The account of the Costa Concordia shipwreck, which ran aground on the 13th of January 2012 claiming 32 lives, as reported by the Italian pianist Antimo Magnotta who was aboard that fateful night and miraculously survived.
This is an intimate chronicle of life on board the infamous cruise ship, leading up to its catastrophic demise, as seen through the perceptive eyes of one of the key performers on board.
The cruise vessel is depicted as a theatre of glamour and delusion which can both lead to new relationships or closure on others, as the passengers confide their personal narratives to those willing to listen.

The pianist plays a major role here and readers are able to share the advancing horror of the situation and taste the bitter aftermath.



This extraordinary creation by Magnotta entices readers to enter into the reality of the infamous 2012 shipwreck catastrophe of the Costa Concordia, the epic Mediterranean cruiser over twice the size of the Titanic, whose fate was determined and exacerbated by the vanity and negligence if its captain. In these times of concern over the marine environment and the effect of huge vessels on the flora and fauna, it also brings into focus the validity of such enterprises.
As one of the core musicians on board, the author shares his zany, cynical perceptions of the colourful diversity of character signed up for this itinerary, including crewmates - coiled into emotional and cerebral crevices. The animated tapestry of archetypes occupies an echoing vaccuum, offering a kind of existential harbour for wounded souls. revolving around its cycles of hedonistic rituals - until rocks pierce the underbelly of the ship, and fantasy collides with stark reality.
The subtleties contained in this myriad of cameo observations are remarkable emanations from a seasoned pianist's heart that is still capable of responding to children and elevating their original innocent viewpoints and commentaries. The multilayered narrative precipitates a reevaluation of priorities and shakes our complacency: it is a triumph of human generosity undertaken in pursuit of healing.

Haldi Sheahan
Oxford, UK