Fred Stenson "The Great Karoo"
Set in the early 1900's during the Boer War in South Africa. The British are trying to gain control of South Africa and send out a call to arms in the colonies. One of those who answer is Frank Adams, a cowboy from Alberta, Canada. He and several others travel to South Africa, bringing their prized horses from home to act as their mounts. This book follows them through the war and beyond. I really loved this book. I've thought and thought about it and I'm afraid I can't give a simple answer why. Part of it is obviously that I liked Frank's character, flaws and all. The author really made me identify with him and his situation. This is one of those books where you're sort of cheering him on from the sidelines. I liked that although there is a definite military component, it reads as 'real'. So many books based around the military and war in general turn into incredible tales of heroic action, unbelievable conspiracies, or dare I say propaganda. This book is more about the average person thrown into a not so average situation and the resulting impact on their actions and character. There's no glamour here, but there is a great story of camaraderie, of overcoming incredible difficulties, and of course the bond of the men and their horses.
Insomnia aside, I would have still stayed up all night to read this :)
