I have been a die-hard fan of Richard Adams for decades. His works have always had a special charm that吸引 me deeply. However, I hadn't heard of this particular novel until another writer happened to mention it. Intrigued, I promptly downloaded it from Kindle the very next day.

Sadly, though, as I progressed through the book and reached 63%, I just couldn't force myself to keep reading. One of the main reasons was that I found Traveler's dialect extremely annoying and repetitive. It seemed to drag on and on, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the story.

Moreover, this novel failed to create that sense of anticipation and curiosity that would keep me wondering what would happen next. I usually have a great love for historical fiction, as it allows me to immerse myself in different eras and cultures. But in this case, I was left feeling disappointed. It just didn't live up to my expectations of a Richard Adams' novel.

I'm not sure if it's just me or if others have had a similar experience with this book. Maybe I'll give it another try at some point, but for now, I'm left with a sense of dissatisfaction.

Na "Waterschapsheuvel", it has become quiet around Mr. Adams. And for me, it took until just before his death before I picked up another book of his. It was "Traveller", a book from 1988, and on the front page, it is praised by Ruth Rendell as "his best novel since Watership Down". However, I should have paid more attention to the illustration, then I would not have made the mistake that I have now made. The name of Ruth Rendell made me think of her colleague Minette Walters, and she often writes detective stories about "travellers" (a kind of gypsies, but not in the true sense of the word, because the British are after all island dwellers, so "true" gypsies would first have to cross the sea). This and the fact that "Girl in a swing" can also be read as a thriller (albeit - as said - with some magical elements, a bit like Haruki Murakami) made me decide to start this book. Unfortunately, I was quickly faced with the facts: Traveller is a proper name and it is the name of the horse of Robert E. Lee, the commander-in-chief of the Confederate States of America's armed forces during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. So the book is the story of this war, told from the perspective of the horse. And of course, that horse speaks the dialect of the region (Virginia), what did you think? So we get a story like "War Horse", written by an Englishman in a "Southern" dialect. It's not that this is difficult to read (unlike the dialect passages in "Wuthering Heights", for example), but I still thought it was a bit far-fetched that I would read this further. I also don't think the starting point of a "talking horse" is at all the same as the (among each other) speaking rabbits of "Watership Down" or the other animal books of Adams. So I just left it as it was.

I have been a great admirer of Richard Adams' writing ever since I first delved into the captivating world of "Watership Down" and later explored "Plague Dogs."

His remarkable talent lies in his ability to perceive and vividly describe the human condition through the eyes of animals. It is truly astonishing how he manages to bring a unique perspective to the table.

In "Traveller," this extraordinary skill is once again on full display as the American Civil War is witnessed through the eyes of General Custer's brave warhorse.

We are given a front-row seat to the chaos, the fear, and the heroism of that tumultuous era, but from a completely unexpected vantage point.

Adams' prose weaves a spellbinding tale that not only educates us about history but also makes us empathize with the experiences of these remarkable creatures.

It is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.

"Probably one of my favorite books ever" is a statement that immediately piques our interest. It makes us wonder what this book could be and why it holds such a special place in the author's heart.

Perhaps it is a book that has had a profound impact on the author's life, teaching them valuable lessons or inspiring them in some way. It could be a work of fiction that transports the reader to another world, filled with vivid characters and an engaging plot.

Or maybe it is a non-fiction book that provides fascinating insights into a particular subject, expanding the reader's knowledge and understanding. Whatever the case may be, it is clear that this book has left a lasting impression on the author.

It makes us want to discover this book for ourselves and experience the same joy and wonder that the author has felt. After all, finding a favorite book is like finding a hidden treasure, something that we can cherish and revisit time and time again.

So, what is this book that is probably one of the author's favorites ever? We'll just have to wait and see.

Darker than Watership Down, this book is set during the Civil War and is told from the perspective of Robert E. Lee's horse, Traveller.

It offers a unique and often overlooked view of that tumultuous period in history. I remember that some parts of it were written phonetically, which indeed presented a bit of a challenge while reading.

However, despite not holding the same special place in my heart as Watership Down, it is still a good book in its own right. It delves into the experiences and emotions of a horse during a time of great conflict and upheaval.

The author's use of the horse's perspective adds an interesting layer to the story, allowing readers to see the war from a different angle. Overall, it is a worthy read for those interested in history and unique literary perspectives.

I truly loved it.

From the moment I laid my eyes on it, I was captivated.

The beauty and charm it possessed were simply irresistible.

It had a certain allure that drew me in and made me unable to look away.

Every detail was carefully crafted, and it showed.

The colors, the textures, everything combined to create a masterpiece.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and joy as I explored it further.

It was like a hidden treasure that I had discovered, and I was determined to cherish it.

Whether it was the way it made me feel or the memories it would create, I knew that this was something special.

I loved it with all my heart and would forever hold it dear.

