Inspired by the scandalous real-life love story between America's richest man John Jacob 'Jack' Astor and Madeleine, a beautiful, intelligent and solidly upper class 17 year old, and the aftermath of their tragic honeymoon aboard the Titanic. Jack Astor was the richest man in the world, and Madeleine Talmage Force attracted his attention at the age of just 17, but the Astors were in a league apart. Jack's mother was the Mrs Astor, American royalty, and New York's most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious, a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their 29 year age gap, and the scandal of Jack's recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong in love and becomes the press's favourite target. On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic was thought unsinkable and as Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he'll see her soon in New York. Four months later, at the Astors' Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine, but Madeleine's most important decision still lies ahead - whether to accept the role assigned to her or carve out her own remarkable path. Maddie needs to be strong and this fictionalised version is a totally immersive read, well written and glittering with all the glamour and detail of the etiquette, fashion and jewellery and behaviour of the time - and ultimately the terror and loss. 323pp, paperback, remainder mark.
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