Mackay-Bennett: Ship of the Dead: After Titanic
Robert Ballard’s 1985 discovery of the Titanic reignited interest in its tragic voyage and enduring mysteries. The first images released of the deteriorated yet majestic bow were entrancing, and I gobbled up every book and news article I could find. Among the many names tied to the disaster, the CS Mackay-Bennett probably isn’t one most people think of. However, its importance is significant: it’s the first of four ships chartered by the White Star Line to search for bodies in the aftermath of the sinking. Outfitted as a “morgue ship” with approximately 100 wooden coffins, 100 tons of ice, and 12 tons of iron bars to weigh down bodies to be buried at sea, the Mackay-Bennett set out from Halifax on April 17, 1912.
Rose’s novel, though well-researched, lacks emotional depth. The narrative moves quickly with captivating details but offers little insight into character thoughts and feelings, relying on observations that are repeated chapter to chapter–even being said the exact same way: “If I don’t, who will?,” “…bringing dignity…,” “need to see it,” “scribbling” in a notebook, men bringing “steaming mugs of tea.” Editorial errors like cut off paragraphs, incomplete sentences, even the wrong ID number listed for Isidor Straus’s recovered body on the “notable bodies” list detract from the story’s credibility. There’s a narrow focus on the Eleanor-Michael romance. Expanding perspectives to include crew members who pulled the bodies out of the water would have provided a broader and more heart-rending portrayal. Themes come across heavy-handedly, and the constant expositional narration doesn’t allow readers to generate their own meaningful connections to events. Instead, we’re told how everyone looks and feels in diluted details. While my interest is piqued regarding the brave souls who undertook this somber journey, the book falls short in crafting empathetic characters and genuine emotion.
