In Erik Larson's "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," the narrative explores the tragic sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I. The author details the circumstances surrounding the ship's final voyage, highlighting the complex interplay of wartime politics and maritime safety. Larson dives into the lives of the passengers and crew, painting a vivid picture of the ship's grandeur and the horrors of its inevitable fate.

Larson emphasizes the idea that if there was no intentional plan to put passengers in harm's way, then the disaster can only be attributed to a calamitous mistake. This quote encapsulates the essence of the event as one marked by poor decision-making and failures in judgment rather than deliberate malice. The book ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the fragility of life in times of conflict.