Shipwrecks are insane, right? Stories about people getting trapped out in the blue depths because their boats become victims to the ruthless ocean. We hear about these very real stories and accounts every day. There are a lot of stories about shipwrecks, including many true accounts. But what about fictional stories? They have just as much weight. If you are looking for the best fictional books about shipwrecks, we’ve got you covered:
When The Night Comes by Favel Parrett
When The Night Comes by Favel Parrett explores the story of Isla and her brother as they seek to escape the hardships of their lives on the mainland. However, their new life in Hobart, Tasmania is still overshadowed by their mother’s sadness and the dreariness of the stone streets. Everything changes when Isla spots a red ship, bringing a glimmer of hope to their days.
The arrival of a sailor from the ship sparks a connection with Isla’s mother, leading to the sharing of stories about Antarctica, Denmark, and life at sea.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Salt to the Sea sheds light on a little-known tragedy that occurred during World War II. In January 1945, the German cruise liner Wilhelm Gustloff, intended to transport military personnel and refugees to safety from the advancing Red Army, was sunk by a Soviet submarine in the Baltic Sea.
The ship, overcrowded with over 10,500 passengers when its intended capacity was only around 1,800, met a devastating fate.
The Poseidon Adventure by Paul Gallico
A thrilling journey set on a doomed luxury ocean liner, The Poseidon Adventure tells the story of Poseidon when it is unexpectedly capsized by a powerful undersea earthquake during its maiden voyage. A small group of survivors find themselves trapped and must quickly navigate through the chaos to reach the ship’s hull, the only part remaining above water.
With rising water levels and the increasing desperation of other passengers and crew, they must fight for their lives and find a way to survive. Time becomes their biggest enemy as they race against the clock to escape before it’s too late.
The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan is a suspenseful historical novel set in 1914. When an ocean liner carrying Grace Winter and her husband suffers a mysterious explosion, Henry selflessly ensures Grace’s place in a crowded lifeboat. Stranded in the Atlantic, tensions rise as the survivors realize the boat is overcrowded and desperate measures must be taken for anyone to survive.
As the weather worsens and supplies dwindle, a power struggle ensues between a ruthless sailor and a mysterious woman with persuasive abilities.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
A classic English adventure fiction, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe tells the story of an English sailor who becomes stranded on a deserted island for thirty years. In this extraordinary tale, Robinson Crusoe, an ordinary man, faces the challenges of survival in a hostile environment.
He grapples with his own fate and questions the role of God in his solitary existence. Through his experiences, Crusoe reflects on the human condition and the complexities of life.
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The Life of Pi revolves around Piscine Molitor Patel, known as Pi, a young Tamil boy from Pondicherry. From a young age, Pi explores the intricacies of faith and practicality. After a shipwreck, Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the vast Pacific Ocean, accompanied by a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
As they battle the challenges of survival for 227 days, a unique bond forms between Pi and the tiger, leading to a fantastical and thought-provoking journey of resilience and self-discovery.
Shipwrecks by Akira Yoshimura
A dark novel by Akira Yoshimura, Shipwrecks follows the life of Isaku, a young boy living in a poverty-stricken fishing village in Japan. The village survives by catching fish and distilling salt to sell. However, the salt cauldrons also serve a more sinister purpose – they attract passing ships toward the treacherous rocks, causing them to wreck.
The villagers then slaughter the crew and plunder the cargo for valuable goods. However, this can’t last forever and the next ship might come with consequences for the village.
The Sea Wolf by Jack London
This shipwreck story begins with literary critic Humphrey “Hump” van Weyden aboard the Martinez, sailing off the coast of San Francisco. An accidental collision with another ship leads to both vessels sinking, and Hump is rescued by the enigmatic captain Wolf Larsen of the Ghost, a seal-hunting ship bound for Japan.
Wolf is a brilliant yet merciless leader, dominating his crew. Hump, along with the rest of the crew, is forced to confront the harsh realities of life at sea while engaging in deep philosophical discussions with Wolf.
The Terror by Dan Simmons
Dan Simmons’ The Terror follows the ill-fated Franklin Expedition aboard HMS Terror as they search for the Northwest Passage in the Arctic Circle. Initially filled with triumph and scientific support, the crew becomes stranded in a frozen wasteland as the temperatures refuse to thaw. With limited resources and ships trapped by crushing ice, the men face starvation and poisonous food.
However, their greatest fear is the unknown predator stalking them in the darkness, clawing at their ship. When their leader dies, Captain Francis Crozier takes charge and leads a desperate attempt to escape, accompanied by a mysterious Inuit woman who may hold the key to their survival. As another winter approaches, and their situation deteriorates, the crew begins to lose hope, fearing there may be no escape from their relentless terror.
The Deep by Alma Katsu
Alma Katsu tells the haunting tale of the events that befall the passengers aboard the HMHS Britannic during its maiden voyage. Mysterious disappearances and sudden deaths create an unsettling atmosphere, as some passengers, including Madeleine Astor, Benjamin Guggenheim, Annie Hebbley, and Mark Fletcher, suspect something sinister at play. Eventually, disaster strikes, leaving a lasting impact on those who survive.
There we have it! If you are looking for books that tell the story of shipwrecks and their survivors, these books will give you what you need. Have you read any of these books? Did we miss any of your favourites? Comment below and let us know!