Book:  The Lifeboat: A Novel

Author: Charlotte Rogan

Release date (if applicable): Released

Synopsis: The question. How do you survive at sea, in an overfilled lifeboat, after the ship you are on to start a new life in America, with your new husband, blows up? The answers aren't pretty and could minimally land, the newly widowed, Grace in jail for the rest of her life, if she is lucky.

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: Ms. Rogan's debut novel is a reason why I love debut authors so much. This book had a fresh approach to a very tough story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I must admit that parts of it, were just downright disturbing. It did take a bit longer for me to really get into the book than I would have liked, but once I did, the book took off. Her character development and why some were "chosen" was quite strong. I loved the look at the human psyche and, while under duress, what it will do to survive and how decisions are made.

I did think it wrapped up a bit too nicely with a nice red bow for how the "meat" of the story was written. To me, it came across that the author didn't want to go too dark or that life is one big happy ending. With how dark she had gone in the book, I think the ending could have gone a bit darker and it would have been more real. The ending as written, came across as "cheesy". I am not sure if this was because she is a debut author or the book is a big house published book. That is why it wasn't a 5 star read for me.

Source: Library

Would I recommend? : Yes..to people who can handle a bit "darker" writing. Squeamish people might have a hard time with some of the scenes and dialogue

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand alone