Titanic: 'Iceberg Ahead' by James W Bancroft

                                                  

The historical facts of the RMS Titanic's infamous sinking have been a morbid maritime currency, in non-fiction books, films, and television documentaries, for well over 100 years. With countless articles written and books published, many stories have been told and retold about the 'unsinkable' ship and have been historically re-written on several occasions.

The most famous that spring to mind 'A Night to Remember' by Walter Lord, and James Cameron's 1997 cinematic masterpiece 'Titanic', which are probably the best of both cinematic and non-fiction retellings. Assuming you've read plenty of Titanic's history (like I have) you'd think 'TITANIC - ICEBERG AHEAD' by James W Bancroft is superfluous in this well-stocked subject matter? Well, yes and no.

The beginning of the book recounts all of the usual Titanic information; when she was launched, where she was from, how big, and unsinkable, her maiden voyage, etc. However, by the second half of the book, the author delves deep into the passengers' lives. Unlike those well-versed accounts of the ship's first-class millionaires on board, this book tells the life stories of passengers, survivors and victims, of the Titanic, from second and third class. 

The social history is fascinating and tragic in equilibrium and is told with impressively researched detail.  Foreboding narrative aside, it's a great book for those not familiar with the tragedy of the Titanic or the lives of those who sailed in her. 

A very recommended read for history buffs and true crime fans, alike! 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com

Facing The Yorkshire Ripper - by Mo Lea

 On the 20th of October 1980 (a few days before her 21st Birthday) art student Mo Lea spends a night out with friends in Leed’s university student area. The air of a city under siege is clear to the local student population. A serial killer is on the loose and on the attack. In his fifth (and final) year, the Yorkshire Ripper's modus operandi has shifted from prostitutes to random young women and students in and around the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, in the heart of urban England. Even in this insidious atmosphere, Mo Lea takes the risk of taking a short dimly lit walk home. What follows is a life-threatening attack, a stoic and emotional recovery, yet one that causes reflection on what it means to be a survivor and how far you would have to go to recover from such a crime.  A gifted artist, Mo Lea plays on her strengths art itself is the leitmotif that runs throughout this true-crime biography. The creative process begins with exhibitions of dark imagery, and portfolios full of macabre drawings and paintings. The artistic and emotional torture is conveyed in excruciating detail. 

As the years go by, Mo Lea takes us on a journey through the United States, Leeds, and Bedfordshire, and even a life-affirming meeting with a woman that changes the artist’s life, and sexuality, in one swift move. Like brush strokes on a blank canvas, Mo paints her prose well and delivers a harrowing yet engaging account. Although the book is a bit dry on the more titillating details of Sutcliffe’s crimes (maybe not one for all true crime fans) it is, however, an inspiring story of recovery, reinvention, and the ability to overcome. By the time the book concludes, those early macabre drawings of dark insidious creations are visually inspired by seahorses, photography, and working with Victim Support charities. 

Mo also delves deep into her emotionally fraught and tiresome dealings with the gross incompetence of West Yorkshire Police and their notorious mismanagement of the Yorkshire Ripper case. 

For some, it would leave a sour taste but Mo’s story is one of positive recovery and enlightenment. 

Facing The Yorkshire Ripper - The Art Of Survival by Mo Lea was published on the 6th of October 2020 by Pen & Sword Books 

View Mo Lea's artwork here 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com