The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith is a captivating and heartwarming story of resilience, friendship, and the power of hope. Smith's evocative prose and relatable characters create a moving narrative that explores the depths of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity.

This is a well written tale about family bonds and grief, set at sea and full of sentimentality; it is really respectful in the way it handles the topics throughout, and it's a good YA/coming of age novel.

Jennifer E. Smith's 'The Unsinkable Greta James' is her first foray into writing for adults. It is a sentimental, heart warming portrayal of family love and trying to move past the weight of grief. Greta James is a famous singer songwriter (famous enough to be frequently recognised, particularly by her younger fans). When we meet her, she is on a break from playing music following the tragic death of her mother, Helen. Cue Greta taking up a place on a cruise round Alaska with her father and two other couples in place of her late mother, despite a strained relationship with her father. We are treated to stunning Alaskan views, a father and daughter working through their issues and a budding spark forming between Greta and author Ben Wilder.

This book is the perfect balance of light hearted joy and romance and the edge of working through grief and past trauma. A knife to the heart in particular was Greta's mother's unending support of her music and always taking her 'Greta's mum' sign along to gigs. This image reappears throughout the narrative as a nice way to highlight the character growth of Greta and her father in particular. Overall, I was rooting for Greta and her relationships, both familial and romantic, and enjoyed this cruise immensely.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent story that moved me and kept turning pages: it's poignant, emotionally charged, and heartwarming.
Great character and plot development, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

What a well written, heart warming women’s fiction novel about grief, love, choices, second chances. The author's portrayal of Greta's relationship with her Father is fascinating and I thought their own personal grief is portrayed in a realistic yet touching way. The scenery we experience on their cruise is the background character for this novel and it felt at times like I was reading a travel guide book. The setting was perfect for the narrative. Whilst a points an emotional heavy book, by the end you feel yourself smiling and life-affirmed. A very enjoyable read.

Thank you for the ARC.

Greta’s parents are supposed to take an Alaskan cruise for their 40th anniversary but her mom suddenly dies so Greta and her dad go on this cruise. Greta is a famous singer/musician and her dad has never believed in her as an accomplished songwriter.

There was a lot in this book I could relate to, especially dealing with a mother's death. My own mother passed away suddenly while I was reading this book The loss of a parent throws the remaining family into grief and turmoil and it changes lives and leaves a hole that can't be filled. Also, Greta's career goals are conflicting with her romantic relationships and I think this is a theme many deal with at some point.

Though this book does have some lighter romantic moments, it's mostly about mourning, forgiveness, healing, and self-exploration. I believe Greta and her father, who are both grieving, who are both lost when it comes to knowing how to proceed, are the heart of the story. The author depicts the complexity, the messiness, of their father-daughter relationship well. The conflict between them is palpable. However--so is the love.

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith is such an emotional read. It's about the choices we make along the way and the people who support us (or not). It’s a story that will probably stay with me for a long time. I absolutely loved it.

Jennifer Smith is an author new to me but I understand has previously written YA novels – this debut adult novel is both touching and heartfelt, without ever becoming too saccharine, with a gentle sprinkling of humour, and I very much enjoyed it.

Greta is a successful indie musician who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of her mother a few months previously. Her brother persuades her to join her father on an Alaskan cruise, a holiday originally planned by her mother as an anniversary trip. But Greta’s relationship with her father is a difficult one as he has never been happy with her career choices and what he perceives as her unstable lifestyle – it was her mother who provided a constant source of support and acted as the buffer between Greta and her father. How will they deal with being thrown together on the 8 day cruise? And can Greta move forward with her own life – having had a meltdown whilst performing shortly after the death of her mother, she now needs to get her career and her life back on track.

