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Lisa's Reviews > Horse
Horse
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Outlier alert.
There's a lot to love in Geraldine Brooks' latest novel, Horse. Transported to 1850's Kentucky, I learn about 19th century horse racing and how integral Blacks, enslaved and free, are to the industry. I appreciate her attention to historical detail. And science geek that I am, I enjoy reading about horse anatomy, how they move, and the delicate work of articulating skeletons.One of the highlights for me, and the centerpiece of this novel, is the love story of a boy and "his" horse. If you have ever had a strong bond with an animal you will understand the tie between boy and horse. In places Brooks' storytelling and characterization are strong and I am completely immersed in the story.
And yet, there are places where she stumbles. The 2019 storyline doesn't always flow for me; I didn't feel the chemistry between Theo and Jess. Jarret and Theo are too perfect; they are handsome, intelligent, unswerving in their ability to swallow their anger (never rage), and unfailingly patient. In one section enslaved teen Jarret, who has been protected by his father and his ability with horses, is forced to work in the cotton fields for the first time in his life and endures the whip to keep him working. Months later when he leaves the plantation he reflects:
“he wasn’t sorry to have seen what he’d seen, and learn what he learned. Not just the book learning. He felt larger in spirit. There was a space in his soul for the suffering of people. He resolved to take account of their lives, the heavy burdens they carried.�
This passage is too much for me to swallow.
While I appreciate Brooks' intent with the different points of view and the varying timelines to show the connection between slavery and current day racism, I am frequently aware that I am reading a book with this framework rather than being carried seamlessly from section to section and being propelled forward by the narrative.
Despite its flaws, Horse is a quick read and I am able to enjoy enough of the book to keep me reading.
There's a lot to love in Geraldine Brooks' latest novel, Horse. Transported to 1850's Kentucky, I learn about 19th century horse racing and how integral Blacks, enslaved and free, are to the industry. I appreciate her attention to historical detail. And science geek that I am, I enjoy reading about horse anatomy, how they move, and the delicate work of articulating skeletons.One of the highlights for me, and the centerpiece of this novel, is the love story of a boy and "his" horse. If you have ever had a strong bond with an animal you will understand the tie between boy and horse. In places Brooks' storytelling and characterization are strong and I am completely immersed in the story.
And yet, there are places where she stumbles. The 2019 storyline doesn't always flow for me; I didn't feel the chemistry between Theo and Jess. Jarret and Theo are too perfect; they are handsome, intelligent, unswerving in their ability to swallow their anger (never rage), and unfailingly patient. In one section enslaved teen Jarret, who has been protected by his father and his ability with horses, is forced to work in the cotton fields for the first time in his life and endures the whip to keep him working. Months later when he leaves the plantation he reflects:
“he wasn’t sorry to have seen what he’d seen, and learn what he learned. Not just the book learning. He felt larger in spirit. There was a space in his soul for the suffering of people. He resolved to take account of their lives, the heavy burdens they carried.�
This passage is too much for me to swallow.
While I appreciate Brooks' intent with the different points of view and the varying timelines to show the connection between slavery and current day racism, I am frequently aware that I am reading a book with this framework rather than being carried seamlessly from section to section and being propelled forward by the narrative.
Despite its flaws, Horse is a quick read and I am able to enjoy enough of the book to keep me reading.
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Reading Progress
June 17, 2022
– Shelved
June 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
to-read
October 20, 2022
–
Started Reading
October 20, 2022
– Shelved as:
2022
October 23, 2022
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
October 23, 2022
–
Finished Reading
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Meghhnaa
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Oct 21, 2022 08:29AM
OMG, can't wait to hear from you about this Lisa! :)
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Meghna wrote: "OMG, can't wait to hear from you about this Lisa! :)"I'm liking it so far. I'll definitely get a review up when I finish.
Okay, I’ve heard all I need to know with this very helpful review, Lisa. I’m tired of these alternating timelines and I don’t want to be “aware� of what the author is doing. I’ve thought of removing this and I’m going to. Plenty of others I definitely want to read!!
Candi wrote: "Okay, I’ve heard all I need to know with this very helpful review, Lisa. I’m tired of these alternating timelines and I don’t want to be “aware� of what the author is doing. I’ve thought of removin..."Sometimes the alternating timeline works and really serves the story such as in in Moon Tiger. Sometimes it's too much as in this novel which also had many POV.
I think equally bothersome to me was the "perfect" young black men.
Great review, Lisa. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this book.
Lisa, you and I have similar reactions and your review explains perfectly what there is to love and what there is to dislike. It’s a shame that Brooks decided to push a viewpoint rather than tell a wonderful story about a boy and his horse(the story I did enjoy).
Interesting that the book felt too conscious of itself, if I’m understanding you right, Lisa? Your outlier alert made me laugh. You were very fair here, but I think I won’t bother. I really did not like the one I’ve read of hers. I didn’t know you were a science geek 😃
Lisa,I'm sort of a "Geraldine Brooks outlier" in general, so you have my full support!
I think she's an incredible researcher and she must keep meticulous records as she writes, but her stories always fall a little short for me.
Lori wrote: "Lisa, you and I have similar reactions and your review explains perfectly what there is to love and what there is to dislike. It’s a shame that Brooks decided to push a viewpoint rather than tell a..."I agree that if she had rounded Jarret out a bit and wrote that as a stand alone story it could have been outstanding.
