This story, of historical fiction,was written about the cruise ship S.S. Kroonland on a 9 day voyage from Antwerp to Ellis Island (near New York), near the turn of the 20th century, a little before the time of the Titanic.The German author found her inspiration from a newspaper clipping about a beautiful, mysterious stowaway, in a white evening gown, on this ship - and wove a compelling story about the intertwining of this lady with several other of the first class passengers.I actually felt like a passenger on this ship - and thoroughly enjoyed the stories that unfolded. It is a fascinating time in history!It was disappointing to have so little revealed about how the lives of the characters unfolded after the 9 day cruise was over! Still, that is life! A mysterious woman walks on board an ocean liner in a beautiful white evening gown, leaving everything else of her life behind. Her impact on the other passengers, the dreams she stirs, the curiosity she peaks, makes the transatlantic crossing a memorable journey for everyone. As her own mystery is uncovered, as she finds a new freedom, we see changes in other passengers."Here, on the ocean, on this gently rolling ship where fifteen hundred passengers were penned up together for better or worse, the normal rules of society had been temporarily cast aside. Although no one mentioned it, everyone felt it."It was as though the passengers, knowing the ship could go down, felt death more closely and therefore yearned more than ever for life. Their doubts, anxieties, and desires were clearer to them on the ship than on shore. Although they couldn't run away, they also found that they were freer than at home. Once they arrived in America they assumed they wouldn't meet again."This is one of those rare books that delights one from beginning to end, one where you care about each character and never question for a moment that they are not real and complex personalities. One hates to see the boat dock and the characters disappear into their new lives.
What do You think about Over De Zee (2008)?
This was a quick read. Possibly because the story wasn't as developed as it could have been.
—jitters
Quick easy read. Not extraordinary but I enjoyed it.
—mikaelasinnott
Not that good just couldn't get into this book.
—catgirl
