This is the only book set on the Titanic that has managed to make me forget that the Titanic was going to sink. Valora Luck is a delightful character, always sure of herself even when she's acting out a half-baked plan. Her ability to think on her feet and unfailing conviction had me rooting for her right away. It was fascinating to watch her move back and forth between first class and third class, always able to blend in no matter where she was. The other Johnnies were delightful characters as well, all fully developed and complex, making their relationship as a group feel like a real family. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Valora's plan was going to work out, even though I knew the Titanic was about to sink and change everything.
This book moved very quickly, even though there isn't a lot of "action" the plot never felt slow. The writing was light and fun, and the colorful phrases Valora used were a delight to untangle. Some of them confused me when I first read them, but context makes them easy to figure out. I enjoyed every page of this book and the ending left me absolutely devastated. But the very best thing about it was that Valora stayed true to herself throughout the entire book. I can honestly say there was no other way for it to end.
This book moved very quickly, even though there isn't a lot of "action" the plot never felt slow. The writing was light and fun, and the colorful phrases Valora used were a delight to untangle. Some of them confused me when I first read them, but context makes them easy to figure out. I enjoyed every page of this book and the ending left me absolutely devastated. But the very best thing about it was that Valora stayed true to herself throughout the entire book. I can honestly say there was no other way for it to end.