Who would have thought that the Cold War, radioactive elements and the Titanic would all be connected in some way or form? But they are in Raise the Titanic! I mostly picked up this book because I am fascinated by the Titanic. But the book written by Clive Cussler was written before the Titanic was actually discovered. In Raise the Titanic! radioactive material, Byzanium, is needed for a defense project by the US. The Russians figure out the super secret defense project and decide that since the Byzanium was found on Russian soil that the Byzanium belongs to Russia to use as they deemed worthy. But Dirk Pitt and NUMA will not allow that to happen. Sparing the total recap of the book, I loved it. A lot of the book was set up but I love the historical treasure hunt to find the location of the hidden item and the fact that the Titanic was involved was awesome. Not alot about the Titanic was actually discussed other then her miraculously perfect condition (considering being on the bottom of an ocean for 76 years and being struck by an iceberg) and that she wasn't found right below where she sunk. Totally intact, NUMA led by Pitt raised the Titanic and she is brought back to New York. The last few chapters when the Titanic finished her maiden voyage brought tears to my eyes. How awesome would that be if the Titanic would be able to be salvaged...awesome.
Pitt seemed less Dirk Pitt-ish then other books of the Dirk Pitt series I have read, except at the end. Since he is also a Titanic fanatic, maybe it was her presence that led Pitt to subdue his arrogant, womanizing behavior. But I enjoy reading about Pitt and he held his own and was pretty much amazing in the book. Cussler did a great job with this book and I love the forward discussing the discovery of the Titanic and how despite the similarities of Cussler's mind and the actual facts of the Titanic, Dirk Pitt was the first to see her. Amazing...
One of the most interesting books I have read. It may not be the best written or the next literary masterpiece but my fascination with the Titanic and the love of a good action adventure, not to mention the Cold War interest as well, makes this book awesome. I am top shelf-ing Raise the Titanic!.
Now I really want to read this book! I'm still fascinated, even to this day, by the Titanic! I remember when I would watch any documentary I could on the ship and sinking. Good times...
ReplyDeleteI still try to watch any sort of documentary about the Titanic. I can lend you, Raise the Titanic!, it's a good action adventure based on the Titanic. Again, there's not too much detail about the ship, which is sad, but then at the time it wasn't discovered. :)
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