Hell Ship, Michael Veitch

Could NOT put this book down and polished it off in a day.  Absolutely gripping with great care and dignity afforded to all of those who set sail, seeking a better life for themselves and their families. The research undertaken to write such a detailed work must have been incredible, and it is with this care that Australian author Michael Veitch has written a book detailing of how his great-great grandfather, James William Henry Veitch, first came to Australia and married the woman who saw him through the horror, the stalwart Anne Morrison. HELL SHIP was, if you’ll forgive this, masterfully navigated from Liverpool right to the end of its horrific voyage.  Upfront knowing the scale of suffering of the Ticonderoga’s eight hundred passengers is so overwhelming that you’d be forgiven for wincing as you pick up this book, expecting tragic tales of woe and detailed descriptions of the truly hellish conditions on board.    Author Michael Veitch has balanced the human factor of deaths at sea with the education of his readers.  There was so much bravery shown by the crew and passengers of the Ticonderoga that it is astonishing that most Australians would not even have heard of this story.  It is heartbreaking to learn of what these people went through, and of how they stoically endured so much loss and suffering. The care with which the human losses are detailed is commendable, and each death is given in context as to what family members the deceased has left behind.   This intensely powerful and moving account of hope and survival in the settlement days of Australia is an excellent read and highly recommended.  HELL SHIP will definitely stay with you.