The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Standalone Novel
Publisher: Harper (November 2, 2021)

REVIEW BY MAE CLAIR

This book popped up in my suggested reading list, and after digesting the blurb, I couldn’t resist. Toss in the fact the author is well known for numerous NYT bestsellers and there was no question I would one-click. I’ve not read any of his previous novels (which I intend to correct post haste), but all I can say about this one is—WOW, OH, WOW!

The Galaxy is a mega-yacht owned by billionaire Jason Lambert. Inviting the uber-wealthy of the world on a voyage to celebrate tech, creativity, and brainstorming, Lambert surrounds himself with a guest roster that includes a past U.S. president, an Olympian, entrepreneurs, and the elite of the global business community. The watching world is glued to the lavish voyage, absorbing every opulent moment as a reporter shares from onboard the yacht—right up until a catastrophic explosion sends the ship plummeting to the bottom of the ocean.

What and who caused the explosion is only part of the mystery.

A handful of people survive, coming together in a lifeboat. Among them is Lambert, a few workers from the Galaxy, and a handful of the elite guests­—all crammed within a small raft that becomes both hope and prison as the days pass without rescue. But there are two mysterious strangers among them, pulled from the sea—a mute girl named, Alice, and a man who makes a startling revelation.

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We waited for the stranger to respond, but he just looked at us, doe-eyed. Lambert said, “He’s probably in shock.” Nevin yelled, “HOW LONG WERE IN YOU IN THE WATER?” perhaps thinking a raised voice would snap him to his senses. When he didn’t answer, Nina touched his shoulder and said, “Well thank the Lord we found you.”

Which is when the man finally spoke.

“I am the Lord,” he whispered.

The Stranger in the Lifeboat, Mitch Albom

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Did you experience the same jaw-drop I did after reading that passage? NO WAY was I passing up this story, and I’m so glad I didn’t.

The action shifts between the survivors on the raft (told through a journal written by Benji, one of the survivors), and what occurs a year later when the raft and Benji’s notebook are found washed up on a beach. When a local inspector becomes involved, readers are slowly emersed in his troubled past as he finds himself drawn deeper into the pages of the diary and the mystery of the people on the raft.

This is a hard story to describe. What I will tell you is that is mind-boggling and thought-provoking. If you like survival stories, the many chapters devoted to those on the raft are sure to satisfy your appetite. If you enjoy mysteries, there are several cleverly tucked within the pages—a few that left me gobsmacked. Most importantly, if you are a fan of Christian fiction that makes you think and haunts you long after you finish reading, this is the novel for you.

It’s a quick read with short chapters. I finished it in two days but might have devoured it in one had time permitted. I’m giving it five fantastic fish, but I would award it far more if possible. Simply outstanding and highly recommended!

I purchased the kindle version of The Stranger in the Lifeboat