Unsinkable

I really enjoyed this book! The two women in the different timelines were so interesting and I loved how the stories connected. If you like historical fiction with strong female characters this book is for you! I can’t wait to read more from this author. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I requested this ARC only knowing that part of the story took place on the Titanic and I am so glad I took the chance to check it out. I will now be recommending Unsinkable to everyone I know!

Unsinkable is historical fiction at its best. I’m fascinated by the Titanic and thought Jenni L. Walsh did an amazing job of weaving together fact and fiction as she recounted the events of Violet and Daphne’s lives spanning over 30 years. These women are truly unsinkable and are testament to the strength of the mind, soul and will to survive.

I appreciated the author’s note at the end of the story - there are so many real life people that I now want to research and learn more about.

The narrators, Barrie Kreinik, Alana Kerr Collins, were wonderful. They had me unable to stop listening!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse and Jenni L. Walsh for a review copy. These are my honest thoughts.

I thoroughly enjoyed the novel Unsinkable by Jenni Walsh. I’ve found a bit of a niche in historical fiction of late; in particular with a focus on women and realistic views of gender dynamics throughout time. I’ve had a bit of an interest in Violet Jessup and her life onboard three ships with sea calamities and was interested to know more. I agree with previous reviews that this novel felt like two entirely separate books. However, I was completely unbothered by this and enjoyed how both stories unfolded and the link between the two which was explained in the end.

Violet Jessup survived the sinking of two ships, one of which being the infamous Titanic, and a shipwreck during WWI. I found her life at sea and her dedication to her family to be interesting. However, I was sad to say I didn’t develop a personal connection to her character. She kept herself a bit removed from human emotion and typical relationships with those beyond her family. This was likely the intent of the author as a more accurate account of her life. I did find her narrow escapes from these three events to be very interesting and was motivated to do a bit of side research to verify them.

The story of Daphne Chaundanson and her work as a British intelligence spy during WWII was my favorite of the two. I immediately felt a personal connection to her character and though she too distanced herself from relationships, this felt much more authentic. I’m also a sucker for a good spy novel and her story hit all the marks.

I listened to the audio production of this novel and both narrators did a superb job. As each chapter switched between the two women, it was much easier to follow along as both narrators had distinctly different accents. I also listened to the afterword of the author and believe this is a must. She explains her research and the basis of Violet’s character completely upon her memoir, as well as the many real women she used to base Daphne’s character on. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the roles women played in WWI and WWII.

This was a lovely double timeliness story, both of them historical. The narrator of the audiobook was really good. The book is set on the Titanic and then during World War 2. Very interesting and it grips you from the start

The synopsis had me so intrigued I knew I had to listen to this audiobook. I mean a fictional story about a real women who survived multiple sinking ships including the Titanic who wouldn't been interested. At first I was a little confused by the dual stories but it took me about 5 minutes to figure out the connection between the two women. I liked both storylines but I especially liked Violet's story because it was very unique. Daphne's story was also interesting but I feel like I've listened to so many books set during war. I did like that her side of this story wasn't so much war but more secret agent type of work. They were two very strong women during the same time living two very different lives. The ending was wrapped up a little too neat for me but that didn't change my opinion of this book. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of Historical Fiction!

I also thought the narration was fabulous! I do not think I have listened to either Barrie Kreinik or Alana Collins before and they were a pleasant surprise.

#Unsinkable #NetGalley

Thank you to the publisher for providing the audio for a honest review. I have always enjoyed historical films, books and documentaries around the catastrophe the sinking of Titanic.

The author was well researched; spanning the Titanic, WWI and post WWII from the narration from two characters. The timelines mesh between both which allows the storyline to easily flow. The audio narrator’s were fabulous in bringing it together in their own inflections and accents.

I enjoyed not only the storyline however the author note to explain actual events to storyline to provide content. Also, the biography of Violet, and being Miss Unsinkable being a good source to the character. I will look it up too now that I know she survived all these events throughout her life.

This was a very enjoyable, dual-timeline and dual POV historical fiction novel that spans from the sinking of the Titanic to post-WWII. It crosses way too many moments of history for me to list off, but the author definitely did her homework!

There was never a lull in the story, and I felt completely pulled in to both Violet and Daphne’s stories and characters from the beginning. They’re both very strong female leads, but with enough vulnerabilities to make them still feel human. The fact that Violet is based off of a real person in history is mind-blowing!

At first I really didn’t know how the two stories were going to connect, but it was fun to catch on to clues little by little. And it came together so sweetly at the end.

The narrators were both very easy to listen to, and I like how they were clearly switched between characters. With so much happening, it could have been easy to get lost, but it wasn’t at all. This is an easy 5 star recommendation for me for anyone who likes action-packed historical women’s fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! I started listening and couldn’t stop. The dual timeline features two strong women from very different lives and generations, and their stories are woven together beautifully and perfectly. I am a sucker for anything Titanic or SOE; oh, look, we have both here!

