Torpedoed by Deborah Heiligman

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Heiligman, D. (2019). Torpedoed. (M. Calin, Narrator) [Audiobook]. South Texas Digital Libraries               https://libbyapp.com/open/loan/77425571/4678491 ISBN 978-1250865779




PLOT SUMMARY



Deborah Heiligman recounts the gripping tale of the SS City of Benares, a ship carrying children from England to Canada during World War II. The ship was part of the Children’s Overseas Reception Board program, where parents sent their children in hopes of safeguarding them from the bombings of war. During the war, parents made the difficult decision to send their children to sea for safety. For many children, the journey on the ship was a remarkable experience, offering more security and adventure than their own homes, tragically it wouldn’t last long.




CRITICAL ANALYSIS



Deborah Heiligman writes this truly heart-wrenching novel based on the true story of the sinking of the ship of Benares or children’s ship. At first, Deborah beautifully describes the ship of the Benares as a “paradise” for these children. The ship was full of food, and luxuries, and they were treated like royalty, in a way it was the start of a new life for the children. Unfortunately, it is short-lived given the knowledge of the tragic fate that awaited them.



Marisa Calin’s narration allowed me to envision Benares as a “heaven-like" ship for the children, which was a little eerie. Deborah describes the brave adults as trying to ease the worries of the children and adults by assuring them “It was only a Torpedo”, as if it was nothing they haven’t seen or survived before. But tragically many children’s lives were lost that night. Ironically the parents’ intentions were for their children to be taken out of harm’s way of the war, but the war found them! As beautifully portrayed, the children were destined to be saved from the war violence at home and instead were taken on this paradise vessel where they lived on their final hours and as they make their way upon heaven. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"An exceptionally well-researched and impressively crafted tale of desperation, tragedy, and survival."

―Kirkus Reviews, starred review




"Heiligman tells a story of bravery, courage, and despair . . . a must-read for all, and a beautiful memorial for those who perished in this tragic event."

―School Library Journal, starred review




"Nonfiction maestro Heiligman here tells a riveting wartime story. . . . Heiligman builds and maintains suspense while remaining scrupulously faithful to the historical record."

―Horn Book, starred review

CONNECTIONS

"A harrowing yet inspiring look at a little-covered historical event" 

―Publishers Weekly

"Heiligman explores a harrowing moment in history with clear, insightful prose." 

―Shelf Awareness

AWARDS

• YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalist

• Golden Kite Award winner

• Hornbook Fanfare selection

• Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year