I loved the evolution of the father-daughter relationship which felt very real in its complexity – with years of misunderstanding between them and initially too wrapped up in their own grief to appreciate the other’s feelings, the trip forces them to begin to open up and make tentative steps to rebuilding a relationship which is grounded in love but had lost its way . There is a romantic subplot as well which I enjoyed as Greta meets someone unlike anyone else she has been involved with and also at his own crossroads in life – his very different perspective also helps provide Greta with the clarity to move forward. The Alaskan backdrop is vividly described and really comes to life – and an Alaskan cruise is now definitely on my bucket list!

My thanks to Milly of Quercus for the invitation to take part in today’s publication day blog blast for The Unsinkable Greta James, the author’s first adult novel. Why did I want to read this? – two reasons. One, I very much enjoyed Jennifer’s YA writing (The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight), and secondly I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do some armchair travelling to Alaska. Pre-Covid, I was planning an Alaskan cruise to celebrate a significant birthday this year. Those plans had to be shelved for now but it’s still something I would love to do. Anyhow, onto the book.

Successful rock musician Greta James is in a bad place. Following the sudden loss of her mother whilst Greta was away on tour, grief and guilt have taken their toll, resulting in a potentially career ending performance on stage. Greta has been unable to pick herself up since and her motivation to write and perform has completely deserted her along with her confidence. The only person she felt ever understood her has gone.

Greta’s reluctance to join her father Conrad and four family friends on an Alaskan cruise are clear even though her brother thinks she needs to keep him company. Her and Conrad have never seen eye to eye over her musical career, her mother was her cheerleader. His vision of what her life should be – having a regular job and a settled family life is not Greta’s. Music was everything to her. They barely speak and when they do it usually ends in an argument. How on earth will they cope on a ship together for a week.

This is very much a character driven story dealing with Greta’s feelings of loss – because of her mother and also the fact that she seems unable to reach a reconciliation with her father, theirs is rather a dysfunctional relationship. The cruise had been booked to celebrate her parent’s 40th anniversary, Conrad is heartbroken too and feels lost without his beloved wife.

Greta is not the only one having to deal with relationship issues. One of the speakers on board, Ben Wilder, from Columbia University lecturing on writer Jack London, is preoccupied with his own personal problems but there is a connection between him and Greta, both are rather lost souls.

There is a very quiet pace to the story, which is written with compassion and tenderness. You can feel the emotions of the characters through the writing and my heart went out to Greta as she worked through her feelings. Both her and Conrad were as stubborn as each other and they were both frustrating in their inability to just talk to each other. Their four cruising companions, whilst not major characters, did bring a little lightness to the story.

I have to mention the location and also the ship which in itself is a character in the story. I’ve been on many a cruise ship over the years and the description of life onboard felt authentic to the point that I felt that I was there too and the vivid descriptions of Alaska, the sunsets, and the glaciers give a wonderful atmospheric sense of place.

This is an extremely moving and tender story about people trying to find their way back to each other. Add in the touch of romance, the fabulous settings, the shenanigans of the music business, its one that I very much enjoyed.

This is a well written and compelling novel that gripped me from the start. Greta is an interesting character, and one who is very easy to identify with, even though she is a rock star! The story dealt with the Greta behind the lights and the music. She is a multilayered and engaging character who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother whilst also fearing the loss of her career.

Whilst the book deals with the difficult issue of grief and bereavement, it is not done in a depressing or mawkish manner. Rather it is heart felt and sensitive and allows the reader to empathise, not only with Greta, but with her father also.

Her relationship with her father has been problematic at the best of times but now that they are both swaddled in their own grief, they are emotionally further away from each other than ever. Taking her mothers place on the cruise, and being forced to spend time together in this way is a great plot device on the part of the author, because it informs the reader that this will either resolve or exacerbate the divide in the relationship.

Ultimately, the story's central message is of hope, love and inspiration. The way in which the author took what could have been a joyless subject, and turn it into such a positive and heart warming story demonstrates her skills as a writer and when I reached the end of this novel, I gave a huge satisfied sigh of satisfaction.

