Cherbourg set sail from Liverpool, marking a significant moment in maritime history. The story, as detailed in Erik Larson's book "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," delves into the events surrounding this departure and the fateful journey that followed. Larson explores the tense atmosphere of the time, showcasing the complexities of the oceanic travel and the looming threat of war that overshadowed such voyages.

The narrative captures not just the logistics of the Lusitania's crossing but also the human experiences intertwined with it. Through vivid storytelling, Larson reflects on the lives aboard the ship as well as the broader implications of its ill-fated trip, revealing how one journey would resonate through history, forever altering the perception of maritime safety during turbulent times.