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A review by sharkbrarian
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Gripping, well-woven, tragic, and triumphant.
Structurally perfect, this tale interweaves storylines in the present, and from two different times in the past (the 1950s and the 1800s) to unfold the captivating story of a famous Thoroughbred stallion and the diverse group of characters whose lives are impacted by the horse’s life, death, and the artworks which it inspired.
As expected from this author, historical facts are woven into a gripping tapestry as the horse’s life and racing career, along with its groom and trainer, an enslaved Black teenager named Jarrett, both make history and reveal history, to the reader. The contemporary characters - an art historian and an osteologist - work together to uncover the connection between a salvaged painting, an articulated skeleton found abandoned in a museum attic. As they uncover Lexington’s story, their growing connection can’t escape the long reach of America’s racist foundation.
Structurally perfect, this tale interweaves storylines in the present, and from two different times in the past (the 1950s and the 1800s) to unfold the captivating story of a famous Thoroughbred stallion and the diverse group of characters whose lives are impacted by the horse’s life, death, and the artworks which it inspired.
As expected from this author, historical facts are woven into a gripping tapestry as the horse’s life and racing career, along with its groom and trainer, an enslaved Black teenager named Jarrett, both make history and reveal history, to the reader. The contemporary characters - an art historian and an osteologist - work together to uncover the connection between a salvaged painting, an articulated skeleton found abandoned in a museum attic. As they uncover Lexington’s story, their growing connection can’t escape the long reach of America’s racist foundation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Racism