Dead Wake by Erik Larson

Non-fiction is not my preference.  This was a very detailed account of the sinking of the Lusitania just prior to WW I.  It covered years leading up to the event, histories of passengers aboard, backgrounds of the Captain of the Lusitania and the submarine that sank it.  Many details about President  Wilson.  Most importantly I am sadly reminded of how politics work, at the cost of human life.  World leaders wanted Americans to die so we’d join the war.  Germany offered Mexico part of the United States as reward for helping them win a war with us.  Secrets were kept, not only before the attack, but for many years afterward.  Can history ever be recorded honestly?  It’s “Who Killed John Kennedy?” syndrome in all political reports.  Finally, after hundreds of pages, the plot exploded with the actual torpedo whining its way to the unsuspecting ship.  Lots of recounting, much from actuarial survivors.  A good read to stretch a mind used to non-political fiction.  For non-fiction: 8/10.  For me:  5/10.  Remember I prefer fiction.