The Dressmaker

An interesting premise - what was life like for those who survived the sinking of the Titanic - greatly weakened because the author doesn't seem to know whether she is writing a romance novel or a piece of historical fiction. The scenes that depict the Congressional hearings about the tragedy are interesting, and the issues raised about courage and decency are thought-provoking. But the heroine doesn't feel like a fully developed character, and the romance is less than engaging. I have a feeling there will be more Titanic-based novels because 2012 is the 100th anniversary of its sinking, but hopefully they will be stronger.