The Unresolved

by T.K. Welsh

In 1904 New York City, the spirit of a deceased German American teenage girl searches for the person responsible for the General Slocum steamboat fire that claimed her life and the lives of more than one thousand other passengers.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Fiction, Supernatural, Ghosts, Fantasy

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 17, 2006

About the author

T.K. WELSH is the pen name used by J.G. Sandom when he first released his YA work. THE UNRESOLVED and RESURRECTION MEN have since been re-released in newer editions under the author's birth name -- J.G. Sandom.

THE UNRESOLVED
Published by FANGLESS FABLES PRESS
Philadelphia
ISBN: 1453639705
EAN-13: 978-1-453-63970-2
June 2010

Reviews

[Bazile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book challanged my expectations of young adult fiction. I read this book because it was assigned it to youth reading club that I moderate and I must say I was happily surprised at how well written it was. The story was engrossing, the characters well defined and I didn't feel as if I had wandered into a pint sized version of a soap opera.

The story revolves around an actual event, the fire and sinking of the General Slocum steamship in 1904 which until 9/11 was the worst loss of life in NYC. As a New Yorker I was appalled that I had no idea about this. A fifteen year old German girl Mallory is on an outing with her family and more than a thousand other German immigrants on the boat. They are on a day cruise, by the end of the day Mallory and over a thousand others will be dead, a Jewish boy implicated in the fire and a witchunt will have begun.

TK Welsh does an amazing job of painting early 20th century New York and all of its issues. Antisemitism, sexism, immigration, zenophobia, love, betrayal, death and redemption are all featured in a plot that moves along breathlessly. Mallory, as a ghost is trying to come to grips with her ever after as well as keeping an eye on her friends and family. As she learns the truth of what happened to her she sets out to make sure that the truth does come out.

The girls in my reading group(Katrina survivors) loved this book and I must say I did also. Mallory's life is changed but she adapts and finds strength in her new status, the world of 1904 New York is not so different than modern day and one voice can move mountains. I've since made my "adult" friends read this book and they've all enjoyed it. Bravo to TK Welsh for bringing history alive with such beautiful language and story. A great book and a must read.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story, magically written.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this one up because I love history and I love ghost stories, and this is both. I admit, I was also curious to see if Welsh could pull off what Katharine Weber couldn’t in Triangle — successfully combining authentic NYC history with a story that appeals to teens. I think Welsh has succeeded admirably here.

From the publisher:
Mallory Meer has just turned fifteen years old, and within an hour, thanks to the only boy she’s ever loved, she’ll be dead, a victim of the General Slocum steamship disaster. Bound by love to her grieving family, and outraged by the multitude of senseless deaths, Mallory haunts those responsible for the tragedy, determined to see that justice is served.

Young love doomed, a horrific tragedy, and a ghost bound to earth by the terrible event. What more could you ask for? I sped through the first few chapters and then read the end. This is the ultimate test of the “goodness” of a book for me — if I can read the end and then still want to go back and finish the rest of the book, it’s a good’un. The Unresolved is a great one. Mallory is the most well-developed ghostly character I’ve seen in a long, long time…maybe even since my Blossom Culp days. I can’t recall another story where I’ve felt so connected to the ghost, and I was particularly impressed with the way Welsh moved Mallory in and out of other characters and told their stories in that way. Welsh skillfully manipulates emotions and develops characters through the relatively short novel, and I found myself genuinely caring about these people.

My only quibble, and there’s always one, is with the names. We have “Mallory” and “Dustin” — both German, one Lutheran and one Jewish. The names just struck me as very WB and not in sync with the time (early 1900s). I did a little research and found the name Mallory is French, and didn’t come into regular use until the 1960s. Dustin is derived from the Scandinavian, but didn’t come into common use until the 1940s. It seems like Welsh just picked the names out of the air. But, this is a small quibble, and certainly not enough to keep you from reading this fabulous story.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unresolved by T.K. Welsh

The Washington Post rated this as one of the top ten Young Adult books. In addition, many other awards were given, included the Horn Book’s list of recommended American historical fiction. It is also one of the few books selected by the American Library Association as a best book for young adults.

Highly recommended, I can certainly understand the accolades.

Prior to 9/11/2001, the June 15, 1904 horrific fire aboard the steamship The General Slocum was the worst disaster, and resulting loss of life in the history of New York.

1,342 people boarded the steamship that fatal day for a church outing sponsored by St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. This yearly event had the intended destination of Long Island Sound where the church members would picnic.

The passengers were predominately Germanic settlers, residing in what was then called Kleindeutschland.
Tragically, approximately 1,000 of the excursion members perished.

Through a fictional character of 15 year old Mallory Meer, the author deftly weaves the history of the steamship, the 1904 disaster, an in-depth examination of the immigration experience, and the turn of the century blatant prejudice against the Jewish population.

When Mallory perishes in the fire, she is doomed to live on in ghostly form seeking revenge to the guilty parties and redemption for those who, once they set foot on the steamship, were fated never to step ashore again.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

You start this book thinking that you know the end before you get there because it's clear the narrator is dead. But then she dies right in the beginning of the book and you spend the rest of your time following her and the other still live characters around as she tries to get justice meted out for the burning of the boat she was on with over a thousand others, many of whom also perished. It is an excellent thing to be able to write a compelling book that holds you until the climax, guides you through every turn and provides you with an excellent explanation of historical zenophobia and sexism in turn of the century New York City. Yup.

[Cassie Helwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book. This is the same book as "Kiss Me, I'm Dead." The Unresolved is the original, and T. K. Welsh is the author's pen name. This title fits better with the story about the worst disaster is NYC history before 9/11- one that has seemingly been largely ignored and forgotten.

