September 17 by Amanda West Lewis (review)

Among the tragic stories of World War II is the torpedoing of the City of Benares, a luxury liner ferrying refugees from war-torn Europe to North America. The passengers included some ninety British children and their adult escorts, headed to the distant relatives and complete strangers who would shelter them throughout the duration. Here Lewis recreates a fictionalized account of the evacuation and attack, seen mainly through the eyes of three child survivors. Intertwining stories begin with each child’s departure—Bess, nearly fifteen, who is eager to reach Canada and the promise of a university education; Ken, thirteen, who considers the whole voyage and relocation an adventure; Sonia, eleven, who, accustomed to touring, travels first class with her mother and siblings. Their journeys to Liverpool for embarkation, their delight in the opulence of the ship, and their harrowing survival stories will have strong appeal for readers entranced by Titanic tales or those who encountered the City of Benares’ story in Heneghan’s Wish Me Luck (BCCB 4/97), and Lewis ably incorporates the protocols for wartime transport and search-andrescue operations that contributed to the disaster and its aftermath. Introductory and closing notes provide extra historical background, and an author interview and list for further reading are included.