I'm probably one of the last to read this, although it has been on my to read list for a long time. I think we have it in book form but it has been packed away so I downloaded it onto my kindle. Just a short and simple review today.
Being both a book about horses, one in particular and the first World War which I have a particular interest in, having lost my great grandfather in it, this was a book I was looking forward to reading. Plus the film is coming out/is out, so I definitely had to read it!
It didn't disappoint, was well written, through the eyes of the horse, observationally wise, but not in the way that the horse actually speaks which would belittle the subject and be rather silly. It follows the adventures of a horse called Joey from when he is first being sold as a foal at an auction, through to him being sold to the Cavalry for the war effort. The journey takes the horse from Devon, to France and into enemy hands. It is an easy read, being first and foremost a book for children, but this does not mean that it can't be enjoyed by adults as well. Michael Morpurgo writes in a sensitive style, clearly writing about the atrocities of war, and brings awareness to the reader that it wasn't just the tragic human loss of life, but also animals as well, in particular horses. However, we are also treated to the caring attitudes of both sides involved in the war as well as the stupidity and lunacy of it.
A particularly touching part of the book is when Joey is stuck in no-man's land and both sides draw a truce to rescue the horse, with an English soldier and a German soldier discussing who was going to rescue the horse, decided by a simple toss of the coin. They also discuss, how ludicrous it was that once the horse had reached safety they would again be trying to kill each other and the sheer waste of life.
Wonderful story well worth the read.
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6 comments:
I see it's coming to the movies here in a week or two.
I'll try and get a copy from the library.
I'm v interested in First WW too.
I've just read a wonderful account by a New Zealand soldier.
In Flanders Fields by Monty Ingram.
My father was in the Otago Battalion and survived horrific times.
Wishing you all the New Year Blessings you're dreaming of - and much much more - Serenata!
Live, laugh, love and "be happy and healthy" in 2012!
hugs
Shane in New Zealand
I have it as sample on my kindle....it's really good....will buy it when I'm able!
Melxx
I should have known it was a book but I had never heard of it until the movie previews. Sounds great. I will have to look for it.
Hugs, Lisa
I saw a wonderful doco about the use of horses during ww1, I think it was shown before the movie came out as a bit of lead up. It was very sad but very informative too. Haven't been to see the movie yet.
My youngest daughter has read the book, seen the stage play and now seen the film - I can do none of it! After seeing a short extract from the stage production at Olympia, that was too upsetting - and they were puppet horses! Glad you enjoyed it though. I hear it is very uplifting. x
I haven't yet read the book, but I'm sure I will eventually. I have just finished a vast Ken Follett tome, set before during and after the Great War, which brings home the huge loss of life.
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