I've been a long time fan of Jennifer E. Smith. Having read most of her YA fiction and loving it. I was interested when I found out this one was an adult fiction.
The concept of The Unsinkable Greta James intrigued me from the start. I was especially interested in the family dynamic. And I throughly enjoyed the parts of the book that were dedicated to Greta's fractured relationship with her father, and both of them working their way through their issues, while grieving the loss of Greta's mother.
While overall I did enjoy the book, what I would say is that the romance sections of this book didn't pull me in as much as the rest of it.
I almost felt like there could have been two separate books here. One about Greta and her father, and one as a romance. Having both of these storylines in the book, as well as elements of Greta's career, meant that to me it felt like nothing got fleshed out as much as it could have been.
The romance felt rushed and unnecessary. While I was wishing there could have been more with her father, because that was the storyline I was invested in.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast paced read with a good concept and great setting, and Jennifer E. Smiths writing style continues to be enjoyable.
3.5/5

When I heard that Jennifer E. Smith was coming out with her adult debut, I knew I had to read it! From being such a staple YA author when I was a teenager, it's nice to be going through this change together.

I love reading about different family dynamics, and an older father-daughter one is not one I come across often. Their relationship rang true for me in many ways, and I know it would be very relatable to many others too. It was heartwarming to see their relationship grow slowly but surely, especially in using their mutual grief as something to bond over. The interactions between Greta and her dad were so fraught with emotion and tension at times that it was brutal but also beautiful to read, especially on the glacier excursion. To see the gradual change in Greta's dad, from initially still seeing her as a stubborn child to gaining respect for her career choice and genuine talent was great to read too.

At first I wasn't a massive fan of the romance in this, as it read all a bit too convenient. It seemed as though the only two age-appropriate characters gravitated towards each other on the cruise ship, despite having nothing in common. However, I appreciated that it was mostly acknowledged as a holiday fling and a bit of escapism for both of them and didn't end in a convenient happy-ever-after. Instead, it was realistic and messy and I grew to like the two of them together much more, especially the way that they chose to keep in touch with one another.

I found myself getting so emotional over Greta's reminiscing of her mum, but it was very powerful reading her journey of grieving and growing. The memories she has of her mum showed just how much of a positive force she was in Greta's life, but also are a testament to how she raised Greta to be so strong and able to live life without her.

The highlight for me has to be the ending of the book, as it came together as a very full-circle moment, particularly concerning Greta's parents. The writing here felt very powerful, and I couldn't help but be moved by Smith and her words. I appreciated the fact that this was more of a book about growth and getting through hard times than focusing on the romance element. I will definitely be on the look out for Jennifer's next adult novel!

The mention of Alaska (a place I've always wanted to visit) and Jack London (one of my absolute favourite authors) in the blurb was enough to make me request this book and it was a good decision. The mention of a strawberry daiquiri (my favourite drink!) early on in the book was the icing on the cake😄.
I really enjoyed this story of fragile relationships, grief and misunderstandings. The characters had depth and felt genuine, and I loved how natural the dialogue was. I think a lot of people have similar relationships within their family or friend circle.
I'm not sure I've ever read a book set on a cruise ship but I have to say I fancy trying one now, although a cabin with a window would be a must!
I'm keen to read more books by this author.

The Unsinkable Greta James is a novel by best-selling American author, Jennifer E. Smith. It is literally the last place Greta James wants to be: on a cruise ship off the coast of Alaska. Her mother had planned the week-long cruise as a celebration of forty years of marriage. But three months earlier, an aneurysm had put Helen James into an early grave. Now here she is with her father and two other couples of his vintage: Helen and Conrad’s best friends over the last several decades, having the vacation Helen can’t.

