The Babe of Titanic

By: Gary J Rose

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In the aftermath of the Titanic disaster in 1912, the cable ship Mackay-Bennett recovers bodies from the North Atlantic, including a small, unidentified child whose recovery haunts the crew. In the present day, forensic anthropologist Emma Reardon dedicates herself to solving this century-old mystery, using modern DNA technology to identify the 'Unknown Child' buried in Halifax's Fairview Lawn Cemetery. The story weaves between the past and present, highlighting the emotional and scientific journey to uncover the truth.

Emma, a sharp-eyed and resolute scientist carrying her own personal burdens, begins her investigation in a Halifax DNA lab, collaborating with her graduate assistant Khalid and museum curator Thomas Mallory. The screenplay opens with the somber recovery of the child's body by the Mackay-Bennett crew, led by the compassionate First Officer Snow and able seaman Clifford Crease, who handle the small form with reverent care. This historical sequence sets a tone of grief and duty, emphasizing the child's symbolic importance as a representation of innocence lost in the tragedy.

As Emma delves deeper, she uncovers archival clues, including a water-stained ledger and a telegram draft from 1912 that hints at a possible Goodwin family connection. Her work is methodical and emotionally charged, involving DNA sequencing, consultations with diocese representatives, and outreach to potential descendants. Khalid provides technical support and moral encouragement, while Mallory offers historical context and access to museum archives. Together, they face bureaucratic obstacles, particularly from a skeptical museum administrator, Dr. Harrow, who views the project as a threat to established narratives and seeks to undermine Emma's efforts.

Key events include Emma's discovery of suppressed documents from Crease, revealing that the crew suspected the child's identity but were silenced by authorities. This fuels Emma's determination, leading to international DNA sample requests and tense confrontations with Harrow. The narrative builds through a series of breakthroughs and setbacks, such as initial DNA matches that prove inconclusive and the emotional weight of visiting the child's grave. Emma's personal life intertwines with the investigation, as she grapples with exhaustion and familial advice to 'come up for air,' reflecting her deep emotional investment.

The story reaches its climax when Emma secures a high-confidence DNA match from a distant Goodwin family descendant, confirming the child as Sidney Leslie Goodwin, a 19-month-old who perished with his family. This revelation is not just scientific but profoundly human, leading to a public announcement and a heartfelt ceremony at the cemetery. The non-fiction novel explores themes of persistence, the intersection of history and science, and the enduring impact of loss, showing how one small life can bridge time and evoke collective memory.

Throughout, the narrative maintains a balance between factual historical elements and dramatic tension, culminating in a sense of closure and honor for the forgotten victim. Emma's arc is one of unwavering commitment, transforming a cold case into a story of restoration and respect.