HORSE

HORSE by Geraldine Brooks

Horse by Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks overall is an amazing book. I have been thoroughly hooked reading the story of Lexington, who was an actual recordbreaking racehorse from the 1850s. Horse, however, is a novel inspired by Lexington's life and races. The story is set in 3 different time periods each affected by the famous racehorse through his actual life of racing and those who cared for him, science through the study of his bones, and the collection of racehorse art. The original story is set before and during the Civil War and is very moving. Be prepared to fall in love with the characters especially Warfield's Jarrett (later Ted Broeck's Jarret) Lexington's black, slave groom.

So why do I say "overall an amazing book?" There are a few minor blips that are overlookable. However, right at the end, we deal with a police brutality issue that just doesn't feel like it fits the narrative of the story. It really feels like the author's attempt to get her 2¢ out into her story. It really is a shame, because I was ready to sing the praises of this book until that was thrown in. If I can compare Horse to a horserace, we had a beautiful race going. It started out of the gate with a bang and left its competitors in the dust. Round and round we went in beautiful, smooth, fluid motion, and then just as the horse was about to cross the finish line, it stumbled. We got across and won, but its shoe was definitely askew and missing some nails.

Horse is a book that I will read again and that is saying something. I just will know that an unfortunate bump is coming in the end.

HEADS UP- There are a few words including a couple f-bombs. It is very little. There is a gay relationship that is mentioned but not described. There is a couple that you know has sex without details.