"Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson recounts the tragic sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I. The book interweaves the narrative of the ship's final journey with the broader context of the war and the geopolitical tensions of the time. Larson vividly describes the opulence of the Lusitania and the experiences of its passengers, illustrating both the glamour and the impending danger associated with transatlantic travel during this period.
The author also delves into the British intelligence efforts and the German U-boat strategy, highlighting the risks posed by submarine warfare. Larson meticulously details how the Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-boat, resulting in a catastrophe that claimed the lives of nearly 1,200 people. Through a combination of personal stories and historical documents, he captures the horror and chaos that unfolded during the sinking.