A Greek Tragedy

One Day, a Deadly Shipwreck, and the Human Cost of the Refugee Crisis

By: Jeanne Carstensen

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

A 2026 FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE AND THE PEN/GALBRAITH AWARD FOR NONFICTION

Five Days at Memorial meets Into the Raging Sea in this “vivid snapshot of a broken asylum system” (Kirkus Reviews)—the gripping true story of a devastating shipwreck during the biggest refugee crisis since World War II.

On October 28, 2015, a boat meant for only a few dozen passengers capsized off the coast of the Greek island of Lesvos. Hundreds of refugees, forced in desperation onto the overloaded boat manned by armed smugglers, were tossed into a roiling sea. The resulting loss of life, the largest in a single day during the biggest refugee crisis since World War II, shocked the world.

After nearly a decade of research and interviews, investigative reporter Jeanne Carstensen has captured every detail of the dramatic twenty-four hours. This includes the recollections of the refugees’ lives before they left their homes and a full account of the courageous rescue efforts of the Greek islanders and volunteers rushing to help, even as their government and the EU failed to act. In this remarkable narrative feat, Carstensen brilliantly showcases the extraordinary heroism of ordinary people in extreme circumstances.

In a world where forced migration is on the rise, and where standing up to protect our neighbors can come at great personal risk, A Greek Tragedy challenges us to confront our collective humanity. This unforgettable testament of our times is “a crushing account of a senseless tragedy” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)and a compassionate depiction of the lengths to which a person will go to save another human being.

Why there is a need to prepare for rare emergencies in ports throughout the world.

Although volunteers are very helpful in rescuing people after the sinking of boats, It would be useful to have plans in place to use the things learned from past situations. Port cites should have s as plan in place and a yearly practice of the plan.this would be like hospitals plan for large casualties.

Excellent reporting from a journalist perspective and gripping story telling.

Enjoyed this book very much. After reading this account of this tragedy, I have a better perspective and respect for the decisions made from the immigrants, the cost of immigration in lives and payoffs and to the communities that are impacted by immigration. A must read! Very impactful!

Outstandingly Human

Worth your time and brain. Beautiful. Honest. Concise.
The story is real. The people are real. The writing is crystal clear.