Resolute, by Martin W. Sandler, is the story of Arctic exploration in the 1800s/early 1900s. Mainly it centers on the search for the fabled "Northwest Passage"--a suspected all-water route near the North Pole which would cut time between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and enable faster and more profitable trade. One of the most famous explorers/searchers was Sir John Franklin, of England, who "disappeared" during his search. One of the groups sent out to find him sailed in a ship called the Resolute--one of Queen Victoria's favorite ships in the Royal Navy. It was abandoned and considered lost--but, all by itself it sailed back to civilization and was recovered. It's future in high esteem seemed assured, but it took a few detours getting there and its final destination is amazing!
I found some of the passages repetitive and the the constant referral to maps slowed the reading down. On the whole, it's a fascinating account of these courageous explorers and rescuers, and of Sir John's wife Lady Jane who would not let the memory of her husband "die." It's good for advanced Intermediate and older readers. Prof. Opal