Traveller

I frequently recommend this book to just about anyone I run across with even half an interest in the American Civil War. It is a wonderful new way to see some of the significant events of the civil war as seen from a horse's perspective. And what better horse than "Traveller". I will agree that it helps to have some knowledge of the comings and goings of the Army of Northern Virginia, or you will not have much idea of where you are and at what point during the war. Of course this is perfectly accurate as our horse narrator has no idea of place names. For those readers familiar with the Civil War, you will find yourself recognizing the events described by Traveller and come away with a unique perspective of these campaigns. Antietam and Wilderness will come quickly to the informed reader's mind as Traveller remembers the events of those dark days. This story is unabashedly told from a Southern perspective (not in a revisionist way as the opening editorial review suggests). It is after all told by a Southern Horse. Richard Adams will capture your imagination as you dwell at length on the relationship that a man and his horse shared during one of the most momentous times in our nation's history. After reading the book, take a road trip to Lexington, VA and to the chapel at Washington and Lee College. Outside the entrance you will find a grave stone covered with coins and carrots. There you will find Traveller.

Richard Adams' brilliant book Traveller is like his other animal novels only in that Traveller thinks and talks to us. This is more of a Civil War chronicle, told from the unique perspective of General Lee's famous horse. The history is not tampered with in the least. In fact, I think a strong familiarity with Civil War history and Robert E. Lee in particular is almost essential to a full appreciation of this book. The subtle nuances are there to delight the reader who recognizes them!So many people have written about General Lee, and the battles fought. There is enough great nonfiction and fiction about this subject to keep an avid reader occupied for a good long time. But Richard Adams has found a way to bring something new to the Civil War...what an accomplishment!If you have always been intrigued by the lore of Robert E. Lee, and can let your imagination run free, you are in for a tremendous treat. The story is still sad. The human suffering of the war is graphically portrayed, and the misery of the horses is given its due as well. I absolutely hated to approach the end of the book, because I knew how it had to end. But Adams' treatment of the end of the War and the end of Lee's life is perfect. In fact, the last sentence of the book by itself renders it worth your time.

Naturally, my favorite Richard Adams' novel is Watership Down, but the next favorite has got to be this book, Traveller. It is the simple of a horse who lived through horrible times. But this horse does not know why - because for the simple reason - he is just a horse. He tells (as only a horse can) of the Civil War (or is it the War of Aggression?). He does not know. He is a horse. He does not understand why men are doing these horrible things to each other. Why they are killing each other. Why there is so pain and blood. Why there is no food. No water. His only concern is his owner, the tall man in grey. It is his duty to carry him safely everywhere and without fear. Traveller does enjoy despite the hardship when he is allowed to parade with his rider in front of the many men who cheer - are they cheering him or his rider. He wants to do a grand job whatever. It also tells of the horse and his owner - the bond they had for each other. Traveller's wanting to do as good a job as he can for his owner because of this bond. I really enjoyed this book as it tells of the war without taking sides. Of course, Traveller cannot take sides. He is just a horse, therefore, he can tell of the war without being prejudice to either side. Just the facts - all the blood, the gore and the questioning of why.If you can get a copy of this book, read it. It is a great novel.

I find it astounding that an English-born man could so accurately capture Southern colloquial, and spin a story so vividly emeshed with the spirit of the the Southern heart! I love everything I have ever read by Richard Adams, and never cease to be amazed at his literary genius and diversity.

Since borrowing this book from the Public Library several years ago I have constantly searched for a copy. No other book about the Civil War had such a lingering impact on my Southern consciousness. How perfect that an animal, General Lee's beloved horse, reveals to us the stark realities of war with none of the political alignments of a human narrator. I wish this book were back in print...I would buy enough copies to insure that my family for generations to come would read it and "remember" what war really is.