Sinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker

Walker sets the scene for this horrific maritime disaster by walking readers through the history of transport - and steamboats - on the Mississippi river. From this more industrial history, she moves to an overview of the Civil War, focuses on several soldiers who will be involved in the disaster. These and thousands of other soldiers, released from prison camps in the South, prepare to head home on the doomed steamboat. Walker builds the suspense - and also the evidence - adding quotes, evidence, and introducing more key players. Finally, in the seventh chapter, it all comes to a head with the Sultana’s explosion - and the deaths of thousands of men, as well as other passengers. The aftermath is shown through survivor’s accounts, the experiences of rescuers, and what little is known of the investigation at the time. Finally, the verdict is reached - and no one is held responsible for the disaster, clearly due to a combination of bribery, greed, incompetence, and sheer bad luck.

Walker lists the prevailing theories of the time, later evidence, and the fates of those few who left accounts and whose names were known. A final author’s note discusses Walker’s investigation the story and the societies which keep the tale of the Sultana alive. There is also a glossary, bibliography, and index. The advance review copy I saw did not include all the art, but the final edition includes multiple maps, drawings, and photographs.

This account steps outside the usual fare of battles and major players to illuminate bribery and corruption - and the tragic results for everyday soldiers and their families. Walker also talks about the rescue efforts and humanity of local families who helped the survivors, many of whom had recently been their enemies.

Verdict: As I continue to update the 900s, I look not only for broad overviews but for titles that show new perspectives and different views of past conflicts. This is a good example of that, showing the effects of war on ordinary soldiers and families, as well as discussing the causes and aftermath of a preventable disaster. A well-written and interesting look not only at a little-known disaster but also at the history of steamboats and the mid-south area.

ISBN: 9780763677558; Published October 10 by Candlewick; Galley provided by publisher at ALA; Purchased for the library