Gynther skillfully interweaves the tales of three women sailing from France to America in 1921 on the grand ocean liner that gives this solid debut novel its name. Vera Sinclair, a wealthy, elderly woman dying of breast cancer, doubts her decision to leave Charles, with whom she's shared a long companionship based in "mutual, rich and true" love, move back to Manhattan for her final days. Constance Stone, a "quiet, responsible" mother of three, is returning to a passionless marriage after failing to bring her rebellious sister home from Paris. And Julie Vernet, beginning her first job in the steerage dining room, hopes to escape the haunting memories of the war that killed her four brothers. In their five days at sea, these women encounter people who force them to contemplate their choices and identity. In Gynther's capable hands, the Paris comes alive in historic detail. Each of these women has a distinct...Read more