Fascinated by the grandeur and tragedy of the RMS Titanic? You’re not alone. The sinking of the Titanic continues to capture imaginations over a century later.
The Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City in 1912. The story of this “Ship of Dreams” from its inception by the White Star Line to its sinking in the North Atlantic Ocean, has inspired so many works of fiction.
This list of historical fiction books about the Titanic promises something for everyone. Whether you crave historical accuracy, fictional romance, or gripping tales of survival, there’s a Titanic novel out there waiting to whisk you back to 1912.
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This novel follows May Smith, a young wife and mother, who boards the Titanic seeking a fresh start in America.
After the “unsinkable ship” collides with an iceberg, she is rescued but separated from her family. May forms a bond with another survivor, Celeste, as they navigate loss and the aftermath.
This is a story of resilience, friendship, and the enduring search for hope in the face of unimaginable heartbreak.
The Girl Who Came Home is a tale that spans generations. In 1912 Ireland, a young Maggie Murphy boards the Titanic with hope for a new life in America, but her heart aches for the love she leaves behind.
Decades later, in 1982 Chicago, a family secret about the Titanic emerges, sending Maggie’s great-granddaughter, Grace, on a quest for answers and unexpected reunions.
Inspired by true events, The Girl Who Came Home is a poignantly beautiful story by New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor.
Three women on Lifeboat 21 witness the Titanic’s sinking that fateful night: Charlotte, a con artist seeking a new beginning; Esme, a wealthy American facing heartbreak; and Anna, a Swedish immigrant haunted by the tragedy.
Twenty years later, a sudden death brings them together, forcing them to confront their pasts and the secrets they’ve kept.
The story explores themes of survival, guilt, resilience, and the burden of secrets. It delves into the emotional toll the tragedy takes on the characters, offering a deeper perspective beyond the physical disaster.
Sisters Nora and Delia embark on the Titanic, seeking a fresh start in America. Tragedy strikes when Nora perishes, and a misunderstanding leads Delia to assume her sister’s identity as a governess.
As Delia forms bonds with her charge and the girl’s father, she faces a dilemma: should she reveal the truth for a shot at happiness? Complications arise when Nora, presumed dead, resurfaces to claim her rightful place.
Patricia Falvey’s attention to historical detail brings the whole era to life. This story is perfect for history buffs and anyone who’s ever been fascinated by the Titanic.
A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice tells a different story about the Titanic disaster. Instead of focusing on the doomed ship itself, it shines a light on the Carpathia, the rescue ship that raced through the night to save survivors.
This book is full of meticulous research, bringing the era and the desperation of the situation to life.
In April 1912, the Fortune sisters embark on a voyage home aboard the Titanic, the pinnacle of luxury and opulence. Alice feels a sense of foreboding, while Flora struggles with doubts about her impending marriage. Mabel, the youngest, rebels against her family’s plans for her future.
As the ship sails through the Atlantic, each sister grapples with her own desires and societal expectations. However, fate intervenes on the tragic night of the Titanic’s sinking, forever changing their lives.
This novel delves into the themes of sisterhood, love, and the impact of choices against the backdrop of the Titanic disaster.
The Midnight Watch is a historical fiction novel based on true events. It tells the fictional story of what happened on the night the RMS Titanic sank, from the perspective of the crew of the SS Californian, the ship that was closest to the Titanic when it went down.
The novel explores the guilt and desperation of the Californian’s officers, Captain Stanley Lord and Junior Officer Herbert Stone, who failed to take action to help the Titanic’s passengers and crew.
It also tells the story of a tenacious Boston journalist named John Steadman, who is determined to uncover the truth about what happened that night.
Violet, the eldest of nine siblings, shoulders the responsibility of providing for her family when her mother falls ill. As the Great War unfolds, she becomes a nurse, caring for wounded soldiers who could be her own brothers.
Despite surviving two ship sinkings, including the Titanic, Violet is drawn back to the sea. Amidst the tumultuous waters, she strives to overcome past tragedies and seek a life and love of her own.
Unsinkable is a novel inspired by true stories of survival and resilience, intertwining the lives of two women as they navigate adversity and seize the second chances life offers them.
The Second Mrs. Astor tells the love story of Madeleine Talmage Force, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, and John Jacob Astor IV, one of the richest men in the world.
The novel is inspired by the real-life couple’s tragic romance, which ended with Astor’s death on the Titanic.
The Second Mrs. Astor is a beautifully written novel that tells a moving story of love, loss, and resilience.
This book tells the story of Andrew Cunningham, a Scotsman working as a steward on luxurious cruise ships in the early 20th century. Despite resenting the wealthy passengers, he forms a connection with New Yorkers Florence and Bradley Cumings, who share an ancestral tie with him.
When the Titanic sinks, Florence witnesses the tragedy from a lifeboat, desperately searching for her husband. To her surprise, she spots Andrew swimming towards her in the darkness.
Sheltering Angel tells the true story of several lesser-known individuals whose lives were impacted by the Titanic disaster.
Summary
Hopefully, this list of Titanic books has sparked your interest and provided you with some great reading options. Is there a must-read fiction book about the Titanic you think should have been included? Let us know in the comments.