Losing her mother plunged Greta into such deep grief that she had a meltdown on stage during her last live show, a week after Helen died. A meltdown that went viral. Despite pressure from the label, her manager and her publicist, Greta has withdrawn from public life since then. She knows if her career as an indie singer/songwriter/guitarist is to survive, she needs to come back controlled and confident, with a new song. A song that’s not coming…

On top of all that, she’s broken up with her boyfriend and just learned the man who’s been her fallback most of her life has gotten engaged.

So she’s on a ship full of mostly oldies who haven’t a clue about her, which is OK. The two other couples provide a buffer between her and Conrad, necessary because, although she’s here to keep an eye on him (at her brother’s insistence), they haven’t seen eye to eye since she entered her teens. Her mother may have been her greatest fan, but her father still thinks she should, at age thirty-six, have quit travelling, got a real job, and settled into a steady relationship, like her brother.

While she can relax in relative anonymity, an enthusiastic young teen of south Asian descent is thrilled to meet her idol, and Greta recalls her own teenaged obsession with making music. And among the activities to which she does accompany Conrad and his friends, a talk by Ben Wilder, a history professor at Columbia with a best-selling novel: an enigmatic figure who piques Greta’s interest. Somehow they connect, and see unexpected parallels in their lives.

It’s when she’s agreed to spend a whole day excursion with her father, meticulously pre-arranged by her mother, that things with Conrad come to a head. Can they salvage something from their decades-long estrangement?

In this novel, Smith offers a well-rounded protagonist and an appealing support cast, most of whom endear themselves to the reader despite, or perhaps because of, their very human flaws and foibles. Her portrayal of the various relationships is convincing and certain turns of the plot are likely to have the eyes filling with tears and a lump forming in the throat, although there is also plenty of humour, especially in the witty dialogue.

Smith’s depiction of the cruise, the activities and excursions, and life aboard a cruise ship perfectly captures the atmosphere and she so skilfully sets the scene of Greta’s performances, readers will wish they could be there. A tale that examines family dynamics and throws in a little romance, this one is funny, moving, heart-warming and uplifting.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Quercus Books

My thanks to Quercus and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book, which I freely chose to review, and for the opportunity to participate in the blog blast on the day of its release.

Jennifer E. Smith is an author well-known for her YA novels, but this is the first book I read by her, and although I can’t comment on how it compares to her previous work, I loved this one.

The book’s description is very accurate and gives a good idea of what to expect, at least in general terms. It is an adult coming-of-age story, a category that keeps popping up on my reading list recently, and that, so far, has been full of pleasant surprises. Here we have several adult coming-of-age stories, in fact. Apart from the story of Greta, the unsinkable musician of the title (as she proves to be by the end), who has to learn to see things from other people’s perspective, to accept her loss and heartbreak, and to discover that even our dreams are not perfect; we also discover the story of her father, Conrad, who has to face the same loss and make peace with a daughter who challenges his way of life and his dreams; and Ben, a man who is living a dream he never truly believed in and has to pay a hefty price for it. The novel explores family relationships (the stories families tell about themselves, the roles the different members adopt, and how those change), loss (of a close relative, of a relationship, of a dream, of the capacity to create...) and the guilty feelings that often accompany it, different choices and lifestyles (family versus career, dreams versus security), fame and the lack of privacy that comes with it, the role of parents in encouraging their children’s dreams and giving them wings (or not), different concepts of love, the beauty of nature and music and the healing powers of both...

