Given the recent news about the Titanic and the implosion of the Titan submarine, I decided to discuss the novel, The Second Mrs Astor, for my July Dark Origins post. I have considered high society in the late 1800s and early 1900s and the sinking of the Titanic. Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth.
The Titanic has been in the press again recently and has claimed five more lives. If you are out of the loop about this disaster, you can read about it here: https://www.reuters.com/world/search-intensifies-titanic-sub-with-only-hours-oxygen-left-2023-06-22/.
This disaster prompted me to write about a book I recently read, The Second Mrs Astor, and its dark origins.
The Second Mrs Astor is a work of historical fiction by Shana Abe. It depicts the romance between the hugely wealthy John Jacob Astor IV and his second and very young wife, Madeleine Force Astor.
There are two aspects to this extraordinarily fine piece of fictionalised history that caught my attention: the snotty and superior attitudes of New York society created by John Astor IV’s mother, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, and the sinking of the Titanic which claimed the lives of John Astor IV, his valet, and his dog, Kitty. Madeleine Force Astor…
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I have trouble reading about snobby society so I’m hoping the second Ms. Astor breaks that mold!
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My Goldi Loks theory……too little and too much, is a unsustainable position for one to be in and can lead to a unhealthy lifestyle.
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HI Wayne, I couldn’t agree more. I am not reading Grapes of Wrath, and my, what a contrast.
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Thank you for a great introduction to this book and to your other blog.
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Hi Thomas, thank you. I have two blogs because my interests are so varied. I try and keep all the heavier books and ideas to Roberta Writes and the lighter stuff to Robbie’s Inspiration.
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Another interesting story from the Titanic (and, by extension, her sister ships) involves Violet Jessop. She was a stewardess on the Titanic when it sank, a nurse on the Britannic when it sank, and before that, if I remember correctly, she was on the Olympic when it had a nearly fatal collision. She survived every time.
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Hi Andrew, thank you for mentioning Violet Jessop. She was more unsinkable than Molly Brown.
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You’re welcome. All three ships had fascinating lives and stories.
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On my way to read the rest!
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Thanks, Liz
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You’re welcome, Robbie.
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Excellent job of relating a complex story of dark origins, Robbie.
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Thank you, Timothy. I am fascinated by the story of the Titanic.
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That was some fascinating history and insight into the book, Robbie. Thanks for sharing the read and your recommendation. 🙂
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Fascinating topic, Robbie. Clicking over. Hugs.
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