Isopäinen hevonen muistelee.

This simple sentence holds a world of mystery and emotion. The isopäinen horse, perhaps a noble and majestic creature, is lost in its memories.

We can only imagine what it is remembering. Maybe it recalls the beautiful landscapes it has traversed, the gentle touch of its rider, or the excitement of a gallop across an open field.

The horse's memories are a part of its identity, shaping who it is and how it experiences the present.

As we think about this isopäinen horse and its memories, we are reminded of the power of memory in our own lives. Our memories, too, can bring us joy, sadness, or a sense of longing.

They are a precious part of our past and a source of inspiration for our future.

So, let us take a moment to appreciate the memories of this isopäinen horse and to cherish our own.

For in our memories, we find a connection to the past and a path forward into the unknown.

"What use is a general in the field without a steady and reliable horse? About as much use as a shepherd without a dog." This profound statement sets the stage for an engaging read.

A great book for any casual or avid fan of the Civil War or horses in general, this offering truly has something for everyone. As the author of a series that tells the story from the horse's point of view and a Civil War enthusiast myself, I simply had to give this book a read. And I'm so glad I finally did. It's a little different reading a book like this that is geared towards adults rather than children, as most animal-perspective books are. But I thoroughly enjoyed the maturity level I got to experience in this book compared to many of the others I choose to read and write.

Adams does an excellent job at presenting a believable experience of a horse. It covers a comprehensive timeline from when Traveller really becomes Lee's horse until the end of his story. Traveller is narrating the story to a cat in the stables in his old age, which gives it a sort of episodic feeling. However, those who are completely unfamiliar with the Civil War may have a hard time fully grasping the events. There are brief segments of "explanation" throughout the book but they may not be sufficient for casual readers. Additionally, Traveller's dialect may be off-putting for some, especially those who are not familiar with reading stories in dialect or who struggle with it. The only other negative I can really see as a casual reader is the presence of some foul language or ways of describing things throughout the book that were a little excessive for me. I think while the author did this to keep the story realistic to the time period and for the intended audience, it would have been just as effective without them. So I would not recommend this book to readers younger than 12. But that's perfectly fine because adults are the target audience for this story. And I'm not one of those strange individuals who will leave a low rating for a book because I don't understand what the target audience is supposed to be.

The end of the book nearly brought me to tears as well. It definitely gets emotional at times, but I don't think it is as overly dramatic as some reviewers state, at least in my opinion. There's lots of quotable material for someone in love with studying the Civil War and the past in general, and forever a horse lover.

What a truly wonderful book this is!

It is so incredibly creative, especially considering it presents a unique perspective during a time of such brutality as the Civil War. The examination of the war from the viewpoint of Robert E. Lee's horse, Traveller, is an absolute marvel.

Traveller has these marvelous nicknames for all of the Confederate Generals, which makes it very clear who they are. His friendships with the other horses and the war gossip he collects are quite amusing and add a light-hearted touch to the story.

However, the heart of this book lies in the warm, loving, and respectful relationship between the man and his horse. It is truly touching and makes you feel a deep connection to both of them.

The ending is particularly poignant, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a different and engaging take on the Civil War.

An interesting novel that delves into Robert E. Lee's Civil War campaign has emerged. What makes it truly unique is that it is told from the perspective of his famous gelding, Traveller. Through Traveller's eyes, readers are able to experience the chaos and turmoil of the war in a whole new way. The novel vividly描绘s the battles, the strategies, and the emotions of the soldiers and their commanders. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of Robert E. Lee and the challenges he faced during this tumultuous period in American history. As Traveller accompanies Lee on his campaigns, we see the bond that develops between the horse and his rider. This novel is not only a thrilling adventure but also a poignant exploration of the human-animal relationship and the sacrifices made during war.

I read this as a kid and was reminded of it when I heard of Richard Adams' death today.

As a child, I was always drawn to books where the animal tells the story. Richard Lawson's books were my absolute favorites. Naturally, when I was around 11 years old, I read Watership Down.

At such a tender age, Traveller was my introduction to the Civil War. It opened up a whole new world of history and adventure for me.

Richard Adams was a remarkable author who had the ability to bring animals and historical events to life in a way that captivated young readers like me. His stories will always hold a special place in my heart.

R.I.P. Richard Adams. Your work will continue to inspire generations to come.

This is truly an entertaining read.

It might not be the ideal choice for teaching a comprehensive history lesson directly from the book.

However, it has its own charm. The author has managed to write it in an amusing and engaging way.

What makes it even more unique is that the entire story about war and historical figures is told entirely from a horse's perspective.

This gives a fresh and different take on the subject matter.

As you read, you can't help but be drawn into the horse's world and see the events unfold through its eyes.

The descriptions are vivid, and the narrative flows smoothly.

Overall, it's a light-hearted and enjoyable book that offers a new way to look at history and war.

Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an interesting read, this book is worth checking out.