey of thinking this was a random romance novel in the back of my shelf to realizing this was a “coming of life” story. The romance is a backdrop for this fantastical yet historical story that feels as real as it could be happening right now. I felt the pain and sadness with Ellie and her grief, loss and desires.
The summary on the back of the novel did not do it justice and I took just two days to read through this book. At super speed I was desperate to find out what happened to her. Elegantly written, I am so glad I took the time to read this. So much more than a love story and so much more than the story of a sinking ship.
The summary on the back of the novel did not do it justice and I took just two days to read through this book. At super speed I was desperate to find out what happened to her. Elegantly written, I am so glad I took the time to read this. So much more than a love story and so much more than the story of a sinking ship.
evaosterlee's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
shinydiscoballx's review
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
siobhan27's review against another edition
4.0
Unspeakable is one of those books that stays with you even after you finish the last sentence. This is not only the story of one girl who's life is turned upside down, but it is also the story of a boat load of people that had to witness and survive a horrible tragedy. And I think that duality of perspective was what made me fall in love with this story.
The way this story pans out is very much like the titanic and the way the movie portrays the story of Jack and Rose. A reporter wants to report on the tragedy and therefore Ellie tells him her story of what happened. Except in this version Ellie, at first, does not want to tell her side of the story, but she is baited by excerpts from her lost loves diary, and so she begins to spill the beans.
What I think I enjoyed the most about this story was the mystery of what happened to Jim, and if Ellie would ever find out his story, and what he was hiding from her. And I loved that mystery so much that it kept me reading until the very end. I will say that I was a little disappointed with the reveal at the end, but I was expecting A LOT.
The only issue I had was that the love story seemed to be very sudden and uncalled for. I really wish that we could have seen more of Ellie and Jim and how they got to know each other and how they fell in love. Because when I read their story I never really got a chance to see why they liked each other so much. I wanted to fall in love along with them them, not show up half way through.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, its subject matter was extremely interesting as was its mystery. The love story could have been stronger in my opinion but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. The writing was phenomenal and I cannot wait to read more from Caroline Pignat in the future!
The way this story pans out is very much like the titanic and the way the movie portrays the story of Jack and Rose. A reporter wants to report on the tragedy and therefore Ellie tells him her story of what happened. Except in this version Ellie, at first, does not want to tell her side of the story, but she is baited by excerpts from her lost loves diary, and so she begins to spill the beans.
What I think I enjoyed the most about this story was the mystery of what happened to Jim, and if Ellie would ever find out his story, and what he was hiding from her. And I loved that mystery so much that it kept me reading until the very end. I will say that I was a little disappointed with the reveal at the end, but I was expecting A LOT.
The only issue I had was that the love story seemed to be very sudden and uncalled for. I really wish that we could have seen more of Ellie and Jim and how they got to know each other and how they fell in love. Because when I read their story I never really got a chance to see why they liked each other so much. I wanted to fall in love along with them them, not show up half way through.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, its subject matter was extremely interesting as was its mystery. The love story could have been stronger in my opinion but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. The writing was phenomenal and I cannot wait to read more from Caroline Pignat in the future!
readingcat1228's review
4.0
This book was very enjoyable. I took advantage of the short chapters and ended up reading several at once! I hope this author continues to write more books and if she does I will read them :)
adali0522's review
4.0
I heard that the book was similar to Titanic, and so I got into the book with low expectations. But I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
alittlebookish's review
4.0
I was fortunate enough to dine with Caroline in March for our Ottawa Blogger Meetup. While there, she spoke with us about her upcoming book Unspeakable. It is an historical fiction novel about a shipwreck of the Empress of Ireland. This shipwreck actually happened after the Titanic and had many more casualties. It is one of the worst Canadian Maritime disasters in history but it often gets overlooked.
It was amazing to hear about all the research and details that went into this book. It is told in the narrative of Ellie, who is a stewardess on the boat. It goes back and forth between present day and the past (pre-boat disaster). In present day, Ellie is recounting her experience to Steele, a journalist. She is trying to find more information about the man she fell in love with.
I have to say that I quite enjoyed this story. I was a history minor and I really like reading historical fiction. I had never heard of this shipwreck so it's always nice learning something new. I also quite enjoy reading about Canada. It's fun to read about places you have been to. Some of the story takes place in Quebec City which is where I honeymooned. It's great being able to perfectly picture where the characters are walking around and exploring.
I also really liked Ellie. She was down on her luck and while she didn't exactly welcome her new role on the Empress, she did what she could with it. She is tenacious and she goes for what she wants. All this in a time when women were not exactly equal. She is not afraid of a little hard work if she really wants something.
I also like that the story is not solely focused on tragedy. It is about rebuilding after horrible tragedy. She has an inner strength that many would not possess.
The secondary characters are also interesting. While we don't get to see much of Aunt Geraldine, what we do know about her is great. She is a woman living on her own in a man's world. I can see how some wouldn't like her but I did. She did what she thought she had to make it. I think that Ellie gets a lot of her qualities from her aunt.
Overall, this book was well written and fun to read. I would definitely recommend picking it up.
It was amazing to hear about all the research and details that went into this book. It is told in the narrative of Ellie, who is a stewardess on the boat. It goes back and forth between present day and the past (pre-boat disaster). In present day, Ellie is recounting her experience to Steele, a journalist. She is trying to find more information about the man she fell in love with.
I have to say that I quite enjoyed this story. I was a history minor and I really like reading historical fiction. I had never heard of this shipwreck so it's always nice learning something new. I also quite enjoy reading about Canada. It's fun to read about places you have been to. Some of the story takes place in Quebec City which is where I honeymooned. It's great being able to perfectly picture where the characters are walking around and exploring.
I also really liked Ellie. She was down on her luck and while she didn't exactly welcome her new role on the Empress, she did what she could with it. She is tenacious and she goes for what she wants. All this in a time when women were not exactly equal. She is not afraid of a little hard work if she really wants something.
I also like that the story is not solely focused on tragedy. It is about rebuilding after horrible tragedy. She has an inner strength that many would not possess.
The secondary characters are also interesting. While we don't get to see much of Aunt Geraldine, what we do know about her is great. She is a woman living on her own in a man's world. I can see how some wouldn't like her but I did. She did what she thought she had to make it. I think that Ellie gets a lot of her qualities from her aunt.
Overall, this book was well written and fun to read. I would definitely recommend picking it up.
zoou2foo's review
5.0
It was a great book! As I’m from Rimouski, I found that the author really respected the historic facts about this maritime disaster that not a lot of people know about it. It was really well done! If you like the movie Titanic, you’ll love this book!