Both characters live their lives for other people, Violet to take care of her family and Daphne for her father’s approval. This, in no way, makes either story less adventurous or dull.

Violet is based on the real Violet Jessop, whose story is unbelievable! If you know about SEO, you will recognize other characters, too (names have been changed, and some have been combined). Jenni Walsh…I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

Barrie Kreinik and Alana Kerr Collins were the narrators, and a round of applause for the casting. (insert clapping here)

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks, for a copy!

This book is honestly a masterpiece. I was captivated by the story of the two women the entire time. The fact that parts of this story are true and based of someone's life is just amazing to me. I loved everything about the stories and found that the telling of the stories was easy to follow and understand.

This is not a typical book u would usually read. I like romantasy books, but I want to branch out. I'm so glad I did. This book literally has you on the edge of your seat. The strength that Violet and Daphne had is much needed in our society today. I was curious how the stories intertwined, I cannot wait to recommend this book to patrons.

Unsinkable by Jennifer L. Walsh= the audio book is fantastic! The narrator did an outstanding job bringing the characters to life. I read the book, and I gotta say the story pulled me in immediately it's based on real people, and their amazing experiences. I think the audio book was my favourite. This story crosses many genres that would appeal to just about everyone. This is the type of story you would listen/read more than once like you would a good movie.

I have been titanic obsessed for 30 years so naturally I needed to give this a lesson.
The narration is perfect!
I do not usually read/listen books set in the war times because I am just far too sensitive but I loved this one. I learned a lot!
I cannot rave enough about the narrators!

Told in two stories at two different times, Unsinkable spans two wars, four sinking ships and the lives of two strong and courageous woman, one fictional and one not. Violet Jessop was a stewardess on the Titanic who survived and went on to continue supporting her family through work on cruise lines until World War I hit and she transitioned into a wartime nurse. After the war she transitioned back to being a stewardess on ships and continued along this path until her retirement. Violet loved through many hardships in her life, every time coming out on top. This book tells her story, highlighting the major and traumatic moments of her life, but also giving her that happily ever after she may have never actually found in real life.

Daphne Chaundanson is the fictional character in this book, but her story is just as inspiring as Violet’s and cobbled together from the work of many real life women living during WWII. After losing her mother in a tragic accident when she is young, Daphne grows up feeling unwanted by her absentee father. In attempts to earn his approval, she becomes a Special Operations Agent in France during WWII. She excels in this position and enjoys doing all she can to help with the war efforts. With stories that are just similar enough, Violet and Daphne’s journeys weave together to create this beautifully written book that is inspiring.

I knew as soon as I saw this book that I was going to love it solely based on the fact that part of it had to do with Titanic. I am greatly interested in anything having to do with Titanic, the whole tragedy amazes me and I devour anything I can find on the topic. I have read Violet Jessop’s biography and was intrigued to see this fictional take on her life. I had high expectations for this book, but the reality far exceeded them. I loved this book from the first page and did not want to stop listening to the unfolding story. The way these two stories were weaves together was beautifully done and I couldn’t get enough. I loved the fictional part about Daphne as much as I loved the historical Titanic and Violet parts. In my opinion this book is a must read and I will definitely be signing its praises. I loved every minute of this story and couldn’t have asked for a better read!

This was archived before I was able to download and complete a review. Thanks.

I look forward to reading this in the future.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for my copy of Unsinkable by Jenni L. Walsh Narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Alana Kerr Collins in exchange for an honest review. It published January 9, 2024.
First off, the narration in this book was very well-done. I loved it! Accents were great and not distracting, I would listen to anything read by these talented narrators!
Secondly, wow! This book was excellent! It was definitely not what I expected, and it was so much better than I imagined. I loved the incredible women portrayed in this book, and be sure not to skip the author’s note that explains more about these characters.
I loved the span of history, and found it to be very interesting and informative, but not dry in the least.
As someone who has read so many WWI and WWII books, and got burnt out on them, this one is worth the read, because it focuses on less represented parts of those wars.

'Unsinkable' is a clever, immersive, exciting historical novel that spans two different time periods. Violet is a young Irish steward on the liners, and survives the sinking of the Titanic, but that's not the end of her ordeals. Her family need her support, and her brothers then enter the War...Violet has many worries and responsibilities for someone so young.

In the 1940s, Daphne is a young woman with few responsibilities, linked to Violet in ways she doesn't know. Daphne is recruited into the SOE, and her mission into France is wonderfully authentic and nail-bitingly exciting.

Jenni Walsh has certainly done her research to the nth degree. I love reading historical fiction where I learn stuff, as well as enjoying the story. With the 'Unsinkable' I definitely did both. I'll be looking out for more novels from this author in the future.

