Review | The Deep by Alma Katsu

In 1912, strange things are happening on the magnificent RMS Titanic. Annie Hebbley is excited to start her new job, unaware of the fate that awaits her. In 1916, two survivors of the Titanic meet again onboard the hospital ship HMHS Brittanic. They are trying to rebuild their lives but the past may be catching up to them.

We are all, men and women, creatures of desires both good and bad. But everything has a price, and the price of indulging in that which is bad for us is often guilt; and too much guilt results in a sickness of the mind. We have poisoned our conscience, and something poisoned will need treatment one day—or it will rot.

The Deep is more accurately described as historical fiction with a tinge of the supernatural. To me, calling it horror would be misleading. I really enjoyed the detailed recreation of the Titanic. All the lavish decorations, luxurious accommodations of the first-class cabins and the wealthy passengers made the setting come alive. It contrasted with the stark Britannic, where the passengers are wounded soldiers of the First World War. Like many people after the release of the iconic movie I used to read about the ill-fated liner so I recognised some familiar names of real people on board the ship. The book has taken liberties with regard to their personalities, histories and sexualities in its portrayal so it was pretty interesting. My favourite sideplot involves a couple of closeted gay boxers, Leslie and Dai, trying to con the rich passengers on the ship.

The main character, Annie, is an unreliable narrator and I couldn’t really relate to her. Instances of her losing memory or forgetting her actions are more frustrating than suspenseful. The book tries to make a commentary about gender disparity but it’s hard to take it seriously when the main plot involves three women fighting for one man, Mark. He is a cheater and gambling addict, and he never took responsibility for his actions. I really couldn’t care less about his fate.

There are more than 10 POVs but not all of these characters get a resolution. For a few of them, we never know if they lived or died. The ending is rushed and a little silly in light of the actual real life tragedy. I admit I found this book disappointing after anticipating it so much. I would say give The Deep a go if you’re looking for a historical fiction with a dose of the supernatural but don’t expect to be terrified.

I received a digital copy from the publisher and Netgalley for review purposes.

About the author: Alma Katsu

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen