Books on Tap had a large group on October 1st at Random Row to discuss Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania (2015) by Erik Larson.

For several attendees, this was their first Erik Larson book. Brown Baggers book group had previously read The Devil in the White City. Overall, the group felt he is a very engaging author, although some noted that if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all. Larson does extensive research for his books.

A few members noted that they didn’t know much about the history of the Lusitania prior to reading this book or the impact this had on the United States entering the first World War. Many of the group enjoyed the stories of the people on board, especially those of the book collector. Some of the group listened to the audiobook and found it very engaging.

Were the Brits trying to entice the US into war? Why didn’t the Lusitania just go north and around the questionable waters? Many felt that the Cunard Line disregarded this idea and “stuck to their guns” in transit, and the ship remained on course. Many were surprised that so many parents elected to put their very young children on a ship that would be entering a war zone. The valuables that passengers brought aboard also astounded many readers.

Readers felt that Larson did a good job not turning the German submarine Captain into a horrible person. This led to a discussion about the challenges of serving in a submarine. A few readers have been in a submarine on a visit and talked about how cramped it was.

We discussed the reactions after the ship was hit by the torpedo and how many passengers put their floatation devices on incorrectly. One reader recently toured the area where the Lusitania sank. There are many shipwrecks in that area. We also wondered if the passengers should have been more informed about the possible risks of this journey. We discussed how with today’s technology people would be more informed about what was happening.

There was a lot of discussion about the British government’s role, their code breaking, and the hope that the United States would join in with the war. What was Wilson’s role during all of this? Should it have been clearer that the Lusitania was also a warship? Great empathy for all of the lost passengers was felt by all attendees.

Upcoming Books on Tap titles:

NEW LOCATION: Dairy Market, meet in the Starr Hill Bar in the Common Space (formerly the Milkman Bar) 

Nov 5th: Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton

Dec 3rd : Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout