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katherineannpotter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
jfarmer18's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I love the historical aspect of this book. I almost wish that it had been the sole focus of this book, and not included the 2019 bits. I felt like Jess and Theo’s relationship was kind of forced and not believable. And the ending for the 2019 portion was also just terrible. I loved Jarrett’s character and his evolution, as well as his determination , and pure devotion and loyalty to Lexington (Darley).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and War
nancyfletcher's review against another edition
4.0
Best part was Jarret/Lexington bond. Didn't really sense the Theo/Jess relationship. Felt like the ending was rushed.
professordlc's review against another edition
5.0
Would give this 10/5 stars if I could. Wonderful book about the history of horse racing and the discarded Black lives that built it.
logickat's review against another edition
3.0
In the mid-1800's a special horse becomes a record-breaking racer. His trainer/groom is a slave who is bought/sold with the horse. An artist paints several pictures of the horse. In modern times, a doctoral student finds one of the paintings. A Smithsonian scientist discovers the horse's skeleton which had been in storage. Lexington's story is depicted through the humans whose paths intersect with his own and with his legacy.
The historical fiction part of this story was interesting, but the modern story line had too many improbabilities and coincidences to be engaging.
The historical fiction part of this story was interesting, but the modern story line had too many improbabilities and coincidences to be engaging.
lindseymorrow's review against another edition
1.0
Idk if I’ve ever rated a book so low, but I am doing so in hopes that if anyone black is on the fence of reading this book my review can sway your decision. Spoilers below, but I’ll start with a general review:
In in general, I think that books that jump between the past, and the present tend to have stronger performance with one or the other, with most having a stronger story in the historical portion and this book definitely fits that trend. This would’ve been a much stronger book if it was Jarret/Lexington’s story and stuck with the well-researched historical fiction.
Immediately, it was obvious to me something was off about Theo’s chapters so I looked up with background of the author. I’m not necessary the person who thinks people shouldn’t write stories about backgrounds different than theirs but it was glaring that the book wasn’t written by someone who could accurately depict the inner mind of a black man in today’s age. I was still accepting of this until he is randomly murdered by police at the end. I have never been so pissed at such a violent and unnecessary plot point. And then have to have the resolution from Jess’s POV was just insult to injury. I cannot believe so many people rate this book so highly and will have suspicions about anyone who does. I can’t believe this book has me siding with other low reviews saying it was too woke,but using the unjust reality of black men in America as a plot twist is disgusting.
In in general, I think that books that jump between the past, and the present tend to have stronger performance with one or the other, with most having a stronger story in the historical portion and this book definitely fits that trend. This would’ve been a much stronger book if it was Jarret/Lexington’s story and stuck with the well-researched historical fiction.
Immediately, it was obvious to me something was off about Theo’s chapters so I looked up with background of the author. I’m not necessary the person who thinks people shouldn’t write stories about backgrounds different than theirs but it was glaring that the book wasn’t written by someone who could accurately depict the inner mind of a black man in today’s age. I was still accepting of this until he is randomly murdered by police at the end. I have never been so pissed at such a violent and unnecessary plot point. And then have to have the resolution from Jess’s POV was just insult to injury. I cannot believe so many people rate this book so highly and will have suspicions about anyone who does. I can’t believe this book has me siding with other low reviews saying it was too woke,but using the unjust reality of black men in America as a plot twist is disgusting.
dahc521's review against another edition
4.0
I have always enjoyed Geraldine Brooks’ books and this is no exception. I like how she weaves several characters’ stories into one cohesive narrative. At first glance, I wouldn’t expect the history of a gifted racehorse to also deal heavily with racial inequality in the US. But, of course, it makes complete sense and so does this book. It is a great read, in parts painful, and it highlights some important truths that we should not shy away from.
lukadu's review against another edition
5.0
Horse by Geraldine Brooks - A Riveting Tale of History, Horses, and Humanity
Geraldine Brooks did it again with "Horse"! I have been hooked by her previous works "The Year of Wonders" and "March," winner of the Pulitzer prize. This book is another literary ride that'll leave you spellbound.
This time, Brooks takes us into the fascinating world of a legendary racehorse named Lexington, but she does it in her trademark style of intertwining different perspectives and timelines. You've got Jess, the Smithsonian osteologist, and Theo, the art historian, stumbling upon relics of Lexington's past, sparking a journey that brings together history and modern-day intrigue.
But it's not just about the horse. Brooks delves deep into the lives of characters like Jarret, an enslaved youth with a unique bond with horses, whose story adds layers of emotion and depth to the narrative. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Brooks paints a vivid picture of a bygone era while shedding light on issues like racism and exploitation that still resonate today.
As someone who recently moved to Saratoga Springs, NY, I found myself drawn even more to the backdrop of racehorse towns like Lexington, KY, and Natchez, Mississippi, where the drama unfolds. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or simply a fan of gripping historical fiction, "Horse" is a must-read that'll keep you turning pages until the very end. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Geraldine Brooks did it again with "Horse"! I have been hooked by her previous works "The Year of Wonders" and "March," winner of the Pulitzer prize. This book is another literary ride that'll leave you spellbound.
This time, Brooks takes us into the fascinating world of a legendary racehorse named Lexington, but she does it in her trademark style of intertwining different perspectives and timelines. You've got Jess, the Smithsonian osteologist, and Theo, the art historian, stumbling upon relics of Lexington's past, sparking a journey that brings together history and modern-day intrigue.
But it's not just about the horse. Brooks delves deep into the lives of characters like Jarret, an enslaved youth with a unique bond with horses, whose story adds layers of emotion and depth to the narrative. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Brooks paints a vivid picture of a bygone era while shedding light on issues like racism and exploitation that still resonate today.
As someone who recently moved to Saratoga Springs, NY, I found myself drawn even more to the backdrop of racehorse towns like Lexington, KY, and Natchez, Mississippi, where the drama unfolds. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or simply a fan of gripping historical fiction, "Horse" is a must-read that'll keep you turning pages until the very end. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
mroot's review against another edition
3.0
The historical references and story surrounding the horse was great. When the author dealt with race, especially in modern times, it felt forced and foreign. The death of Theo was unnecessary and completely out of nowhere. Still a worthy read.