[Stephanie G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical fiction with a tie-in to today's world that makes it germane.

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

After visiting New York City's Tenement Museum earlier this summer, I was reminded of the 1904 General Slocum steamship accident, in which more than 1,000 passengers died. Prior to Sept. 11, 2001, the General Slocum incident was the disaster with the largest loss of life in New York City. Unresolved opens with the fire on board the General Slocum and the drowning of 15-year-old Mallory Meer, as described by her ghost, which is unable to rest until the true cause of the accident is uncovered. No longer bound by time or space, Mallory's ghost takes the reader into the homes, workplaces, and courtrooms of Manhattan as the disaster is investigated. Although the facts of the case are compelling, the incident may have been better served by a non-fiction book for young adults, as this slim novelization forces readers to wonder which of the details are true and which are products of the author's imagination. Welsh's lyrical writing style further muddies the fact/fiction waters and may turn off some young readers, as will the lengthy, dialogue-laden, and somewhat confusing scenes of both the coroner's inquest and the neighborhood investigation. There may be a niche teen audience for this book, but good luck finding it.

[Penny Linsenmayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it was an interesting piece of historical fiction, I thought it might have been a stronger story written from the perspective of one of the survivors. Although the perspective of one of the victims adds to the mystery angle (it becomes clear that Mallory's ghost cannot rest until her boyfriend is cleared of guilt in the incident), I didn't think Mallory had a very engaging voice. It was a quick read, and it brings to life a historical incident which will be unfamiliar to many readers (it was to me as well). I thought the author did a good job of capturing historical details, but characterization was overall very weak. This novel is very short, and I did wonder if maybe it just wasn't meaty enough to carry off the material.

[Ben W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid look at immigrant life in NYC as it is struck with tragedy -- the sinking of the General Slocum steamship in the East River, NYC, in 1904. More than a thousand mostly German immigrants lost their lives. It was the worst disaster in NYC history until 9/11. The heroine dies in the first chapter, and we watch as the ship burns and founders. She comes back as a spirit to ensure that justice is done, and those responsible for the tragedy punished. Beautifully written and haunting. I highly recommend this book. Fantastic! Shouldn't be just for young adults. This and Welsh's other so-called teen book (Resurrection Men) transcend the genre.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this one because I read Edward T. O'Donnell's Ship Ablaze: the Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum a few years ago. This novel is told from the point of view of a teenage girl, Mallory, who died aboard the ship and whose ghost is seeking closure (revenge? resolution?). I really liked the author's description of how Mallory can, as a ghost, travel anywhere, be inside people, appear to people, and know the past and future. I wasn't happy with the ending, though. I won't spoil it here by saying why-- I think if anyone else reads it, they'll know why. I do like T.K. Welch's writing style, and would like to read more of his/her books.

[Becky Trame · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, easy to read historical fiction, but lacks a satisfying resolution. Reminded me of Lovely Bones but with a much simpler story line.

[Regi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t like ghost stories in particular, but I did enjoy this one. It was dark in a few places and very sad.

My favorite quote, “Not that I was selfish, mind you; just self-preoccupied.”

[Angela Sellers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't believe in the whole unresolved spirit thing, but it was a good story anyways.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing. I liked it.

[rosanna lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

haunting book, very sad.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had not heard of this tragedy prior to picking up this novel. Author does good job of bringing the period in focus -- particularly in portraying social behavior of the period.

[Thia]

ghost love story

[Juicy_Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book,I had never even heard about this accident before I read this.I just wish we could have red more about Mallary when she was alive.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it. I like its quiet rebellion. I like its direct approach to social and political issues, soft but felt.

[Violet Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place in 1904. Mallory Meer and her family board a ship from Germany to America, excited and hopeful. With them is Mallory's boyfriend Dustin, who gets blamed for the sinking of the ship. Within an hour, Mallory and several others drown from the sinking. Mallory comes back as a ghost, because she can't move on. Many people are pulled into court as people try to find out who is responsible for the sinking. Dustin is the top suspect, seen smoking a cigarette and tossing it on the ground without putting it out. This book was interesting, but it was too short for me to really get to know the characters, especially Mallory.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never read a book written like this; told from a ghost, and it was interesting read. I had never heard of the General Slocum before and at first thought it was a ship made up for the story but I was wrong. A lovely little read but with all the different characters mentioned I got lost a few times with their relationship to another and how they interconnected.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would have liked to learn about the disaster described in this historical fiction book, but I did not like the narrator ghost voice. It was too weird, and it was hard to figure out what was true.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfyingly good ghost story.

[Ania · Rating 3 out of 5]

First innocent kiss, first love and a tragic death… Mallory, 15, is the ghost girl making sure that justice and honesty win when her “boyfriend” gets accused of starting the fire on a passenger ship. The book, The Unresolved, is based on true events and this makes it very appealing to the young audience and also to teachers: history, forensics and justice system are only some of the subject headings for this story. The characters of living people are believable and the story has a happy end, more or less.

[Jenny D · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1904 steamship General Slocum burned and sank off Manhatten killing over 1,000 people – mostly German immigrants out for a Sunday School outing. (I grew up on L.I. and had never heard of this incident). Narrated by the ghost of Malory – 15 years old when dies on board – Did her young lover set the fire? Will those responsible for the tragedy be punished? Gripping story – read in a single sitting. (Elaine did not like as much)

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. The Rocky Bluff PD is underfunded so when two dead bodies show up they are stretched to the limit.One body is the mayor who was very unlinked so there are several suspects. There was an interesting method of murder but the book never really made you interested in the characters. Maybe if you read the first two in the series the book would've made more sense.