Dangerous Crossing: A Novel

AudioBook Review Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4 England had long been providing for her colonies, and in the lead up to World War II, there was a need for domestic servants in Australia. Passage and chaperone provided, we meet Lily Shepard as she is one of three in this story chosen for the program. Excited by the opportunity and finding a new world open to her as places, people and experiences unlike those she would have found at home contrast with the sense that she is hiding something big. Aboard ship with normal social restrictions loosed, Lily finds herself drawn to the well-to-do siblings, Edward and Helena, and a scandalous couple Eliza and Max. Throughout the crossing there are black-tie balls, time to explore Pyramids and exotic markets, and in close quarters, time to learn stories from others: Maria Katz, a Jew fleeing Austria and her worries for her family, a fascist-leaning hothead in the form of George Price, and two passengers dead before the ship docks in Sydney. New experiences and exposure to places and people heretofore unimagined have Lily learning, growing and discovering the inequities in life: many she knew, others she would come to see as she discovers her own place in the world aided by her fascination with the easily bored and often heedless siblings, and her growing ability to see things with an eye to intention and purpose. What she once thought was a vacation and opportunity to redefine herself soon becomes more difficult than simple enjoyment on the way to the next phase of her life. Full of secrets, revelations and emotional kerfuffle: the crossing becomes a breeding ground in which the early days of bonhomie and free-association between passengers devolves and separates much as if they were still on land, the differences again highlighting behavior, treatment and above all, suspicions all around. The common theme here for all the passengers seemed to be running from rather than embracing the new, and keeping listeners wholly engaged in the look, feel and manners of the era. Narration for this story is provided by Katherine Manners and she clearly presented the story in ways that engaged and presented the characters that gave listeners instant insight into their status. Subtle voice inflections and pitch differences as well as variance in accents allowed each ‘level’ of society to be presented, each adapting overtones of wonder, privilege, boredom, worry or even anger as required. It’s the story and the growth of Lily here that is to be celebrated as the maelstrom of emotions and actions reveal secrets – some enough to die for. A lovely story full of place and time, carrying a level of tension that builds as the story progresses due to close quarters, revealed secrets and tension about the future as colored by impending war. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Simon and Schuster Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.