Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
39(39%)
3 stars
25(25%)
2 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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What a truly wonderful and highly unique way to tell the story of the civil war!

Mr. Adams has an amazing talent for putting us right into the mind of the animals.

His vivid descriptions and engaging narrative make us believe that we are actually there with them, experiencing all the emotions and challenges they face.

It's a refreshing and captivating approach that brings a whole new perspective to this historical event.

We get to see the civil war through the eyes of the animals, which adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story.

It makes us think about how the war affected not only the humans but also the innocent creatures that shared the land.

Mr. Adams' work is a must-read for anyone interested in history or looking for a different kind of story.

It will surely leave you with a lasting impression and a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling.
July 15,2025
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I have a deep love for "Watership Down" and I am an enthusiastic fan of everything related to the Civil War. So, when I came across this particular piece, it initially seemed like a perfect fit for my interests.

However, contrary to my expectations, it took me quite some time to truly engage with it. I found that I never really developed an appreciation for the battle scenes or the detailed descriptions provided.

Nevertheless, it did offer a unique perspective on Robert E. Lee's life, and gradually, I began to warm up to that aspect of the story.

But in the end, the bottom line for me is that I probably shouldn't read stories that are narrated by a horse. Unless, of course, that horse happens to be the famous Mr. Ed. There's just something about a horse as the narrator that doesn't quite resonate with me in the same way as other narrative voices.

Perhaps it's a matter of personal preference, but I think I'll stick to stories with more traditional narrators in the future.
July 15,2025
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I have always struggled with reading any history or historical fiction books. However, this particular book was a clever way to engage me in reading about history. It was truly great, especially if you don't usually have an interest in reading about the civil war. At no point did it feel difficult to read.


One of the aspects that I really loved was the separation, at least from Traveller's perspective. The concept of war, which people cheered for and were eager to participate in, was something that Traveller never fully grasped. In his mind, they never truly went to this great thing called 'War' because it was constantly interrupted by the numerous battles that took place.


Throughout the book, there were many phrases that were repeated with slight variations in phrasing. For example, the idea that a good horse could sense what his rider wanted even before the rider asked. Or the phrase that "Marse Robert" wasn't the same as he used to be. There were many more such examples, and at times it felt like there were more words than necessary. However, I suppose it could also be seen as just Traveller's unique storytelling style.


Edit: I forgot to mention that the ending was really sad. I had expected it to end simply with the army surrendering and Lee and Traveller 'retiring'. But no, it ends with Traveller in Lee's funeral procession, perhaps thinking it's another military campaign, but wondering where Lee is. It just ends with the note that he is excited for Lee to come home. Just a fair warning if you read spoiler reviews before reading the book (as I sometimes do).


Overall, though, the book was very interesting and really managed to hold my attention from start to finish.

July 15,2025
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After reading "Watership Down", "Shardik" and some of the other books by Richard Adams, this particular work was somewhat of a letdown for me.

The concept presented was nice enough. It had the potential to be an engaging and captivating story. However, for some reason, it just didn't manage to really capture my attention.

Perhaps it was the pacing, or maybe the characters didn't feel as fully developed as they could have been. Whatever the reason, I found myself not as invested in the story as I had hoped to be.

Despite this, I can still appreciate the effort that went into creating this book. Richard Adams is a talented author, and there are certainly elements within this work that are值得称赞.

Overall, while it may not have been my favorite of his books, it still has its merits and may appeal to other readers.
July 15,2025
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I had extremely high hopes for this book.

The concept of presenting the story of the Civil War from the perspective of Traveller, the much-beloved horse of Robert E. Lee, seemed truly fascinating and full of potential.

However, as I delved into the pages, I found that the pace was rather slow.

The narrative didn't seem to build the excitement and drama that such a unique premise deserved.

It felt as if the author was not able to fully explore the rich possibilities that came with telling the story through the eyes of Traveller.

Despite the initial promise, the book ultimately failed to fulfill its potential and left me somewhat disappointed.

I had expected a thrilling and engaging account of the Civil War, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

Perhaps with a different approach or a more dynamic writing style, the story could have been brought to life in a more captivating way.

As it stands, it remains a missed opportunity to tell a truly remarkable tale.

July 15,2025
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Many of us have a habit of talking to our pets as if they would respond and have often pondered what animals might say to us if they could speak.

This remarkable book presents an opportunity to "listen" to the story of a particular horse. Traveller shares his tale with Tom, a barn cat. As we discover, he has led a rather eventful life.

It is a story that not only focuses on his relationships with humans but also with other creatures. Additionally, it is a beautiful love story, specifically about his life with his final master, Robert E. Lee.

The bond between Traveller and Lee is truly heartwarming and showcases the deep connection that can exist between an animal and its owner. Through Traveller's eyes, we get a unique perspective on life, love, and loyalty.

This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever had a pet or has been curious about the inner lives of animals. It will touch your heart and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the special creatures that share our world.
July 15,2025
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Excellent read!

A sensitive and compassionate story is told from the viewpoint of General Robert E. Lee's horse, Traveller. Traveller narrates a quasi-history of his life and times as Lee's horse during the trials and tribulations of the Civil War. Adams does an excellent job in giving the horse life and character.

As with all fiction, Adams takes liberty in giving both human and horse characters personality, feeling, and depth, all while attempting to maintain a measure of historical accuracy.

