Marching to Valhalla: A Novel of Custer's Last Days

by Michael Blake

Book Overview

The author of Dances With Wolves turns his creativity and imagination toward America's doomed romantic hero, George Armstrong Custer--the youngest general of the Civil War, trailblazer, Indian hunter,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679448640
• ISBN13: 9780679448648
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: Villard Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A soul-wrenching journey.

_Don't expect a nice guy who dances with wolves. This one kills with "Wolverines."Penned by the best-selling author/Academy Award-winning screenwriter of DANCES WITH WOLVES, in Michael Blake's MARCHING TO VALHALLA we again journey West to the savage frontier of post-Civil War days. Only this time our guide's no Indian lover -- he's an Indian fighter. And an immortal legend. George Armstrong Custer.But as we accompany him on this journey through uncharted territory, we discover -- soul-wrenchingly -- he's as mortal as the rest of us.It is 1876. On a long march to what Custer hopes will be his most glorious campaign, he decides to record his daily thoughts and observations, as well as the events that led him here, in his Journal. It is through this Journal that we enter the secret catacombs of his "true heart."The skeletons of fallen Confederate soldiers unearthed by rain. The dark entombment of Custer's dreams during his court martial and suspension from military duty. The taste of blood-lust, more satisfying than the finest wine, when he commands the brigade known as "Wolverines" on the battlefield. And piercing the mists as magically as the rainbow-colored suns he glimpsed during the Washita Campaign, the love Custer shared with his wife, Libbie.Through Custer's eyes we see the beauty of the prairie flowers, the way light "dances" through the cottonwood leaves. And through his eyes we see the horrors of war. Battlefield carnage. Three mutilated bodies found at a stage station. The senseless burning of a Cheyenne village.Michael Blake's a master, and his imagery flows like warm, golden honey. His words ambush us and hold us captive. But secretly we hope he'll never let us go.When Blake sends us riding across the plains to that final destination, Custer's thoughts whisper tragically through our own hearts. And for that brief, flickering moment we know the name of the horse we ride -- Fate.

Excellant way to begin understanding Custer.

I found the book to be well written with enough historical references to give the reader a sense of that period in history. However, I found it to be slightly laborious in some of the descriptions around events that, I found, not important in defining Custer or his family. An example is when the author went into lengthy details on the practical jokes he and his family participated in on a regular basis. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and intend to read more in the future about this fascinating and definitely misunderstood person.

Great historical fiction

Thoroughly enjoyed a story about a memorable American icon that didn't need Little Big Horn in order to have closure. A personal look at a VERY personal character. His love for his wife is almost beyond poetic.

This a thoughtful, meditative journal of Custer's destiny...

As the noble Lt. Col. of the U.S. 7th Cavalry approaches his destiny, he meditates on his life as a warrior, a husband,a leader of men in war,a "boyish cavalier"; a man still evolving, maturing even as his life and death merge in the last 39 days of his meteoric life on earth. Custer understands the value of his 'union' with his beloved wife, Libbie; his dedication to honor and the desire for greatness;his fullfillment of his destiny; and his desire to be allowed the honor of entering 'warrior's heaven' (Valhalla) as his reward for valour, commitment, and noble courage, here on earth. Blake searches for the "spiritual' GAC as he himself evolves from Lt. Dunbar (Dances With Woves) to the 'Boy General' of the CW and the scapegoat for 'Manifest Destiny'. One can see the realization Michael Blake has in his true understanding of the greatness of the boy who fought like a 'god' and died like a hero among men! Each moment as the hero of the Civil War approaches his destiny; his past 'glory' and life with his 'soul-mate' (Libbie) merge upon the alter of "Valhalla"! Blake honors himself, his country, and the soul of Custer/Libbie and the true courage of every great known and unknown warrior who approaches death with fearless and devoted passion for life! As in the final scene, Custer sends Dandy,( his favorite mount)to the rear, and rides "Vic"(Victory) with his bugler, and guidon bearer and each side charging at the head of the his men. As he had done from Aldie, Gettysburg, and the Washita to the plains of Montana into the halls of 'Valhalla' and the hearts of men and women who will echo his name into infinity! Michael Blake blends history accurately with myth, romance,tragedy,and intelligence into a story that brings tears to the eyes and opens the heart. His story elevates the pages of our past to a level of honor for all who face death on the 'battlefield' with royal courage! The angels of the 'warrior heaven' have written the story through Blake as he channels the last days of the man 'America Forgot!'-George Armstrong Custer, the blazing fire of our memories past!