Interview With Gabriella Saab

        Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing author, Gabriella Saab. She is the author of The Last Checkmate and Daughters of Victory. She has recently published Survivor's Guild, which tells the story about of two Titanic survivors. One of them is a wealthy heiress, and the other is a Lebanese immigrant. They are tasked with finding the mother of a baby boy whom they have saved. In this interview, we discussed the Titanic as well as the events that were going on in Lebanon during that time. Thank you, Mrs. Saab!

What inspired you to write The Survivor’s Guild?

I’m half Lebanese, and while attending a conference through the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs, I learned about the Lebanese aboard the Titanic. I never knew there were Lebanese aboard the ship, so it was the perfect opportunity to explore a lesser-known side of the story we all know. But I didn’t want to tell a story of only the Titanic; I wanted to know what life was like for those who survived. 

Bea is an immigrant from Lebanon, and Marguerite is an American socialite. Why did you decide to tell the story from two protagonists from two distinct backgrounds?

I thought the juxtaposition between these women—their cultures, backgrounds, and classes—would be so interesting to explore. This way, I could more strongly highlight the way class affected one's circumstances during and after the shipwreck, and what life was like for women and immigrants in NYC in 1912. By having two women in such different positions, I could delve into society from all sides and give the reader a more complete picture of what life was like back then. Also, it was so much fun for me to show the ways in which Bea and Marguerite defied their positions and society’s expectations by becoming friends and pursuing their goals.

The history of Lebanon is largely unfamiliar to the majority of readers. What was going in the Lebanon during that time period? What research did you do on Lebanese history?

In 1912, Lebanon was under Ottoman rule and was part of an area known as Greater Syria. In fact, immigrants were typically referred to as Syrian immigrants rather than Lebanese. Many Lebanese left the country around the turn of the century—including my own ancestors. The reasons were largely economic, and many were drawn to America due to the allure of prosperity and opportunity. During my research, I sought stories on Lebanese and other third-class immigrants aboard the Titanic as well as information about Lebanese immigrants to America and what I knew of my own ancestors' experiences during this time.

Why do you think the story of Titanic still fascinates people today?

I think it’s difficult for modern audiences to comprehend how a disaster of this magnitude occurred, and how greatly it shook the world, so we keep returning to it in an effort to make sense of it, even though there is no making sense of tragedy. The disaster proved that no one, not even the wealthy, is immune to tragedy, despite how much better the wealthy fared statistically due to their privilege. But the Titanic also brings us stories of sacrifice and heroism, and I think this, more than anything, is what keeps people returning to it and to other tragic periods throughout history. We are inspired by ordinary people who did extraordinary things, and by the lesser-known stories we haven't been told of people like women and immigrants. Learning about all these people is a way to honor them and the mark they left upon history.

What research did you do on the Titanic and its survivors? Were there any facts that surprised you?

I was fortunate because there is a lot of information to be found about the Titanic, so I was able to read a wide variety of nonfiction and factual information. I even got to visit a touring exhibit, where I saw photographs of the ship and its sister ship, the Olympic, replicas of staterooms, artifacts recovered from the wreck, and belongings from victims and survivors. I was particularly drawn to firsthand accounts to help me understand the people who were on board and their experiences during the tragedy and after their survival. Much of my novel was informed by real events.

These real stories are probably what shocked me most. In fact, the storyline about the unclaimed infant who ends up in Bea and Marguerite’s care is heavily inspired by a real story, and their charitable committee is inspired by Titanic survivor Molly Brown, a wealthy woman who formed a committee to aid other survivors. I can’t reveal too much without spoilers, but these are the kinds of stories you have to read to believe. I share the true details in my author’s note, so make sure you read it! 

What was the most challenging aspect of writing The Survivor’s Guild?

I always feel a lot of responsibility when I write because I want to honor the real people and events that inspire my works, but particularly so in this case because this story includes Lebanese immigrants. This is history that has largely remained untold, and it’s my own heritage, so I really wanted to represent the experience and the history as honestly and accurately as I could. I hope I did it justice and portrayed Bea in a way that makes Lebanese readers proud.

What do you hope readers will take away from The Survivor’s Guild?

As with all my novels, I hope readers are eager to learn more about the real history that inspired the story, and I hope they acknowledge the ways in which differences in society, culture, and background still impact us, and the ways we can bridge those gaps to support and encourage one another. Above all, I hope they recognize the importance of female friendship and the ways this bond empowers Bea and Marguerite. 

You have written other novels in the historical fiction genre. What is it about historical fiction that appeals to you? 

If a history book is the play being performed on stage, historical fiction is the backstage pass—the place where you bear witness to the long hours of rehearsal, the physical and emotional fatigue of the actors, all the roles within the crew, the things that went right, the things that went wrong, yet the show must go on. The audience sees the performance; backstage sees the raw, unfettered humanity. That, for me, is what’s appealing about historical fiction. It’s a chance for me to dive into the behind-the-scenes: the lesser-known stories, the feelings and emotions, and the universality of the human experience.

Are there any books that you are currently reading?

I’ve read so many great books lately! I recently finished and loved the amazing full-cast audio of The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, and I just started a Jazz-Age mystery, Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh (narrated by Lauren Ezzo and Barrie Kreinik). I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Madeline Martin’s upcoming release, A Time of Witches, so I can’t wait to start it—and, if you can't tell by my previous answers, I love audiobooks, so I'll probably listen to the audio too since it's narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.

What project are you working on next?

I don’t know if I’m allowed to say! But I will say I’m working on another historical novel, and I’m having the most fun with it. I can't say much, but I can promise you more stories of strong female leads inspired by real women. Follow me on social media and/or sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll know when I’ve been given permission to tell you more—hopefully soon!

About Gabriella Saab:

       Gabriella Saab is an acclaimed author of historical fiction. Her first two novels, The Last Checkmate and Daughters of Victory, have been published in multiple languages and various countries. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of business administration in marketing and lives in her hometown in Alabama. For more information, please visit her website at gabriellasaab.com. Also you can find her on Instagram: @gabriellasaab_, Facebook: @GabriellaSaabAuthor, and X: @GabriellaSaab_.

       If you are interested in purchasing The Survivor's Guild, you purchase it through this link!

      Also, check out my review of The Survivor's Guild!