"In 1914, from March 31 to April 2, death travelled the North Atlantic with many companions-madness, fear, deceit and despair. Survival means constant measured movement, and the constant kindling and rekindling of hope. Arising from official transcripts of survivor's testimony before two commissions of enquiry into the Great Newfoundland Sealing Disaster, The Harps of God develops themes of human survival in the face of profound personal devastation."