Valora Luck, a Chinese-British acrobat, smuggles herself onto the Titanic to reunite with her twin brother, Jamie, and escape a restrictive life in London. Her goal is to audition for the Ringling Brothers Circus in America and bypass the Chinese Exclusion Act through their combined talent. She navigates the ship’s strict class hierarchies, moving between the glamour of first class and the gritty reality of third class while hiding her identity from crew members. The narrative tracks her efforts to secure a future for her family until the vessel strikes an iceberg.
Readers of historical fiction and survival stories choose this book to understand the specific legal hurdles faced by Chinese migrants in the early twentieth century. It appeals to those interested in the maritime history of the Titanic beyond the wealth of its famous passengers. The reader learns about the historical presence of Chinese sailors on the ship and the systemic racism of maritime rescue efforts. They walk away with a detailed perspective on how heritage and citizenship status dictated one’s chances of survival during the disaster.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2021
- Language
- EN
