This is fiction but based on a real event where 9k+ lives were lost when the Wilhelm Gustloff passenger cruise ship was deliberately torpedoed during WW2. It reads so true and each character is a reminder of the types of people who could have been on the ship. People who loved and were loved and had plans for a future. People who were victims and victimized, people who lost people precious to them all because they didn't fit the desired pattern for humanity by Hitler, Stalin, etc.
I feel emotionally exhausted after finishing this book. I barely recall learning about this sinking of this ship and the others that faced the same fate during WW2. This book is a reminder that thousands on board were trying to escape their respective war torn country with their families or the remainder of families. Hoping to be delivered to safety elsewhere but instead their loss of life was considered a victory for the country from which its military had created so much death, torture, and defilement.
To think that the commander of the submarine is considered a wartime hero dragged at my emotions. Then I sat back and understood that wars bring tragedy and the commander was supposedly carrying out his duty but at a later time the decision of that commander came into question.
I was drawn into each character which was well written by the author. I am not generally a fan of this style of writing but now I am pleased that it was not written as a one narrator. The authors notes at the end plus comments from survivors and the divers that actually explored the ship really added to the overall appreciation of this book.
