Join Terry Shepherd as he sits down with author Gabriella Saab to explore the history and heart behind her new novel, The Survivors Guild. The conversation dives into the little-known experiences of Lebanese immigrants aboard the Titanic and the unique challenges faced by survivors in the disaster's aftermath.

Episode Highlights

• Saab reveals how attending a Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese Americans convention introduced her to the forgotten history of Lebanese passengers on the Titanic.
• The discussion unpacks the stark contrast between Bea Nora, a resilient Lebanese woman seeking work to support her family, and Marguerite Ashby, a naive American heiress trapped by an impending arranged marriage.
• Saab shares the bizarre, true historical account of an upper-class woman taking in two unclaimed toddler boys after the sinking, which inspired the novel's emotional core.
• The episode explores the unique dynamic of Bea and Marguerite forming a charitable committee to find their rescued baby's next of kin and assist third-class survivors.
• Saab explains her authorial approach to balancing historical accuracy with narrative pacing, such as altering cabin placements to heighten the immediacy of the disaster.
• Saab reflects on her time co-hosting HF Chit Chat, a supportive online community for historical fiction writers and readers.

About The Survivors Guild Instead of focusing solely on the famous shipwreck, the novel examines the complicated aftermath of survival. It highlights the heavy emotional and economic burdens of immigration, the rigid class rules of the Gilded Age, and the profound, isolating realities women faced across different socioeconomic backgrounds. Through their shared trauma and dedication to an orphaned boy, Bea and Marguerite forge an unlikely alliance that ultimately transforms their lives.

Connect with Gabriella Saab

• Discover more about her writing at gabriellasaab.com.
• Follow her updates and historical insights on Instagram and Substack.
• Pick up a copy of The Survivors Guild and The Last Checkmate to support human authors and uncover hidden historical narratives.

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