Excellent book! It presents a unique perspective, that of Robert E Lee's horse. We often overlook the hardships the horses endured during the intense fighting and grueling marches. These noble creatures were ever so faithful, remaining by their human's side even after their master passed away. They carried the weight of the soldiers, endured the chaos of battle, and marched mile after mile. Their loyalty and strength are truly remarkable. This book gives us a new understanding and appreciation for the role horses played in history. It makes us realize that they were not just tools of war, but also partners and friends. Through the eyes of the horse, we can see the horror and tragedy of war, as well as the unwavering bond between man and animal.

My previous understanding of the civil war was solely based on what I had gleaned from reading "Gone With the Wind". As a result, there are significant gaps in my knowledge. Although hearing a story from a horse's perspective is an interesting concept, it fails to offer the intellectual depth required to fill those voids.

I found myself growing weary of the horse's southern accent and yearning for some profound insights from a human perspective. It became evident that relying solely on this one source was not sufficient to gain a comprehensive understanding of the civil war.

I realized that I needed to explore other resources, such as historical books, documentaries, and personal accounts, to truly fill in the gaps and gain a more accurate and detailed understanding of this complex and significant period in history.

(10/21/11)

Today is October 21st, 2011. It's a day like any other, yet it holds its own significance. The sun is shining brightly in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. People are going about their daily routines, some heading to work, others to school. The streets are bustling with activity, cars honking and people chatting.

In the parks, children are playing joyfully, running around and laughing. The flowers are blooming beautifully, adding a splash of color to the scenery. The world seems to be full of life and energy on this day.

As the day progresses, the sky gradually changes colors, from a bright blue to a soft orange as the sun sets. It's a breathtaking sight that makes one stop and appreciate the beauty of nature.

And so, October 21st, 2011, passes by, leaving behind memories and experiences that will be cherished.

Traveller: Thoughts

What can we learn from a horse? A great deal, it appears. Especially when that horse is General Robert E. Lee’s faithful Civil War companion, Traveller. At least, that's the case when Richard Adams tells the story from Traveller's perspective.

Traveller reveals that a rider and his horse form a unique bond. A bond where they can not only anticipate each other's needs but also sense moods, desires, and concerns. As Traveller puts it, “I larned his habits and he learned mine.” The use of slang and spelling is the author's choice, not mine.

The war, as seen through Traveller's eyes, is just as bloody, awful, and senseless. It's less about politics and policies, and less about justice and humanity. Instead, it's more about fighting for one another, for one's home, and for one's way of life. Even when one is on the wrong side, there can still be valor and nobility in how one conducts oneself. As an older and more experienced battle horse tells Traveller early on, “You really the general’s horse? You’re real green, ain’t you? Killing each other? That’s what men do. You didn’t know?”

Yes, that's what humans do. We kill each other – sometimes for the most absurd reasons, and sometimes not. This brutality is vividly brought to the fore in Traveller's account of events. As Traveller explains to his stablemate, the rat-hunting cat Tom, “‘Twarn’t really fighting, Tom, it was jest killing. …Of all the battles we ever fought, that was the easiest won.”

It seems unnecessary that the author chose to use the N-word. However, aside from that usage, the book is captivating, enlightening, and a very worthwhile read. Some parts are even humorous, such as when General Lee gently chides General Hood about his Texans, “General Hood, I ain’t saying your men are thieves’. All I’m saying is that when you Texans come round, the chickens have to roost mighty high.”

It's clear that General Lee became more than just a man or a leader. He became a rallying point, a source of hope, and a symbol of what the South aspired to be. For better or for worse, we may still be grappling with the legacy of Lee's sensitive nobility.

Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo

https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2023...

I love this book. It is truly remarkable.

The story is set during the American Civil War and is told from the perspective of Traveller, Confederate Commander Robert E. Lee's favorite horse.

The book begins with Traveller in a barn, sharing his tales with a pair of eager cats. He recalls his early days, under a different name and ownership, as a young horse with a sterling reputation.

This reputation led him to the notice of the Confederate command and eventually to the man he would affectionately call "Marse Robert."

Traveller's account of the war is unique, as he adopts the verbal quirks of his master. He refers to the Yankee enemy as "those people" and artillery as "bangs."

He even interprets Lee's 1863 heart attack just before Gettysburg as a fall caused by his own misbehavior.

The book also offers a fascinating look at the legends of the army. Traveller renames many of them, adding a touch of humor to the story.

For example, Stonewall Jackson becomes "Cap-in-Eyes," and J.E.B. Stuart is "Jine the Cavalry" due to his habit of always saying "join the cavalry!"

Despite the lighthearted moments, the book does not shy away from the harsh realities of camp life and war.

To help readers keep track of the timeline, there are explanatory paragraphs between the tales.

