His Very Silence Speaks Comanche The Horse Who Survived Custers Last Stand By Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence 30 Jun 1989 Paperback His Very Silence Speaks Comanche the Horse Who Survived Custers Last Stand Author Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence Publication Date June 30 1989 Format Paperback Genre Historical Nonfiction Biography Synopsis His Very Silence Speaks is a captivating and poignant account of Comanche the only survivor of the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn also known as Custers Last Stand The book delves into the horses remarkable journey from a battlefield survivor to a national icon It weaves together historical research eyewitness accounts and personal anecdotes to paint a vivid picture of Comanches life shedding light on his extraordinary resilience and the enduring impact of his story Structure and Chapter 1 The Horse of the Plains Introduces Comanches origins and life on the plains before the arrival of settlers and the military Explores the Comanche horse culture and the significance of horses in Native American life Highlights Comanches physical characteristics temperament and early life as a soldiers horse Chapter 2 The Battle of Little Bighorn Provides a comprehensive account of the battle emphasizing Comanches role in the chaos and bloodshed Explores the perspectives of both the Native American warriors and the US soldiers 2 shedding light on the complexities of the conflict Describes Comanches survival through injury and the aftermath of the battle highlighting his remarkable resilience Chapter 3 The Horse of Fame Follows Comanches journey after the battle from being captured by the US Army to becoming a symbol of bravery and survival Focuses on the horses subsequent life at Fort Riley Kansas and his interactions with people who were drawn to his legendary story Explores the public perception of Comanche as a national icon and how his story became woven into American folklore Chapter 4 The Horse of Memory Examines the legacy of Comanche the horse who survived the most famous battle in American history Discusses the lasting impact of Comanches story exploring its significance in various cultural contexts including art literature and film Reflects on Comanches role in shaping the American narrative and his continued relevance in contemporary society Chapter 5 The Silent Witness Concludes with a powerful reflection on Comanches story emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the human cost of conflict Highlights the horses unique perspective as a silent witness to the horrors of war highlighting the enduring impact of historical events on individual lives Leaves the reader with a profound sense of respect for Comanches resilience and the significance of his story Strengths of the Book Engaging Narrative Lawrence masterfully blends historical facts with vivid storytelling bringing Comanches story to life Deep Research The book draws on a vast amount of historical research providing a thorough and nuanced account of the Battle of Little Bighorn and its aftermath Emotional Impact The books exploration of Comanches journey evokes a strong emotional response highlighting the resilience of life in the face of adversity Cultural Significance The book delves into the cultural significance of horses in Native American life and the lasting impact of the Battle of Little Bighorn on American history 3 Timeless Message Comanches story transcends time offering a timeless message about the enduring power of resilience and the importance of remembering historical events Target Audience History enthusiasts Animal lovers Readers interested in Native American culture Readers who appreciate stories of resilience and survival Overall Impression His Very Silence Speaks is a captivating and thoughtprovoking book that offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in American history Through the lens of Comanches extraordinary journey Lawrence sheds light on the enduring power of survival the complexities of historical conflict and the lasting impact of individual stories