This was my first time reading this author, and I am blown away by her debut novel. I will admit, when I first picked it up, I was not in the mood for a wartime historical fiction story. But I am so glad I gave it a chance. This book turned out to be powerful, unforgettable, and one of the very best I have read this year.

As an American, I knew little about Canadian history or the Halifax Explosion during World War I, so the historical detail was both fascinating and eye-opening. I especially appreciated the author’s note at the end, where she expanded on the true events and explained her writing process. If you read the digital ebook, I highly recommend taking the time to read that section. I also alternated with the audiobook, which had two excellent narrators. They brought the dual perspectives to life and made the story even more immersive.

The novel follows two women, each with very different lives, whose stories eventually intersect in the aftermath of tragedy. I loved getting to know both of them and was deeply invested in what happened to each. Their journeys were emotional and layered with heartbreak, yet also filled with resilience and hope. This book made me cry, but it also left me uplifted.

The scenes of the explosion and its aftermath were vividly described, almost cinematic, and I often felt as if I were standing right there. The pacing was excellent, with unexpected twists and moments of suspense that kept me turning the pages and eager to see what would happen next. It is beautifully written and deeply moving. I would love to see this made into a movie. 

If you enjoy wartime historical fiction like Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale or The Women, I think you will truly love this novel. It is gripping, emotional, and unforgettable. I highly recommend it and cannot wait to see what this author writes next.