Dead Man's Journey

by Frank Roderus

Book Overview

The Civil War took everything from Alex Adamley. Once the captain of the blockade runner the Savannah Belle, he was left broken and penniless at the end of the bitter conflict. Yet his dead brother... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425185540
• ISBN13: 9780425185544
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Heart warming study of a wounded sailor rising to the mental and physical challenges of becoming an

Captain Alex Adamley, of the confederate navy, had his right arm amputated at the elbow after gangrene set in when shot several times by union marines. The Yankees, as he later discovered, also burned down his family's Carolina home reducing it to rubble. However, he managed to retrieve his dead brother's claim to a Colorado mine at the site from a buried safety box. Although this book started off a little vaguely and sluggishly slightly lacking the crispness of Roderus' better works it found its feet by the second chapter onwards into Roderus at or close to his best. There were many delightful touches as Adamley set off west meeting friendly, helpful people along the way, including Indians, one of whom popped a puppy in Adamley's haversack as a going away gift. Neatly weaved into the story was mention of a foot warmer in a carriage, sheepherder stove, a system to succeed at three-card monte and other period detail. Roderus also described well Alex's difficulties clothing, washing and feeding himself. And also added an air of suspicion of everyone Adamley met once he arrived in Colorado, not knowing who was - and who was not - trying to dispossess him of his mining claim. Although Adamley initially doubted his desire to live following his amputation he rediscovered his self-worth, self-confidence and fighting spirit through finding work, love, and a place to live. The only disappointment after the opening chapter of this otherwise terrific read was the abrupt ending. You might feel that a reunion in particular, and possibly a brief confrontation might have added to a more satisfying conclusion.