!!!! for over 35 years of listening to books on tape HORSE is absolutely the best novel ever !!!! excellently well written. the plot smoothly moves continuously + quite effortfully back + forth from past to present. the author weaves all times, places + characters together into a colorful mosaic which draws the reader in. 14 hours later unable to stop until the tape ended i felt all ranges of emotions + satisfied at its conclusion. the epilogue, also very well written, explains the documented facts available to tell the story. the epilogue also explains where the author creatively filled in the unknown elements seamlessly. the narration of the story was so well done that it was hard to believe it was originally written as a book. !!HORSE rivals BLACK BEAUTY!!

A Winner

Geraldine Brooks has written a fascinating story about the champion American racehorse, Lexington. She traces the life of the stallion from birth in 1850, through success on the racetrack to retirement as a stud. All this against a backdrop of slavery and the American Civil War. At the same time, she links the history of Lexington with current day research into its articulated skeleton and to several original paintings of the stallion.Many of the characters depicted in the novel were real people involved in the training, ownership and painting of Lexington. Those conducting current day research into the horse are fictional. Geraldine Brooks interweaves their different stories by adroitly switching back and forth between past and present.Importantly, this is not ... MoreGeraldine Brooks has written a fascinating story about the champion American racehorse, Lexington. She traces the life of the stallion from birth in 1850, through success on the racetrack to retirement as a stud. All this against a backdrop of slavery and the American Civil War. At the same time, she links the history of Lexington with current day research into its articulated skeleton and to several original paintings of the stallion.Many of the characters depicted in the novel were real people involved in the training, ownership and painting of Lexington. Those conducting current day research into the horse are fictional. Geraldine Brooks interweaves their different stories by adroitly switching back and forth between past and present.Importantly, this is not just a story about a famous racing horse. The key thread running through the book is about racial inequality and discrimination. The author paints a picture of life for slaves prior to the American Civil War; the inhumane way they were often treated and their absence of human rights. In contrast, racism in the present day is shown to be be more subtle but still pervasive. This theme adds weight and depth to a great yarn.

A book not to be missed.

A wonderful book. I knew nothing about horse rearing, racing, the depth of the black slaves involvement in horse racing. The parallel with the modern world makes it so interesting, a book not to be missed. The characters are well defined. The fact that some of the characters and the horse Lexington are based on real characters and events make the story more enjoyable.

A compelling read with serious themes

I was pleased to find that Brooks actually knows about horses and is not afraid to point out the cruelties in exploitative horse racing.Her style is clear, rather than poetic, and the structure is expertly managed. Each chapter begins by plunging the reader directly into an incident, achieving powerful immediacy, though she sometimes has to backtrack to explain.While I commend her tackling racism, by the conclusion, I did feel somewhat hit over the end with the author's message.

Absolutely Recommended.

There are some preachy moments here, but otherwise this book is excellent. I simply was unable to put it down. I'd actually probably do 4.5 stars, but that wasn't an option. It's historical fiction at its best.

HORSE - what is to review?

Even though I have not read it yet, I have read all of Geraldine Brooks' other books and I loved each and every one. I have loaned them to a friend and she feels the same way. Brooks takes known facts about incidences, objects, people and weaves them into a historic fiction story.

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Great book, well written plot, certainly kept my interest the whole book.Loved the way Geraldine wrote it in the couple of Times, it definitely made the story very clear.,Loved the descriptions of the Art, and the archaeological discussions and was really moved with theRacist section. Really good book.

I can't believe it's not about Horses

This amazing novel is about racism in the USA. From the front cover one would think it was about horses. It's not. It's about slavery in the past and racism in the present day. Superbly written. Hard to put down. Beautiful language and use of metaphor. Subtle. Hard hitting, though not in a traumatic way. An amazing read.

PDF of book Horse

This was by far the least expensive way to read this book unless I wanted to wait a long time on the list at the public library. I read it on my phone turned horizontally to make the print large enough and read across the whole line of print. Only a few times toward the end did it jump around a bit . Not the fault of the pdf. I enjoyed the book . I would buy books this way again if one I want is available.

Wonderful Read

Geraldine Brooks is a master of historical fiction and 'Horse' was an exceptional read. I fell in love with Jarret's character from the beginning and it was truly beautiful to watch his relationship with Lexington grow into such a special bond.Tackling issues of racism, slavery, violence and prejudice, Brooks expertly weaves a tale that spans the centuries and reveals the sad truth that despite the passing years, not much has changed.Meticulously researched, 'Horse' has much to teach about the times in which it's set. I highly recommend a read!