Greta, the central character, is a strong woman, even if we meet her at a low point, a moment when she is going through a deep crisis. She has not only lost her mother and had a public meltdown during a concert, but she is also trying to recover from the breakup from her relationship with her boyfriend and producer, the most stable romantic relationship she’d ever had. Although the story is told in the third person and in the present tense (it felt a bit odd, to begin with, but I quickly forgot about it, and considering most of it takes place in a week and in almost real-time, it feels quite apt) from Greta’s point of view, through her memories and her conversations we get to learn a lot of what happened to get her where she is now, no matter how hard she tries not to think about it. It is very strange, considering that I have hardly anything in common with the character but I really liked her and connected with her from the start, and I often found myself nodding at her comments and reflections, and feeling that many of her words could very well apply to me. The protagonist is far from perfect; she can be obstinate and often refuses to consider things from anybody else’s perspective, but she is hurting so badly and is trying so hard to keep going and to make amends, that it is impossible not to feel for her and cheer her on. The same is true for the rest of the characters. The two couples who have been her parents’ friends forever and travel with them are very different but also very likeable. Pritee, a young girl Greta meets at the beginning of the cruise, is wonderful (and we can easily imagine young Greta when we see this girl’s enthusiasm and zest for life); Ben, the love interest, is a genuinely nice guy, with his own problems but always happy to try and be there for Greta as well; her brother, Asher, is the complete opposite of her and nonetheless a thoroughly decent man, who deeply cares for his family; even her ex-boyfriend sounds quite caring (if far from perfect). And Conrad, her Dad... Well, this man and his interactions with his daughter are the heart of the novel and are both, heartbreaking and heart-warming. There are so many things unsaid between them, and so much hurt, but...

Let me not forget Alaska. Most reviewers comment on the beautiful depiction of Alaska and say they felt like dropping everything to go there. I have wanted to visit it for quite a while, and now I am more determined than ever. Both Alaska and the ship (it’s not a boat, and those who read the book will know why I say that) play important parts in the novel, providing the perfect setting, full of awe-inducing and unforgettable experiences; a sanctuary where the protagonists can have the necessary breathing space and break free from their everyday lives for long enough to confront some hard truths and start anew.

Smith’s writing flows easily, and she excels at describing experiences, feelings, sensations, in a lyrical and compelling manner. There are very sad and moving moments (tissues are recommended), funny interludes, and tender and joyful scenes that will make readers smile. The book is full of eminently quotable gems, but as I have only read an ARC copy, I am aware there might be some changes in the final edition. I decided that I would only share a few of the fragments I had highlighted, as a taster.

Here, Greta is talking about her mother to one of her mother’s friends:
“Also, she made the worst coffee. Like, seriously bad. And she had no street smarts. She’d come to New York and act like she was in a musical, like the whole world is singing along with her. And... she left me. She left all of us, but it feels like she left me most of all, and I know that’s completely self-centered, but it’s how I feel. I hate that she’s gone. I really, really hate it.”

That moment, that phone call, that missed opportunity: all of it is as elemental to their lives as this glacier is to the beach, huge and imposing and receding so slowly, so gradually, that you might be forgiven for assuming it would be here forever.

Greta and her Dad are talking about Ben and his family responsibilities:
“Everyone has baggage,” he says. “Even you. Just because yours is a different shape and size doesn’t mean it’s not heavy too.”

“Maybe the point isn’t always to make things last,” he says. “Maybe it’s just to make them count.” (Another one of Conrad’s wise comments).

I felt the ending was perfect. It has a touch of whimsy and openness that appealed to me because rather than leaving things unresolved (some readers would have preferred more clarity, but I didn’t mind at all), it ends on a hopeful note, full of possibilities. You know that whatever might come next, Greta will be OK and will remain unsinkable.

In summary, this is a novel I would recommend to anybody who enjoys stories with a strong female protagonist, especially one going through a difficult and challenging period in her life, full of interesting characters and real-life emotions. This is a novel about relationships and growing up, and it will not suit those looking for a complex plot full of adventures or intrigue. Although there is a love story of sorts, this is not the most important part of the novel, and people looking for a big romance might be disappointed, but anybody who appreciates stories about family relationships and about how they change, anybody who has experienced the loss of a parent, and particularly those who are fans of indie music and love an Alaskan setting, will enjoy this novel. Book clubs will find plenty to talk and think about in this novel as well (and the fact that one of the characters is a writer and a fan of a classic American author will add to the attraction), and although it is not squeaky-clean, there is no violence or graphic sex, and readers are left with a warm feeling. I don’t know if Smith will carry on writing for adults (although I think older YA and NA would probably enjoy this book as well), but I hope she does, although I wouldn’t mind reading her YA novels either. And I am sure those who try this one will keep on reading her as well.