*Spoilers Ahead*

First, I have a bone to pick with you, Mrs. Walsh: HOW ARE YOU GOING TO WRITE A BOOK THAT FEATURES THE TITANIC, NAME A CHARACTER “LEO,” PUT HIM ON A BOAT THAT SINKS, AND THEN MAKE US WAIT TO SEE IF HE SURVIVED?!? That’s almost on a Shonda Rhimes level of playing with my emotions. From the time Leo was introduced until the end of Violet’s experience with the HMS Britannic, I feel like I didn’t take a full breath. Your 80s baby audience is NOT OKAY with the memories this character inclusion brings to the surface. “I’ll never let go, Jack!”

My indignation set aside, I loved the premise to the story; the retelling of Violet Jessup’s life and Daphne as an accumulation of some real-life stories of several very heroic women during WWII were perfect parallels. I wanted to shake Violet several times for her steadfast refusal to consider any other alternative to the life that she was living, but I guess I respect it on some level. Also, when basing a story on a real person’s life, there is only so liberty that can be taken with the narrative. I loved Daphne’s intelligence, wit, and vulnerability. She was a particularly relatable character.

4.5 rounded up for the ending. I mentally called the connection between the two women pretty far in advance, but it did not make the conclusion feel trite. The biggest issue I had with the ending is that it felt a little rushed, and it was tied up a little too neatly. However, after reading the author’s note with her self-admittance and rationalization, I understand why she made that narrative choice and I support it. If I had a chance to write a happy ending for them, I probably would have, too.

Narration:
Barrie Kreinik was perfect as Daphne and Alana Collins was great as Violet. I have a special love of the Irish lilt and was actually happy at the amounts of times Violet told herself and others to stay “calm” - a favorite pronunciation of mine. There was not a ton of voice variations for the men, but there were enough to make them seem separate.

I was approved this audiobook ARC from NetGalley. Unfortunately, I was unable to listen to it because the archival date passed before I was able to. So, I used one of my coveted Audible credits to listen to this book. I regret nothing.

I loved this story about a shipwreck survivor and Special Operations Executive . The dual narrators makes the story easy to follow as the stories are shared. This historical fiction caught my attention originally because of the Titanic survivor Violet but kept my attention because of the cheeky Daphne, whom I found funny at times during this tale.

I absolutely loved the audio version of Unsinkable, by Jenni L. Walsh. It is a dual story line of two remarkable women, one from World War 1 and another from World War 2. The first story is told from the perspective of Violet Jessop, who was a room attendant on the Titanic, and two other similar ships that also ended up sinking. The other story is from the perspective of Daphne Chaundanson, who gets involved in the French Resistance as a spy for Britain. Both women face countless adversities and overcome all of them. I especially enjoyed the end of the book when they come face to face as they experience second chance at love, which seemed all but impossible based on their earlier life choices.
It's been a few weeks since I finished this story and I'm still thinking about it! Do yourself a favor and pick up and listen to this incredible novel!

Engaging story with amazing narration. Enjoyed this one from cover to cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly loved this story and the journey that this story took me on. I loved the tenacity of both of the females characters and loved how both of their lives intersecting in such a unique way. A historic time frame fraught with such agony and heartache, surprisingly, was such a heartwarming story to read. How Walsh wove real life events and accounts and took them and made them into something new and all her own was such a delight to witness. I'm glad I listened to the afterward and her process in writing this book, as it gave a lot of insight and added depth to the story. This was one of my favorite listens so far this year!

Unsinkable is written in dual timeline featuring two strong women from very different lives and generations. Jenny L. Walsh weaves the two stories together beautifully and perfectly.

Violet Jessop is the oldest of nine and is thrust into family provider after her mother becomes too ill to work. Violet is working as a nurse and stewardess aboard the Titanic, serving in The Great War . She becomes one of The Titanic survivors, in 1912. She returns to the sea 4 years later and survives the sinking of The Britannic.

Daphne Chaundanson also faces family crisis after her mother dies tragically. She has her father but is unable to earn his love and attention. The Special Operations Executive invites her to be an agent in France in World War II, Daphne sees it as an opportunity to help the country she loves and gain her father’s approval. She never expected the keen dangers and challenges of war yet, is passionate about taking back her country.

Unsinkable is inspired by true stories of Violet Jessop and the thirty-nine women of the Special Operations Executive. Both are unsinkable women. Read these 2 inspiring stories of survival, family, and finding happiness.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this account of two amazing women.

Unsinkable by Jenni Walsh is an absolute gem. This captivating historical novel vividly brings the Titanic to life with meticulous detail and compelling characters. The story features real-life figures like Captain Smith, Molly Brown, and Thomas Andrews, enhancing its authenticity. The protagonist’s bravery and determination are truly inspiring, and the relationships formed add emotional depth. The pacing is perfect, balancing intense action with heartfelt moments. Unsinkable is a must-read for historical fiction lovers, blending education with entertainment beautifully. Highly recommended!