Throughout it all, the extraordinary bond between horse and man shines through, making this book a must-read for any history enthusiast.

Written by Richard Adams, the renowned author of Watership Down, this captivating story offers a unique perspective. It is told from the point of view of General Robert E. Lee's horse, Traveller. Naturally, a horse's perception of the world is distinct from that of a human. However, Traveller constantly emphasizes General Lee's kindness towards those in his vicinity.

Traveller accompanied General Lee throughout the arduous Civil War. The story vividly describes the dreadful conditions they endured, including a severe lack of food and continuous rain. These hardships took a toll on both the horse and his master.

The book spans 270 pages, providing a detailed and engaging account of their experiences. It allows readers to step into the shoes of Traveller and gain a new understanding of the events and emotions during this tumultuous period in American history.

A creative way to tell the story was employed, which made me feel as if I was listening to a real veteran. The language used had its moments of being annoying, and I found myself frustrated with the South "winning." However, considering the narrator, this was understandable.

The storyteller's unique approach added an element of authenticity, as if we were privy to the experiences and perspectives of a genuine veteran. The use of language, although at times irritating, perhaps served to capture the raw emotions and the gritty nature of the events being described.

The frustration with the South "winning" could be attributed to our own biases or preconceived notions. But by understanding the narrator's point of view, we were able to look beyond our initial reactions and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the story. It made us question our own assumptions and consider different interpretations of historical events.

Traveller, the favorite horse of Confederate Commander Robert E. Lee, takes us on a remarkable journey through the American Civil War.

In this unique book, told from the first-person perspective of Traveller, we are granted a rare and intimate view of this tumultuous period in American history.

The story unfolds, revealing the beauty and sadness that accompanied the war. It offers a fresh and captivating perspective, much like the beloved Watership Down.

Readers will be drawn into Traveller's world, experiencing the battles, the emotions, and the impact of the war on both humans and animals.

This novel is a must-read for those interested in American history or anyone seeking a beautifully written and engaging story. It provides a new spin on a well-known piece of history, making it a truly unforgettable read.

One of my favorite books is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

I have always had a deep love for horses, and this story, which is told from the perspective of Robert E. Lee's horse Traveller, is simply captivating.

The author has done an excellent job of bringing Traveller to life, allowing readers to experience the world through the horse's eyes.

We get to witness Traveller's loyalty, his courage in the face of danger, and his unwavering bond with his master.

The story is not only entertaining but also provides valuable insights into the relationship between humans and animals.

It makes us appreciate the beauty and intelligence of horses and reminds us of the importance of treating them with kindness and respect.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves horses or enjoys a good story.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these magnificent creatures and a deeper understanding of the bond that can exist between them and us.

This book offers a truly curious perspective on the Civil War.

It presents the events not from the viewpoint of the soldiers or the commanders, but rather from the perspective of Robert E. Lee's horse.

In an age where historical amnesia regarding slavery in the American South seems to be prevalent, it's uncertain how this unique take will be received.

Will readers be able to look beyond the novelty of the horse's-eye view and engage with the deeper historical context?

Or will they simply be entertained by the unusual narrative device?

Only time will tell, but this book certainly has the potential to spark interesting discussions and perhaps even a new way of looking at this crucial period in American history.

It challenges us to consider the war from a different angle and to question our own understanding of the past.

Whether or not it succeeds in achieving these goals remains to be seen, but it's definitely a book that is worth exploring.

This could have been so much better than it actually was.

The South is unjustly portrayed as the hero of this story. Seriously? There were faint hints that what the horses endured was somewhat similar to what slaves had to go through. However, this potentially promising theme was unfortunately never developed further.

Instead, the book seems to fixate solely on the battles of the Civil War. And these descriptions are incredibly repetitive. It feels as if the author is simply rehashing the same battle scenes over and over again, without adding any new or interesting perspectives.

It's a real shame because there was so much more potential in this story. With a bit more focus on the theme of the horses' experiences and how they paralleled those of the slaves, this could have been a truly powerful and thought-provoking read.

As it stands, though, it falls short of expectations and leaves the reader feeling a bit disappointed.

I truly adored this book from cover to cover. Richard Adams has an extraordinary ability to transport you into the mind of a horse in a captivating and deeply moving manner. It might sound a bit cheesy to say that, but it's the truth.

When I first considered reading "Traveller," a hint of sheepishness crept in as I took the book off the shelf. I couldn't help but wonder how an author could pen a book about a horse specifically for adults. Weren't horse books typically meant for young girls? However, let me assure you, this book is incredibly powerful. There are profound depths within its pages that perhaps little girls couldn't even begin to comprehend. It offers a unique perspective on the life and experiences of a horse, delving into emotions and situations that are both relatable and thought-provoking. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.