You pulled me in with the story of Rose returning from her European tour. What a common American myth: that one's privileges provide immunity from strife.
Definitely - again so many insights and parallels. And on a lot more topics and themes than I expected. I kept the focus of this series pretty narrow - which was hard lol. But I’ve dog-eared the topic for another time and possible format. Again, history is the great teacher when we listen.
Yet again, you have me hooked @Lori. I couldn't help being struck by the 'us and them' divisions within the story. Those in the know/Those kept ignorant ... Those above decks /Those in steerage ...
As I was doing the research, that was the predominant message - on the ships, on land, among officials: them v us. I’m glad it’s come across loud and clear in the retelling 😉
Privilege thought it could outwit pestilence. Rose floated above steerage on linen tables and Paris gowns, convinced refinement was an inoculation. But cholera didn’t care about class or critics’ praise. It rose through bilge water and rat holes, turning Europe’s filth into America’s problem, and proving the oldest law of plague: the rich seal the doors, the poor die first, and the ship keeps sailing.
Side note: the story itself is fascinating, but I found it tough to read in this format — the constant dashes pulled me out of the flow.
A harrowing tale that shows the clear class divid of the haves and the have nots. Beautifully woven together I look forward to hearing more of Rose's voyage across the ocean.
Thanks, @Jennifer Jones! This story could be a whole collection of stories it offered so much inspiration to me as a story collector and writer — and there’s even a wonderful genealogy mystery hidden inside, as well!
Lori, this is deeply researched and beautifully told. You convey the drama of the voyage while also exposing the complacency and deception that allowed such tragedies to unfold. The contrast between Rose’s Paris gowns and the shrouds of steerage passengers is stark and powerful.
You pulled me in with the story of Rose returning from her European tour. What a common American myth: that one's privileges provide immunity from strife.
God help me but I love a good Cholera story!
Seriously, @David Shaw, I could finish out 2025 just with stories about this event! It was a fascinating four months of research.
There are so many parallels to Covid. That would be a chapter on its own.
Definitely - again so many insights and parallels. And on a lot more topics and themes than I expected. I kept the focus of this series pretty narrow - which was hard lol. But I’ve dog-eared the topic for another time and possible format. Again, history is the great teacher when we listen.
Yet again, you have me hooked @Lori. I couldn't help being struck by the 'us and them' divisions within the story. Those in the know/Those kept ignorant ... Those above decks /Those in steerage ...
"some terrible disease was raging “down there”, among “them”."
The "othering" is chilling. Understandable in many ways, and still chilling.
You've built tension beautifully!
As I was doing the research, that was the predominant message - on the ships, on land, among officials: them v us. I’m glad it’s come across loud and clear in the retelling 😉
Horror 😱 entering into one of Lori’s stories you just know it’s not ending in one episode and… like a Jessica Fletcher piece… somebody’s going to die!
Privilege thought it could outwit pestilence. Rose floated above steerage on linen tables and Paris gowns, convinced refinement was an inoculation. But cholera didn’t care about class or critics’ praise. It rose through bilge water and rat holes, turning Europe’s filth into America’s problem, and proving the oldest law of plague: the rich seal the doors, the poor die first, and the ship keeps sailing.
Side note: the story itself is fascinating, but I found it tough to read in this format — the constant dashes pulled me out of the flow.
A harrowing tale that shows the clear class divid of the haves and the have nots. Beautifully woven together I look forward to hearing more of Rose's voyage across the ocean.
I need to know more Lori. As always your stories grab hold of me. And now to wait but I know it will be worth the wait.
Thanks, @Jennifer Jones! This story could be a whole collection of stories it offered so much inspiration to me as a story collector and writer — and there’s even a wonderful genealogy mystery hidden inside, as well!
A fascinating article, thank you for your research and for sharing
Lori, this is deeply researched and beautifully told. You convey the drama of the voyage while also exposing the complacency and deception that allowed such tragedies to unfold. The contrast between Rose’s Paris gowns and the shrouds of steerage passengers is stark and powerful.
Thanks, @Peter Anthony, it was an interesting story to research and retell. Glad you’re enjoying it so far!
I’m on the edge of my seat over here! Cut me off
Brilliant writing Lori!
You've got me hooked with this one!
What a fascinating and tragic story - and a great read! Looking forward to more!
A chilling story which kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more