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A review by thebookishlass
Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
“‘I didn’t know horses had thoughts.’
‘They are like us, except more honest.’”
~Dark Horses.
Trigger warning for child sexual abuse.
This book is nothing if not honest. The synopsis indicated that there are themes of child sexual abuse, but it moved from references to it to pretty graphic descriptions. Mihalic did a masterful job of capturing the complicated dynamics of a sexualized parent-child relationship. The mix of emotions felt by Roan for her father, and the power and control he has over her help illustrate how situations like this remain secret, sometimes forever. It’s a tough, uncomfortable, brutally honest story of child sexual abuse.
I was initially drawn to this book as a horse lover. It’s so hard to find adult novels that have horses in such a central role. The bond between Jasper and Roan s so pure and honest, and one I hope everyone has a chance to develop in their own lives, be it with a horse, another animal, or a human. I love reading about this world, even if it does rip your heart out at times.
It’s hard to say I enjoyed this book, given the heaviness that is there from page 1, but I am glad I listened to this one. If you are someone who can handle the topics, I really encourage you to give it a listen.
‘They are like us, except more honest.’”
~Dark Horses.
Trigger warning for child sexual abuse.
This book is nothing if not honest. The synopsis indicated that there are themes of child sexual abuse, but it moved from references to it to pretty graphic descriptions. Mihalic did a masterful job of capturing the complicated dynamics of a sexualized parent-child relationship. The mix of emotions felt by Roan for her father, and the power and control he has over her help illustrate how situations like this remain secret, sometimes forever. It’s a tough, uncomfortable, brutally honest story of child sexual abuse.
I was initially drawn to this book as a horse lover. It’s so hard to find adult novels that have horses in such a central role. The bond between Jasper and Roan s so pure and honest, and one I hope everyone has a chance to develop in their own lives, be it with a horse, another animal, or a human. I love reading about this world, even if it does rip your heart out at times.
It’s hard to say I enjoyed this book, given the heaviness that is there from page 1, but I am glad I listened to this one. If you are someone who can handle the topics, I really encourage you to give it a listen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, and Sexual violence