Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan Henry receives high praise for its rich historical detail and dual timeline narrative. Readers appreciate the compelling characters and emotional depth. However, some criticize the pacing and predictability of the plot. Overall, it's widely regarded as an engaging and informative read.

Readers who relish historical fiction with strong female leads and dual timelines will enjoy Surviving Savannah. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network will find a similar blend of historical depth and emotional storytelling. This novel is perfect for those intrigued by hidden histories and personal resilience.

Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan Henry intertwines the lives of Everly Winthrop, a modern art historian, and Lilly Forsyth and Augusta Longstreet, two women who boarded the steamship Pulaski in 1838. As Everly curates an exhibit on the recently discovered shipwreck, she uncovers the harrowing experiences and choices faced by the 19th-century characters, mirroring her own journey through loss and healing. Surviving Savannah contains descriptions of domestic violence, sexual assault, slavery, racism, murder, and the death of a small child.

Mysterious / Emotional / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Inspirational

- Surviving Savannah was inspired by the true story of the steamship Pulaski, which has often been called "the Titanic of the South" due to its tragic sinking in 1838.
- In the novel, Patti Callahan Henry intricately weaves historical facts with fictional elements, recognizing the actual discovery of the Pulaski shipwreck in 2018 by marine explorers off the coast of North Carolina.
- While researching for Surviving Savannah, Patti Callahan Henry consulted with modern historians and divers who were directly involved in discovering and researching the Pulaski shipwreck and its artifacts.

**Everly Winthrop**  
A history professor and curator who is confronting her grief and discovering renewed purpose through her work on a maritime exhibit. She is driven by her passion for uncovering historical narratives.

**Lilly Forsyth**  
A wealthy young mother seeking freedom and independence from societal constraints and planning an escape from her life with her husband on the Pulaski. Her determination and resourcefulness are central to her survival.

**Augusta Longstreet**  
An intellectual woman treated as an extension of her family, she grapples with finding her own identity and significance. Her journey focuses on understanding her own autonomy and worth.

**Charles Longstreet**  
Augusta's noble older brother who prioritizes the survival of family and others around him. His internal conflicts and actions serve as a foil to Augusta's storyline.

**Maddox Wagner**  
A mentor to Everly, he encourages her to process her grief and reconnect with her passion for storytelling. His understanding of shipwrecks and history aids Everly's personal growth.

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