This unique perspective allows readers to see the events of the Civil War from a different angle. We get to experience the war through the eyes of a horse, which adds a new layer of interest and emotion to the story.

Traveller's relationship with General Lee is also a central theme of the book. We see how the horse and his rider form a bond over time, and how they rely on each other during the difficult times of war.

Overall, this is a well-written and engaging book that will appeal to readers of all ages. It is a great example of how fiction can be used to bring history to life in a new and exciting way.

July 15,2025
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Boy, the end of this one was truly a tearjerker!

I wasn't anticipating that, but it was just so incredibly sad! Tears were streaming down my face. I had to rush off to blow my nose, and my throat even felt achy for a few minutes due to all the crying. I never imagined I could end up crying for someone who lived and died over a hundred years ago! But after spending two days reading this book, these characters have come to life (even though they were real people to begin with, not fictional made-up characters). You feel as if you truly know them.

And yes, it's a war story, so people are constantly dying, often in the most horrifying ways... But it's vastly different when you reach the end of the book - those last few pages - and you realize what's happening. They don't state it outright. They don't have to. It's very obvious. And then the crying begins.

So, this is a retelling of the US Civil War through the eyes of a horse. His name is Traveller, and he belonged to General Robert E Lee of the Confederate Army. The story starts with Traveller resting in the stables, telling the story of the war to the barn cat. But because he's a horse, he doesn't realize that all the terrible fighting he's witnessed for years is the "war" he's heard about. He also doesn't understand why the humans are so busy killing each other. He just wants to be the best horse he can be. And he certainly tries to learn and gather information from other horses to better understand what's going on. But he has to adapt to many things, especially the loud "bangs" he hears and countless other aspects.

I'll admit that I'm not a big fan of reading war stories. But this one was very readable. There was one awful moment in the book when something truly dreadful occurred. I definitely didn't like that. It was quite graphic and violent and involved a horse. I had actually paused my reading right after that because I found it so upsetting. But luckily, the rest of the book wasn't that bad. However, some of the descriptions in here, especially of dead bodies, can be a bit blunt at times. After all, it's a war, and war is awful. But because it's from the perspective of a horse, that softens it a great deal. We only know what Traveller knows. Plus, a horse has different concerns.

And those concerns make this tale truly unique. Often, Traveller has to battle the terrain. Walking in deep mud, crossing rivers, being hungry, worrying about his hooves... And there's even colic in here. Plus, he gives nicknames to the main human characters. And he talks with an accent too! And no, the accent isn't hard to read or understand, as it can be in some books. The many problems the Confederate Army faced during the war become evident when you read this.

There are numerous horses in this story, and each has a distinct personality. Each fares according to their own abilities. Many simply fade away, and we never learn their fates because Traveller doesn't know. But that's life as a horse, as stablemates are sold off and you never see them again.

Reading this made me more curious about Robert E Lee and what happened to him after the war. So, I googled it.

I also love the drawing of him on Traveller on the back of the book. In fact, I think I like that picture more than the cover image. Traveller looks very noble in that drawing (except for the fact that his mouth is open).
July 15,2025
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The American Civil War is presented from an intriguing perspective - that of a horse.

This horse, who doesn't understand why men engage in such atrocities, has only one concern - his owner, the tall man in grey.

The story is beautifully written, highlighting the deep bond between the horse and his master.

It also offers an unbiased observation of war, showing the chaos and destruction that it brings.

In these divided times, this tale is a must-read for all.

It reminds us of the importance of loyalty and friendship, even in the midst of conflict.

Through the eyes of the horse, we see a side of the war that is often overlooked - the impact it has on the innocent.

This story is not just about the war, but about the human spirit and the ability to find hope and love in the most difficult of circumstances.

July 15,2025
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Readers of all ages are likely to take pleasure in this story about the Civil War.

I had a great enjoyment of this book as the story is presented from the perspective of General Robert E Lee's horse. It indeed offers an interesting twist to what would otherwise be a straightforward fictional narrative of a real-life event.

Fans of books like "Watership Down" will undoubtedly find this one enjoyable as well. The unique point of view allows readers to see the events of the Civil War from a completely different angle. It provides a fresh and engaging way to learn about this significant period in history.

Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for an entertaining read, this book has something to offer. The story of the horse adds an element of charm and makes the events come alive in a new and exciting way.

So, if you're in the mood for a captivating story that combines history and fiction, give this book a try. You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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Very Interesting Point of View ! ! !

This is a very uniquely written and highly recommended book. Throughout the book, a little difficult jargon is used, which makes the reading experience a little slower. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the book. In fact, the use of jargon adds an element of authenticity and depth to the subject matter.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the story in a engaging and thought-provoking way. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader hooked from start to finish.

Overall, "Travellers" is a nicely written and very recommended read. It is a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those who enjoy adventure stories to those who are interested in exploring deeper themes such as identity, purpose, and the meaning of life. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you and leave you with something to think about, then "Travellers" is definitely worth checking out.

July 15,2025
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In my opinion, Adams' best work is truly remarkable.

I absolutely loved this book. It has a certain charm and allure that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The story is well-crafted, with interesting characters and a plot that unfolds in a captivating way.

Adams has a unique writing style that makes the book a joy to read. His descriptions are vivid and detailed, allowing the reader to easily picture the scenes and events in their mind.

The themes explored in the book are also thought-provoking and relevant. It makes you think about life, love, and the human condition.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It is a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

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