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Horse: Summary

Everything you need to know about Geraldine Brooks's Horse, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Horse by Geraldine Brooks in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Horses are mammals of the Equidae family and one of the most iconic animals in the world. They have long been used for transport, recreation, and work, and are even kept as companions today. Horses come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with different breeds having distinct characteristics. They are social animals that naturally form into hierarchies, living together in groups known as herds. Horses are extremely intelligent and capable of forming strong bonds with humans, making them one of the most beloved domesticated animals around.

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What is Horse about?

Horse is a children’s book that deals with themes such as friendship, loyalty, courage, and respect. It tells the story of a young girl named Thistle and her horse, Daisy. Thistle faces many challenges in her journey, including bullying from other kids in her class and the fear of being separated from her beloved horse. Along the way, she learns important lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance. As Thistle learns to trust those around her, she is able to overcome her fears and develop the courage to stand up for what she believes in. Ultimately, Horse is an inspiring tale of friendship and loyalty that emphasizes the importance of respecting others.

Horse: Book Club Questions

  1. What themes and motifs did you identify while reading the book?
  2. How does the author use setting to enhance the story of Horse?
  3. What impact do the characters have on each other throughout the novel?
  4. How does the author explore the concept of power in Horse?
  5. What messages or lessons can readers take away from Horse?
  6. How does the author explore concepts of morality and justice in Horse?
  7. Who are some of the most interesting characters in this book and why?
  8. What elements of surprise did you encounter while reading Horse?
  9. How does the main character's development progress throughout the novel?
  10. Do you believe that Horse is an effective work of fiction, and why or why not?

What to say about Horse

  • Horses are incredibly intelligent creatures, capable of forming strong bonds with humans.
  • The domestication of the horse has had a major impact on human history, helping to revolutionize transportation and warfare.
  • Horseback riding is an extremely popular recreational activity, offering riders an intimate connection to nature.
  • The equestrian world has a long and rich heritage that spans many cultures and centuries.
  • Horse racing is a beloved sport, with a culture of tradition and pageantry all its own.
  • Breeding horses requires an in-depth knowledge of genetics and animal husbandry, making it both a science and an art form.
  • Horses possess remarkable physical agility, allowing them to perform impressive feats of athleticism in competition and performance sports.
  • The working relationship between horses and humans is unique, requiring mutual trust and respect to be successful.
  • Horses have been featured prominently in literature, art, film, and other forms of media throughout history.
  • Horsemanship is a skill that takes years to master, but offers lifelong rewards for those who commit themselves to learning it.

Top 5 Quotes from Horse

  1. "A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence." - Pam Brown
  2. "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." - Winston Churchill
  3. "The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears." - Arabian Proverb
  4. "Horses make a landscape look beautiful." - Alice Walker
  5. "Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people." - W.C. Fields

Adaptations of Horse

TV: - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (2010–2019) - Wild Horses (2016) - The Adventures of Black Beauty (1972–1974) - Fury (1955–1960) - The White Horse of Zennor (1963) Film: - National Velvet (1944) - War Horse (2011) - Dreamer (2005) - The Horse Whisperer (1998) - Secretariat (2010) - Hidalgo (2004) Radio: - The Adventures of Black Beauty Radio Series (1973–1974) - BBC Radio 4's Hoof Prints: A History of the Horse in Britain (2003) Podcast: - Equi News Network Podcast (2020–present) Theater: - War Horse – National Theatre Live (2011–2014/2018–present)

Other books by Geraldine Brooks

  • Year of Wonders
  • March
  • People of the Book
  • Caleb's Crossing
  • The Secret Chord
  • Foreign Correspondent: A Novel

Did you know?

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Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up.