Shana Abe's The Second Mrs. Astor offers a poignant portrayal of Titanic survivor Madeleine Force Astor. Reviewers commend Abe's rich historical detail and empathetic narrative but note occasional pacing issues. While praised for emotional depth and character development, some feel the romanticized portrayal lacks complexity. Overall, a compelling read for historical fiction fans.

Readers who appreciate historical fiction centered on romance and societal intrigue will enjoy The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe. Fans of Daisy Goodwin’s The American Heiress and Melanie Benjamin’s The Aviator’s Wife will find a compelling blend of history and personal drama in this vivid retelling of Madeleine Force's life.

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abé is adult historical fiction recounting the love affair between seventeen-year-old Madeleine Talmage Force and the much older, wealthy John Jacob Astor IV. Despite intense public scrutiny and societal disapproval, they marry, but their happiness is cut short when the Titanic sinks, leaving pregnant and widowed Madeleine to narrate their story for her son's sake.

Melancholic / Romantic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Emotional

**Madeleine Talmage Force Astor**  
A young woman who becomes the central figure of a narrative exploring high society and her relationship with Colonel John Jacob Astor. She experiences life-changing events from adolescence into young adulthood.

**John Jacob "Jack" Astor IV**  
A prominent and wealthy man, known for his role in high society and his romantic involvement with Madeleine. His character is marked by his influence and actions during significant historical moments.

**Vincent Astor**  
The son of Jack from his first marriage, described as having a serious demeanor and a complicated relationship with his father and new stepmother, Madeleine.

**Margaret Brown**  
An established society woman who befriends and supports Madeleine, providing her with guidance within high circles. Known in history for her resilience and advocacy.

**Katherine Force**  
Madeleine’s supportive and understanding sister, who plays a pivotal role in providing emotional and familial support throughout significant life changes.

Shana Abe

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Second Mrs. Astor reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Second Mrs. Astor | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Second Mrs. Astor and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Second Mrs. Astor Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Second Mrs. Astor Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 9

The Second Mrs. Astor Prologue-Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-20

The Second Mrs. Astor Chapters 10-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 21-Epilogue

The Second Mrs. Astor Chapter 21-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Second Mrs. Astor Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Second Mrs. Astor Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Second Mrs. Astor Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Second Mrs. Astor Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Second Mrs. Astor Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Second Mrs. Astor Essay Topics

The Second Mrs. Astor Further Reading & Resources

The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Second Mrs. Astor?

Reading Age

Book Details