47 pages • 1 hour read
Erik LarsonA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
In Dead Wake by Erik Larson, the Lusitania, a British passenger liner, embarks on its final voyage from New York to Liverpool during the first week of May 1915, amidst World War I. Despite a German warning that all British ships are targets, the Lusitania sails on. A German U-boat, U-20, commanded by Walther Schwieger, trails the ship and ultimately fires a torpedo, sinking the Lusitania and resulting in tragic loss of life.
Erik Larson's Dead Wake is lauded for its meticulous research and engaging narrative, effectively blending historical fact with storytelling. Critics praise its vivid detail and compelling portrayal of the Lusitania's final voyage. However, some readers find the extensive background information overwhelming. Overall, it's a gripping and informative read on a pivotal World War I event.
Readers fascinated by historical narratives, particularly those who enjoyed The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson or Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, will be captivated by Dead Wake. This book offers a gripping account of the Lusitania's final voyage, blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling.
Lexile Level
1190LPolitics / Government
History: World
History: European
WWI / World War I
Biography