"A Road We Do Not Know"

[Tricia]

All--

This is one of those titles that has been touched upon in other threads, but is so admired by so many readers, it deserves its own discussion. I have got to admit--this is a wonderful book!

One thing I noticed from the beginning is how masterful Chiventone is when it comes to point of view issues. We are clearly in Varnum's head, Custer's head. Internal dialogue is spendidly used, but never overwhelmingly so ... many first time writers will often use ID for needless asides and comments.

What is best about this so far is that the author clearly shows what is happening as it unfolds--and the character's reactions to it--rather than just telling us.

Any comments are welcome!
Leyton McLean

[alfuso]

I consider it one of the best views of that day yet. And he presents it from the grunt's view upwards, with Custer as featured player but not the star.

It's one of the more "perfect" books I have read, too. Almost everything about it is just right.

Mr. Chiaventone has a real feel for the average grunt; he told me once he loves them and pefers to be with them.

alfuso

[Treasuredude]

Chiventone also wrote a book dealing with Ft. Phil Kearny and the Fetterman Fight... Moon of Bitter Cold. It's also a page turner and an excellent read.

[bubbabod]

You're all right about Fred's books. I've read both of them. In about 2001 I attended the Bozeman Trail/Ft. Phil Kearny Association yearly seminar in Sheridan and had the pleasure of sitting at the same dinner table with Fred. I didn't know who he was, had never heard of him, but thoroughly enjoyed talking to him. He was at the fort the next day at a table selling and signing his books. I bought Moon of Bitter Cold, which Fred personaly inscribed for me. I was too cheap to buy A Road We Do Not Know. Had I known more about him or read his books before -- well, I've been kicking myself ever since. I've attended functions since then hoping to see him again and buying his LBH book, but haven't been able to catch him.
His LBH book, A Road We Do Not Know was voted the book of the year by the LBHA, and both books are well worth the money and time reading them. I actually enjoyed Moon of Bitter Cold more because Ft. Phil and the Bozeman Trail happenings interest me more--sorry--than the LBH. Really caught my imagination. I just hope I can catch up with Fred again and pick his mind on questions that came up reading Moon of Bitter Cold. Y'all buy them and read them!