Author: Michael Morpurgo
Published: Scholastic, 1982
Genre: Children's Fiction, 165 pages
Rating: 5/5
This is novel that is on equal ground with Anna Sewell's Black Beauty. Told from the view of a farm horse named Joey this is much more than a mere "horse story". Morpurgo took hold of the history of World War I and incorporated the horrors of mankind into the world of horses. Joey has an unbreakable bond with his master, a teenager named Albert. Joey sees both man and horse die in the blood stained lands of France as he is shuffled from the British army to the German army. He learns that many humans do not understand what they are spilling blood over. Through it all Joey valiantly carries out his tasks while always thinking of the promise Albert made to him.
Filled with concrete details Morpurgo brings the past world of horses to life. Even in the new age of machinery man still depended upon the horse for transportation, strength, and friendship. Countries prided themselves on the quality of horses and riders in their Calvary. In World War I hundreds of thousands of horses died serving whatever man they called master. In this modern age there are many who have forgotten how nobly the horse has served human causes. Morpurgo's novel is a testament to the horse's nobility and the enduring bond he has with man.
Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds like my son would enjoy the book. He's nine. What ages do you think this is appropriate for?
ReplyDeleteI think 9 is old enough for this book! I would say this book was aimed for aged 8-12.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to see the movie?
ReplyDelete