The Palatine Wreck: The Legend of the New England Ghost Ship (Seafaring America)

Good book, my roots came from there. Educational

The author transcends the myth and pierces the fog which has surrounded the wreck known as the Palatine for hundreds of years. This is a fantastic book which tells the true story of the ill fated voyage of the Princess Augusta and how it became one of New England's most enduring ghost stories. The Palatine Wreck reflects the years of research and the author's identifying of never before known passengers is a testimony to her focus and passion to unearth the truth.A wonderful read and a story which resonates to this very day of the risks and hardships people will take to find freedom.

This smoothly written and well-researched book reveals a little-known aspect of immigration to America by 18th century Germans while describing a mysterious shipwreck off Block Island that led to a famous story of a burning ghost ship. It's so hard to imagine people so desperate to leave their homes in Europe that they sold off everything to risk coming to the US, with significant numbers dying in the dreadful process. I found the book held my interest all the way through, and I'd have loved to know even more about these events. I'm so impressed with all the work the author did to unravel this story.

This is a MUST read if you're interested in 18th century German immigration to America. It also contains details of many German immigrant ships. I found both my 6th and 7th great grandfathers (from two different families) in here.

Ms. Farinelli should write more. This historical story of the Princess Augusta and her demise is both fascinating and sadly tragic. But Ms. Farinelli's writing style and massive research gives the story and the victims life. One can almost feel the suffering of the ship's passengers while witnessing their final demise. A wonderful historical read. I read the entire book in just three sittings...and was begging for more.

My ancestors came to America in 1739 as part of the Palatinate immigration. They were not on the Princess Augusta or the Oliver, but other family members might have been. The book read as part history and part story.

This is not a title I would normally choose, but I was given a copy—and I couldn't put it down. I attended high school in the early 1970s when we refused to study any history that wasn't "relevant." As a result, I know about hippies on communes in the 1970s but almost nothing about anything that happened earlier. The Palatine Wreck filled in some big missing blanks for me regarding immigration to America. The book is scrupulously researched and because if follows the fates of a particular family, it is an engaging story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the meticulous account of these 18th century German immigrants to this country. Ms Farinelli makes come to life the perilous aspects of coming to this country. One can only admire the resolve and courage of these early pioneers. Ms Farinelli chronicled masterfully one such, and tragic crossing.