In the shadowed depths of World War II, amidst the relentless blitz and the heart-wrenching choices of a nation under siege, comes the riveting tale of courage, survival, and the indomitable human spirit, as told in Deborah Heiligman's "Torpedoed." This meticulously researched narrative unfolds the harrowing journey of the SSCity of Benares, a vessel of hope for one hundred children evacuated from England's war-torn shores, seeking sanctuary across the Atlantic. Their voyage, emblematic of both the desperation and the resolve of a country battling for its future, turns tragic when the unprotected ship meets its fate against a German submarine's devastating strike, marking one of the most poignant chapters of the war. Heiligman masterfully weaves together the personal stories of those aboard the ill-fated convoy, bringing to life the bravery of the crew, the resilience of the young evacuees, and the extraordinary acts of heroism that emerged from the catastrophe. "Torpedoed" is not just an account of a wartime disaster but a deeply moving tribute to the power of hope, the strength found in unity, and the profound sacrifices made in the name of protection. Through the lens of this forgotten episode, readers are invited to bear witness to the complexities of human nature and the enduring light that can emerge from the darkest of times.