The River and the Horsemen: A Novel of the Little Bighorn

Two of the greatest figures in historical history are put under the microscope. Not only do we learn and walk in the lives of George Armstrong Custer but with General Crazy Horse, an almost Christ-like figure of humility and master of warfare. Crazy Horse fought for his people and their right to their land. Custer was a very complex character who loved his wife and his country, however, he believed he could never be defeated, a modern day warrior with Caesar complex. Robert Skimin has the skill and ability to present these two great leaders warts and all. What exactly led to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It's inside these pages.

In reading the attacks on this book, I'm reminded that there will always be naysayers about historical novels...and any other book. One reviewer criticized the typo mixing of Miles and Myles, yet used the term "fictional novel" as he chopped away. Has anyone ever heard of a novel that wasn't fictional? Also critcized was a jocular exchange between Custer and Libbie--who always had fun. And why does the idea of some sex in the tipi upset anyone? Did the Sioux reproduce by artificial insemination? Another axe grinder didn't like the Civil War photo of Custer being on the cover. First of all, authors don't pick cover art and secondly, does this guy have anything constructive to do? The knowledgeable and highly respected LBH historians, such as the now deceased Brian Pohanka, liked the book. And in its new trade paper edition, more readers unfamiliar with the famous battle, will learn much.

Having read a number of Custer books, and visited the sight twice anything on the bookshelf about this subject is an immediate purchase.The character development in the first half of the book took a while ( thus 4 rather than 5 stars) but once that was over the story was unraveled in very readable, interesting and fascinating style. The explanation of the deployment of the troops before the Last Stand was really well done and as good an explanation and description as I have read on the subject. This will not be the last book on the subject but it will surely rank as one of the best. Thanks for the epilogue. Great to know what happened to the people involved.

This is a wonderful novel written by a gifted author. It's the best book on Custer ever written. Thanks Bob Skimin for keeping me up nights while reading your book.

Robert Skimin's The River and the Horsemen is a slashing good yarn that grabs you and never lets go...with a blending of fact and fiction that works a special kind of magic. All the great actors on the Little Bighorn stage are here and Custer's Last Stand has never been better told. This book will jump to the top of the lists and likely stay there. --Frank E. Vandiver, Distinguished Professor of History, Texas A & M University and author of Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing and Mighty Stonewall.