Running with Cannibals

By: Robert W. Smith

Narrated by: Jarrod Taylor

What’s it like to reach out and touch history in the moment, to peel back the layers of hyperbole and political deception for yourself as a simple soldier? Try the Philippine-American War, sometimes referred to as "the first Vietnam" (1899-1902). You might find that “desertion” really means conversion to a noble cause and “enlisting” is just another form of surrender….

Three American infantrymen in the last months of major hostilities, the Filipinos all but beaten. Each man is quietly running from a prior life. One, a young corporal, naïve and inexperienced, is hiding from a gallows in Pennsylvania. Another is a disillusioned Catholic priest, running from God and himself. The third is a proud “Negro” soldier from the 24th US Colored Infantry, a man who has deserted the army to actively join the Filipino forces.

Their lives intersect with a beguiling and mysterious young Filipina, a respected figure of inexplicable influence among her people. All four join forces to hold back the tide of greed and racially motivated barbarity from a ravenous Eagle. One will die. One will find himself by learning that truth stands alone, wears no flag and employs no spokesman. The other two will live forever, legends in the minds and hearts of the Filipino people.

©2022 Robert W. Smith (P)2025 Robert W. Smith

Great listen

Very well written well performed a must Listen. The story is a completing glimpse into a pivotal point in the lives of a few in at a pivotal point in history.

Great reader, overall worth the time. Would recommend

Writer has a poetic flourish in his writing, interesting look back at a skimmed over part of American history. Reader has a nice melodic sound quality, plenty of character voice range.