and situations aboard this colossal vessel. At the start of the novel, the narrator arrives in Liverpool in March 1867, excited to board the "Great Eastern", a ship described as a floating city—an unprecedented feat of engineering at the time. As preparations for the voyage are underway, the narrator observes the bustling activity on board and reflects on the ship's historical significance while describing its massive size and capabilities. Among the passengers is Captain Fabian Mac Elwin, who has traveled from India to join the crossing. The opening sets the stage for an adventure filled with unexpected events and interactions among diverse characters aboard this innovative steamship, while hints of anticipation and foreboding also permeate the atmosphere. (This is an automatically generated summary.)