Fire at Sea
Fire at Sea
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1969
Book Brief
280
Book • Nonfiction
Atlantic Ocean • 1930s
1969
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Fire at Sea by Thomas Gallagher chronicles the 1934 voyage of the US ocean liner Morro Castle, during which a catastrophic fire resulted in 135 deaths. The book details the disaster and the investigation into negligent behaviors onboard that intensified the tragedy. Gallagher's account won the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime.
Suspenseful
Emotional
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
48 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thomas Gallagher's Fire at Sea has garnered mixed reactions. Praised for its meticulous research and dramatic storytelling, it vividly captures the harrowing events of a maritime disaster. However, some critics find its pacing uneven and certain passages overly detailed, potentially diminishing engagement. Overall, it's considered a compelling but sometimes laborious read.
Who Should Read Fire at Sea?
Readers who enjoy harrowing true stories of maritime disasters will be captivated by Thomas Gallagher's Fire at Sea. Fans of Sebastian Junger's The Perfect Storm or Erik Larson's Dead Wake will appreciate the meticulous historical research and gripping narrative that detail the dramatic events and human courage in the face of catastrophe.
48 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
280
Book • Nonfiction
Atlantic Ocean • 1930s
1969
Adult
18+ years
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