An unusual setting (on board a cruise ship), characters who felt a little different, a bit of a tease as at times I wasn't quite sure who the love interest would be (which I liked - it's too obvious imho in many books!) and the tricksy topic of grief.
At times, it felt just a little bit slow but on the whole, I enjoyed this book. I especially liked the ending - it didn't sew things up in a schmalzy Hollywood way but left things a little to our imaginations as readers which I thought was great.

Warm and tender a thoughtful read. Just after the sudden death of her mother - her most devoted fan - and weeks before the launch of her high-stakes second album, Greta James falls apart on stage. The footage quickly goes viral and she stops playing. Greta's career is suddenly in jeopardy - the kind of jeopardy her father, Conrad, has always warned her about.

Months later, Greta - still heartbroken and very much adrift - reluctantly agrees to accompany Conrad on the Alaskan cruise her parents had booked to celebrate their fortieth anniversary. It could be their last chance to heal old wounds in the wake of shared loss. But the trip will also prove to be a voyage of discovery for them both, and for Ben Wilder, a charming historian who is struggling with a major upheaval in his own life.

In this unlikeliest of places - at sea and far from the packed venues where she usually plays - Greta must finally confront the heartbreak she's suffered, the family hurts that run deep, and how to find her voice again.

This is a terrific novel about grief and family and how life doesn’t always give you what you want. It’s a very engaging read with some wonderful in-depth characters, humour and a smattering of romance.

Greta James is a thirty six year old indie musician and songwriter who has had major success with her first album and is working hard to launch her second, when she is derailed by grief over the sudden death of her mother and biggest fan as well as the break-up of her relationship. Taking a break, she finds herself talked into accompanying her father on the Alaskan cruise her mother had booked before she died, to celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary, accompanied by two couples of family friends.

At best, Greta and her father have a prickly relationship. He’s never understood her desire to be a rock musician and doesn’t see it as a viable long-term prospect. He would prefer her to settle down with a nice man and take up a more stable profession (like her brother), while Greta finds it hard to accept that he doesn’t want her to do what she loves best and excels at. Greta and her dad have always had trouble talking to each other so they don’t get off to the best start on the cruise, but gradually they start to understand what the other is feeling and start to build some shaky bridges.

I loved the descriptions of Alaska, the places the cruise stopped and the various activities they went on (all booked previously by Greta’s mother). I also enjoyed Greta’s romance with Ben, a successful writer, undergoing doubts about the viability of his future as a writer in the midst of his own family issues. Despite the very real heartfelt grief and pain underlying Greta and her father’s relationship, the wit and humor of the writing makes this an uplifting book.

Having read Jennifer E Smith’s YA books, I was excited to read her first adult book and it did not disappoint. It is such a beautiful story, dealing with grief and the process of healing. Excited to buy the physical book on March 1st, thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I have enjoyed every Jennifer E Smith book I have ever read, and this one was no different. Her books always delve into issues that feel very personal, and this was the most emotionally involved so far.
Greta and her father have a complicated relationship, and iwithout communicating it to each other, they both want to work on that. They just don't know how to do it now that they've lost their 'referee'. After a (totally understandable) disastrous performance, Greta is enjoying lying low, enter Ben.
Ben is struggling with some new fame, though not on the same level as Greta, and personal issues are holding him back. The two of them bring a sense of understanding to the other and develop feelings.
The romance is really the secondary story to this novel, and is the better for it. There are deeper roots to this story beautifully dealt with and the reader's relations hip with the characters is strong as a result. I am not a fan of open ended stories, but I can see why it works for this story.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.