I have a general affection for Richard Adams. His works like "Maia" and "Shardik" are especially dear to me.

However, when it comes to this particular book, I was truly and utterly bored. After plowing through 119 pages, I found myself seriously doubting if I could endure another 119 or more pages.

Surprisingly, this book isn't even that long in terms of page count. But somehow, it manages to drag on and on.

The story just doesn't seem to have the necessary momentum or excitement to keep me engaged. It feels as if I'm slogging through a swamp of words, with no clear path or destination in sight.

I really wanted to like this book, given my appreciation for Adams' other works. But unfortunately, it has left me disappointed and unenthusiastic.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to force myself to finish it or if I should just cut my losses and move on to something more interesting.

I read it for the third time and found that I enjoyed it just as much, if not more than the first time. This is because my knowledge of the Civil War has significantly increased since I first read it a dozen years ago.

As I delved into the story this time, I was able to better understand the historical context and the significance of the events and characters. The details that I might have overlooked before now jumped out at me, adding a new layer of depth and richness to the narrative.

The end of the book still had the power to choke me up. The emotions and the sacrifices of the characters were so palpable that it was impossible not to be moved. It was a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering those who fought and died.

In conclusion, this is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history or just a good story. It has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant and engaging even after all these years.

I absolutely love this book. It holds a special place in my heart as it is one of only three books that I firmly believe manages to capture the intricate thoughts and feelings of a horse. What makes it truly remarkable is the way it presents these emotions in a manner that you can easily believe that a horse might actually think and feel that way. I first had the pleasure of reading this book when it was initially released, and ever since then, I have found great joy in pulling it off the shelf and indulging in a re-read every few years. It's a truly lovely experience that never gets old. The story within its pages is like a beautiful journey that takes you into the world of a horse, allowing you to see things from its perspective. It's a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in horses or simply enjoys a well-written and captivating story.

This is my absolute favorite example of historical fiction.

I have likely read this book a whopping ten times, and each time I find myself enjoying it even more!

The unique perspective of the horse on such a crucial and pivotal time in American history is truly captivating.

It offers a fresh and fascinating look at events that shaped the nation.

The story unfolds through the eyes of the horse, allowing us to experience the emotions, the turmoil, and the significance of those historical moments in a whole new way.

It makes history come alive and engages the reader on a deeper level.

Every page is filled with rich details and vivid descriptions that draw you into the world of the horse and the events that are taking place.

It's a book that I can't recommend highly enough to anyone who has an interest in history or enjoys a great story.

It's a true gem that will continue to be a favorite of mine for years to come.

Another extremely creative novel by Richard Adams!

This time around, he presents the story of the Civil War from the perspective of General Robert E. Lee's horse.

Traveller's southern drawl and country colloquialisms are truly enchanting.

Regrettably, he frequently doesn't know the names of the battles, towns, or soldiers that he is depicting.

I would have been able to like this book even more if I could recall more about the Civil War from my history classes 20 years ago.

Fortunately, my husband recently watched the Ken Burns series on this subject, so he was able to answer a great many of my questions.

I firmly believe that a Civil War enthusiast would absolutely LOVE this book.

Consequently, I'm dispatching it to my favorite high school teachers.

I think I would have found "Traveller" a lot more engaging if I had done more reading up on Robert E. Lee's campaign beforehand.

It's still a good novel, no doubt about that. The southern vernacular in which it's written gives it a very likable and charming quality.

The way the characters speak and interact adds a unique flavor to the story.

However, for those who are not well-versed in Robert E. Lee's campaign, some of the details and references might go over their heads.

Recommended for American Civil War enthusiasts, as they will likely have the background knowledge to fully appreciate the novel.

But maybe not for people just getting into Richard Adams' library. They might find it a bit too challenging or not as accessible as some of his other works.

Overall, "Traveller" is a worthwhile read for those with an interest in the American Civil War and a love for novels written in a distinct vernacular.

Richard Adams possess the remarkable ability to spin an enthralling tale from the vantage point of an animal.

He offers the reader a unique peek into the Civil War through the lens of an intemperately unreliable narrator, Traveller, the loyal steed of General Robert E. Lee.

