Days Without End

Author: Sebastian Barry;
Genre: Historical fiction;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Aidan Kelly;
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.;
Rating: (4 / 5).

This is a fascinating story of a young Irish immigrant to America who joins the US Army in the 1850s. We follow Thomas and his friend—and lover—John through the Indian Wars and then the Civil War, surviving life-changing circumstances, and adopting a young Native American girl to form a sort of family.

There are plenty of uncomfortable scenes filled with violence and brutality, including realistic depictions of war. The main character makes some questionable decisions, but has a good attitude toward life in general, reflecting his background.

The writing is lovely, with great descriptions and good plot movement, and Kelly’s narration was excellent.

The homosexual aspect of the relationship is barely explored, which makes me wonder why it was included at all. Is this another attempt to jump on the LGBT bandwagon?