Remembering the Storm immerses readers in the rich history of Galveston, Texas, blending architectural beauty, the aftermath of the Civil War, and the devastating 1900 hurricane that nearly destroyed the city. Fans of Victorian-era history and those intrigued by the impact of natural disasters will find themselves drawn to this unforgettable narrative.
Nineteen-year-old Ellie McLean is determined to become a dedicated teacher in Galveston, with lofty goals of addressing racism and advancing women's rights. When she meets Jim on a train, their budding connection challenges her dreams in unexpected ways. But as the two grow closer, an impending storm-both literal and metaphorical-looms over the city. On the night of September 8, 1900, the Great Storm strikes, forever changing Ellie's life and the lives of everyone she knows.
In the aftermath, Ellie faces not only the physical destruction of her city but also the internal struggles of discrimination, sexism, and her relationship with Jim. With courage and a fierce love for her city and its people, Ellie is forced to make life-altering decisions that will shape her future. Remembering the Storm is a powerful story of survival, resilience, and love amidst chaos.
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"Hakemack depicts the hurricane and the ensuing chaos in harrowing detail, capturing both the physical devastation and the storm's emotional toll on survivors. Ellie emerges as a compelling protagonist who proves that, despite great tragedy, 'life, in all its sadness and splendor, goes on and keeps going on.'" - Kirkus
"Ellie, as the main character, is a headstrong, at times naive girl with strong opinions about equality that she won't hesitate to share with anyone and everyone. It earns her more than one sticky situation or social tension, though Ellie doesn't seem to care. The hurricane storyline not only adds danger to the story but also serves to expose how racism and bureaucracy prevented the residents of Galveston from being warned about the impending hurricane. " - Independent Book Review