This narrative approach not only adds a fresh and captivating dimension to the historical events but also allows the reader to see the war from a completely different perspective.

Anyone with an interest in the Civil War is sure to appreciate Adams' behind-the-scenes interpretations.

His exploration of Traveller's perception of humans and their often incomprehensible ways provides a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the nature of war and the relationships between different species.

Moreover, the detailed fleshing out of the historical figure General Lee adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly engaging and memorable read for both history buffs and animal lovers alike.

The story of the Civil War as seen through the eyes of General Lee's horse is truly captivating.

I had initially expected a tale that centered more on the horse itself, with the Civil War serving merely as a backdrop. However, this account was laser-focused on presenting the unadorned story of the Civil War.

It was expertly structured around General Lee's battles and military campaigns. What makes it so engaging and literary is that it offers a more immersive experience than simply reading a history textbook or even many works of historical war fiction.

If you're seeking an account of the Civil War that features an interesting and distinctive narrator, then this is an excellent choice. It may not be another Watership Down, but it has its own charm and value in bringing the events of the Civil War to life in a unique way.

I truly adored this book and Traveller to an extent that I decided to name my big, grey, warm-blooded horse Traveller after him.

It's quite a remarkable connection. My family has a history of fighting for the North, and this naming holds a special significance for me.

Traveller and I have shared many wonderful moments together. He is not just a horse; he is a companion.

The image of us together is captured in the photo above.

As I look at the picture, I am reminded of all the adventures we have had and the bond that has grown between us.

Traveller has become an important part of my life, and I am grateful to have him by my side.

I have been an ardent fan of Richard Adams ever since I first delved into the pages of Watership Down. His remarkable ability to humanize animals and narrate their tales in their own voices is truly a wonder. This particular work, "Traveller," is nothing short of excellent.

Traveller was none other than General Robert E. Lee's horse, which accompanied him throughout the arduous years of the Civil War. The story is told from Traveller's perspective as he relates his life journey to the stable cat. Starting from his early days on a farm, being sold into service for the Southern Army, and ultimately becoming one of the trio of horses, and the most favored and reliable among them, to carry General Lee through the four years of intense battle.

The war, the soldiers, the battles, and the General himself are all seen through Traveller's eyes and understanding, which, though not as informed as that of a human, provides a unique and poignant perspective. The portrait of Lee painted by Adams is exquisitely done, highlighting Lee's deep love for all creatures, especially his horses and his fighting men. The vivid descriptions of the hardship and sacrifice endured by the Army of the South offer a compassionate view of their plight.

No matter where one stands on the war and its underlying reasons, it is impossible not to be filled with admiration for their unwavering courage and perseverance in the face of truly devastating conditions and loss. As you read, you feel as if you are right there beside Traveller, experiencing his trials and tribulations, learning the hard lessons of being an army horse, mourning the loss of those who have become dear to him, and witnessing his unwavering dedication to please his general and fulfill all that is asked of him. It is a beautiful story, to be sure, but it also has a heartbreaking ending that will undoubtedly give you a new and different view of our history.

What a truly fantastic book this is!

I had no idea what an amazing man General Lee was until I read this. It was an absolute pleasure to hear the horse share his adventures with the stable cat. I devoured every single page, completely engrossed in the story.

However, I feel the need to read it again at some point in the future, after delving deeper into the history of the war. Because as I reached the end of the book, I began to suspect that the horse Traveller's perspective on the war might not be entirely accurate.

I noticed certain details that made me question whether everything was really as Traveller was telling it to the cat. He seemed so certain about everything, but perhaps there were other aspects of the war that he was not privy to or could not fully understand.

Nonetheless, I loved this book so much. It has opened my eyes to a new world and made me think about history in a different way. ❤️

After I read "Watership Down" and thoroughly enjoyed it, I picked up this book. I found that this book was truly remarkable. It not only captured my interest but also held it firmly throughout, especially with its rich historical background. The story unfolds in a way that makes you feel as if you are a part of that historical era. The characters are well-developed and their adventures are both exciting and engaging. I would highly recommend this book to young readers who have also enjoyed "Watership Down". It offers a similar kind of charm and adventure, but with a unique historical twist. It is a great read that will keep you entertained and educated at the same time.