[Anthony P]

Hi! I'm in 6th grade and I had to write a letter to the author for my English project. My teacher suggested I really send it to you. Hope you enjoy it!

 

Dear Mr. Korman, 

 

I just finished the three book series about the Titanic. I enjoyed book three: Titanic S.O.S. I liked the way you included the wealthy people who actually traveled on the real journey of the Titanic. For example, in the text, Titanic S.O.S. on page 30, you stated, “Colonel John Jacob Astor, the wealthiest man aboard, sat with his young wife on a small exercise bench.” Again, you stated in the text, Titanic S.O.S. on page 42, “Mr. Isidor Straus, the owner of Macy’s department store in New York City, took a step back from the lifeboat.” Lastly, you included in the text, Titanic S.O.S. on page 139, “ There were names mentioned–filthy rich Americans, and English and European aristocrats. Astor, Straus, Guggenheim, the Earl of Glamford. All dead.” All of these people did not survive the real sinking of the Titanic. 

 

Also, I liked it because the characters are interesting. For example, Alfie is my favorite character because he is very caring. For example, in Titanic S.O.S., on page 56, ““Two more!” Alfie shouted and stood firm as Juliana and her tiny charge were lifted over the gun-wale.” This shows how caring Alfie is because he made sure they got two of his friends on the lifeboat. 

 

Lastly, the facts you include about the Titanic are awesome. For instance, when you mention the fourth funnel being fake. Not many people know that or even reference that. Where did you get your inspiration from? It looks to me like you took some of the plot from James Cameron’s Titanic movie. I did enjoy the movie. Do you like the Titanic? How did you write the book series? I have read and watched a lot of movies about the Titanic. I noticed some had misinformation of the truth. There is a recent movie that just came out showing the trials of the Titanic in New York, which was very moving and interesting. Sadly, just like the Titanic sank in your book, sadly no one was found guilty of having a part in the sinking of the Titanic. Who do you think is responsible for the sinking of the Titanic? You wrote in your book, Titanic S.O.S. on pages 159-160, “In the end most of the blame was going to Captain Smith for ignoring the ice warnings and to the White Star Line for providing too few lifeboats.” I agree with you that Captain Smith was at fault but also Bruce Ismay who worked for White Star Line. 

 

Thank you for writing this series. Will you be writing more books on the Titanic’s sister ships? 

 

From,

Anthony

 

Hi, Anthony,

Great letter! Thanks for sending it.

The TITANIC trilogy is an example of fiction based on real fact. This means I took my story and wove it in and out of the actual happenings of the real people on board. I admit I added Jack the Ripper just for the heck of it, but Astor and Guggenheim and others were actually there.It's a mixture of fiction based on actual fact.

The fault? I blame Ismay, but the Captain should have told him that a record fast crossing was not as important as getting there in one piece, so Smith is at fault too. And there is always Thomas Andews, who designed the ship and proclaimed it to be "unsinkable." And look how that turned out!

I don't know if you're familiar with my work. Titanic is basically the only example of fiction/fact -- I wrote it because it was 2012, the 100th anniversary of the sinking. My books (there are over 100 of them) are basically middle-grade fiction, with a little Y/A thrown in here and there, some sports and school, and heavy on the comedy. I hope you'll give it a try. You can find all the titles under BOOKS on this website.

Thanks again, Anthony.                                                                         -----Gordon Korman-----