Many a River (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Jeffrey Barfield wondered how much farther Papa would continue to travel before he found a settle-down place that suited him..." (more)
Key Phrases: cart train, wagon sheet, long trot, New Mexico, San Antonio, Two Bulls (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1855, young Jeffrey and Todd Barfield are orphaned in West Texas when their parents are killed by Comanches: Todd is carried off as a Comanche captive; Jeffrey is rescued by a Texas posse. For the next seven years each boy survives by his wits, hard work and good fortune—and each thinks the other is dead. When the Civil War arrives, the boys wind up on opposite sides during the Confederate Texas invasion of Union-held New Mexico, where meeting might mean death. As usual, Kelton (Hard Trail to Follow) provides stirring action and gripping suspense. His portrayal of the chaotic and bloody Battle of Glorieta Pass in 1862 is thrilling, especially his chilling depiction of the murderous Union Major Chivington. This is vintage Kelton, a solid western story well-told. (June)
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From Booklist

In Kelton’s latest novel, we see the West from a slightly different vantage point, one about waist high. Two young brothers, Jeffrey and Todd, are traveling across Texas when their family is attacked by Comanche, who butcher the parents and ride off with Todd. Left hidden, Jeffrey assumes his younger brother is dead and finds a home with a couple who have lost their own son. Meanwhile, little Todd is swapped for an old rifle to a scheming trader whose unpleasant demeanor and selfish motivations belie a tiny nugget of goodness, and who is easily the most interesting character here. Too bad he drops out about halfway through. The story goes on to follow the two boys as they grow up and get rattled around by the Civil War before their inevitable reunion. As always, Kelton’s writing and grasp of the era are impeccable, but you can see the ending coming from the first chapter, and by the time it finally arrives, it’s a bit of a yawner. Still, more Kelton is always welcome for high-end westerns fans. --Ian Chipman

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Forge Books (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765320509
• ISBN-13: 978-0765320506
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #459,860 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Blend of Classic Paperback and Hardcover Keltonia, June 4, 2008

By	Mark Irwin - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've followed "Pop" Kelton's novels since meeting up with him at Baylor University back in the early 1980s, and this is one of his very finest. The plot resembles D. W. Griffith's Orphans of the Storm in that two siblings (brothers) are torn apart at an early age and we follow their separate adventures until the final pages of the novel. But what is startling here--for those like me who have a whole bookcase stocked with Kelton--is that he manages to do something rather unique here. He takes the best of his paperback style--finger-burning page-turning with loads of action, hard-knocks and bullets--and weds it to his hardcover style--meticulous historical sensibilities, fine dry humor, and utter believability. If you've found yourself getting a little sleepy with the last half-dozen or so novels, be prepared for a jolt. This one's a classic and a real corker, whether you're coming to Kelton for the first time or you're already carrying his brand.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Holds attention beginning to end, September 19, 2008

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Reviewed by Lisa Kisner for Reader Views (9/08)

Jeffrey and Todd Barfield are traveling west with their parents searching for the perfect home site to live and farm. Their dreams for the future are shattered when Comanche Indians attack their camp and kill both parents. Each brother believes the other is also killed in the attack. The younger brother, Todd, is taken hostage by the Indians. He is eventually sold to a trader and escapes several years later. His older brother, Jeffrey, is taken in by a family. They are forced to flee to the Mexican border when the Civil War breaks out. Each brother struggles to survive in the harsh realities of frontier life while the civil war wages around them. How will they survive and will they be reunited?

This book is well written and holds your attention from beginning to end. Elmer Kelton, who was written more than of 50 books, certainly has mastered his craft. I felt like I was there, riding along in the wagon and struggling to survive in a rough world. Mr. Kelton uses appropriate scenarios and the language of the time. He manages to convey the hardship of the frontier, the feelings of the Indians and Mexicans as settlers encroach on their territory in Texas, and the civil war, easily and with conviction. I would recommend "Many a River" not just to readers of Westerns, but also to readers of fiction who enjoy reading historical fiction with a great story.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT AUTHOR, June 25, 2008

By	Betty B. Bernhard "Ross S. Bernhard" (Etowah, TN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a really good western-style book. Kelton never fails to evoke some joy of victory, as well as a tear of irony.He is a master of the metaphor.
I wish he published a new story every week! I have all of his novels and some of his short stories and biographical works, and love them all!