A historical novel about flood: The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton @PRHGlobal #partner #bookreview

GIFTED / Today I am bringing you my review for the historical novel called The Last Train to Key West.
I was sent a digital ARC of the book when it came out, but with everything going on in my life, I only got around to read it this month. However, when it comes to historical fiction, I feel like the books from that genre can’t be outdated, so I don’t think I’m too late with my review, even though I am aware that it would be better if I read it when it first came out.

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About the book:

FROM GOODREADS /

In 1935 three women are forever changed when one of the most powerful hurricanes in history barrels toward the Florida Keys in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s captivating new novel.

Everyone journeys to Key West searching for something. For the tourists traveling on Henry Flagler’s legendary Overseas Railroad, Labor Day weekend is an opportunity to forget the economic depression gripping the nation. But one person’s paradise can be another’s prison, and Key West-native Helen Berner yearns to escape.

The Cuban Revolution of 1933 left Mirta Perez’s family in a precarious position. After an arranged wedding in Havana, Mirta arrives in the Keys on her honeymoon. While she can’t deny the growing attraction to the stranger she’s married, her new husband’s illicit business interests may threaten not only her relationship, but her life.

Elizabeth Preston’s trip from New York to Key West is a chance to save her once-wealthy family from their troubles as a result of the Wall Street crash. Her quest takes her to the camps occupied by veterans of the Great War and pairs her with an unlikely ally on a treacherous hunt of his own.

Over the course of the holiday weekend, the women’s paths cross unexpectedly, and the danger swirling around them is matched only by the terrifying force of the deadly storm threatening the Keys.

Review:

The Last Train to Key West was always on my radar, but it took me years to actually read it.
It is just a typical story of one with too many books and never-ending tbr.

What pulled me in immediately was three different voices of our three main characters. Each’s chapter was written in first person, and they all sounded differently, which was mind blowing.

As I started the novel, I was sure I would read it in only few sittings, but then I got corona virus which really ruined my reading experience.
I wasn’t able to really enjoy the book, to really get into the story.

Beside that, I also came to realization that I don’t like to read about tragedies anymore, as they remind me of the earthquake and are triggering to me. I guess they hit home too close, at least at this point of my life.

Overall, I think The Last Train to Key West was a good book and I would recommend it to historical fiction lovers out there.