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tripper's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the layering of stories and themes in this book. I looked forward to reading it each night and that to me is a sign of a great book.
totessarah's review against another edition
5.0
Emotional, beautifully written, and incredibly researched! This book was phenomenal. The way this book wove together different times and characters in history while commenting on not only the racing industry, but race, greed, art, and war, was amazing. As an equestrian, I tend to avoid reading books about horses because they are usually poorly researched and inaccurate. Not only was this book written accurately, but it was written well. It was eye opening, thought provoking, and quite heavy at times. Highly recommend!
journeyc's review against another edition
3.0
This review is a tough one because there were parts of this book I thought were well done but other parts I didn’t love.
I loved the depiction of Lexington and the backstory of how he was raised, I found it riveting to read about especially his races. Jared’s Point of view was my favorite even though it was the hardest to swallow.
I actually liked Theo and Jessica‘s dynamic for a while there. It was interesting how this book took a different approach to how African American men think about racism but God do I hate how they killed Theo by police brutality. I get why the author did it, but it felt like a wasted opportunity to do something greater.
I loved the depiction of Lexington and the backstory of how he was raised, I found it riveting to read about especially his races. Jared’s Point of view was my favorite even though it was the hardest to swallow.
I actually liked Theo and Jessica‘s dynamic for a while there. It was interesting how this book took a different approach to how African American men think about racism but God do I hate how they killed Theo by police brutality. I get why the author did it, but it felt like a wasted opportunity to do something greater.
allysonf's review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
dfostermartin's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
dioptasy's review against another edition
4.0
Really well researched book, the book felt didactic at parts and the characters could have had more nuance, growth, and development over the course of the narrative. However with the focus on Lexington, I felt like his history and impact was the true shining beacon of the book, he really is the main character through which all the other humans revolve around. It’s just that as you read, it’s easy to misplace your focus onto the humans who really operate as side voices and parables to provide context to the Horse himself.
In a way, I think the best way to read this book is to see the human characters as oral extensions of Lexington - how they tell his story for an animal that cannot speak and in what form do they share Lexington’s story? If you read this as Theo or Garret’s story, you’ll of course be disappointed they could not be more nuanced or have more growth, because they do not exist in a vacuum outside of Lexington in this case.
In a way, I think the best way to read this book is to see the human characters as oral extensions of Lexington - how they tell his story for an animal that cannot speak and in what form do they share Lexington’s story? If you read this as Theo or Garret’s story, you’ll of course be disappointed they could not be more nuanced or have more growth, because they do not exist in a vacuum outside of Lexington in this case.
rojaed's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
4.0
After The Sport of Kings I did not expect to read another sprawling epic novel about race, racehorses, racism, slavery and art but I will read everything Geraldine Brooks writes always. She brings history to life in fiction and it’s always heartbreaking and beautiful and profound. I immediately fell under the spell of her confident storytelling and became deeply invested in the lives of these characters and horses. The ending of this book broke me with her through line from slavery to police brutality. Much will be written of this book, and I certainly have a lot more to say, but if you’re a Brooks reader you will marvel at what she has achieved once again.
remym's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
careycarpenter's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the historical fiction part of the book and the storyline of Jarret and Lexington is good. I didn’t love the modern timeline with Theo and Jess. It did feel disjointed and really kind of forced. I think the book would’ve been better without it but it was still worth reading for learning about the history of slavery in horse racing.