Jennifer wrote: "Interesting that the book felt too conscious of itself, if I’m understanding you right, Lisa? Your outlier alert made me laugh. You were very fair here, but I think I won’t bother. I really did not..."Hmmm, I hadn't thought of this novel in those terms; and yes that sounds right. And my aim is to be fair and to clarify what does and doesn't work for me.
As for the sciences I love biology, anatomy, virology, immunology, etc. Chemistry, not so much.
And I have acquired a bit of an engineering (include physics here) background for self preservation. I'm married to one and have learned to speak the language and understand more than I ever thought I'd want to know.
Julie wrote: "Lisa,I'm sort of a "Geraldine Brooks outlier" in general, so you have my full support!
I think she's an incredible researcher and she must keep meticulous records as she writes, but her stories al..."
Thanks for the support. I do agree with what you say about the research. She has a background in journalism so that aspect isn't surprising. I've read a few of her other books and haven't been completely satisfied. When I saw how beloved this one was and the topic I thought I'd give Brooks one more try.
While not regretting my time spent with this novel, I probably won't read her again.
Completely honest Lisa, and that's what we must be in a review. I so appreciate that. Much of the themes described by Brooks feel important, but I can see the disconnect between past and present.
Ron wrote: "Completely honest Lisa, and that's what we must be in a review. I so appreciate that. Much of the themes described by Brooks feel important, but I can see the disconnect between past and present."Thank you Ron. I don't know how to be anything but honest. I am working on the kind v blunt aspect of that.
And this novel does have plenty to offer despite its flaws.
Glad you enjoyed it overall, Lisa.
Jen wrote: "Glad you enjoyed it overall, Lisa."Thanks Jen.
Lisa wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Interesting that the book felt too conscious of itself, if I’m understanding you right, Lisa? Your outlier alert made me laugh. You were very fair here, but I think I won’t bother...."Ha, I learned more about accounting than I ever cared to know, Lisa. Physics and engineering sound way more fun.
I didn't realize she was a journalist - that may explain my lack of connection. I appreciate what you and Julie said here, and like you, I almost tried again with this one due to the glowing gr reviews. Thanks for the save, Lisa - and , Julie, too :)
Jennifer wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Interesting that the book felt too conscious of itself, if I’m understanding you right, Lisa? Your outlier alert made me laugh. You were very fair here, but I think I ..."I bet your accountant can talk without props or the very least paper and pencil. It does make life interesting.
And if you aren't drawn to a read, trust your instincts.
Lisa wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Interesting that the book felt too conscious of itself, if I’m understanding you right, Lisa? Your outlier alert made me laugh. You were very fair her..."A life lesson for us, no, to trust our instincts? I can't imagine what it must be like for people who can't. But you're right - they've never steered me wrong.
Well, physics is more interesting, but maybe more practical is just what I needed ;)
Jennifer wrote: "maybe more practical is just what I needed."At the very least it will help keep your feet on the ground and your finances in order.
Jennifer wrote: "Haha, two things I needed, Lisa :)"😊
I am sorry this was a bit of a mixed bag Lisa, I need chemistry between characters and definitely prefer a seamless flow! Wonderful review! 🧡
Ellie wrote: "I am sorry this was a bit of a mixed bag Lisa, I need chemistry between characters and definitely prefer a seamless flow! Wonderful review! 🧡"Thanks Ellie. A mixed bag is definitely better than a complete waste of time.
Thanks for the honest and thoughtful review.
Linda wrote: "Thanks for the honest and thoughtful review."Thank you, Linda.
Super review, Lisa. I haven't yet read Brooks, but I've had her March on my shelf for years and just haven't been tempted to pick it up yet... it may not happen, what with a steady stream of other books and authors calling my name.
Robin wrote: "Super review, Lisa. I haven't yet read Brooks, but I've had her March on my shelf for years and just haven't been tempted to pick it up yet... it may not happen, what with a steady stream of other ..."Thank you, Robin. I read March several years ago. I loved the beginning and then it fizzled for me. If you have works strongly calling to you, I definitely say "Listen!"
Robin, I second Lisa’s response. Really did not enjoy March, can’t imagine it would do much for you.
I wonder if it was a publisher’s pressure to put the modern day racism comparison in the novel. It is done so clumsily and falsely, a real thorn in the book
Mmmmmmmmm, Our Lisa, I'm in a bit of a bind now - this has been on my TBR for a wee while, I even saw it in the library yesterday and almost grabbed it. Now I am of the mind to give it a dishonourable discharge from my TBR!! Terrific review as usual - your criticisms of a book are always nicely crafted 🤗🦘🎈
I have read a couple of her books and the only one I really liked was her non fiction book- Nine Parts of Desire. Your review solidified my thought to avoid it. Great review, Lisa!
Thoughtful review, Lisa. While I enjoyed it much more than you, your points are valid.
Irina wrote: "I wonder if it was a publisher’s pressure to put the modern day racism comparison in the novel. It is done so clumsily and falsely, a real thorn in the book"Irina, my apologies as I just saw your review. Overall this was a solid read for me. I liked it,; I just didn't love it.
Mark wrote: "Mmmmmmmmm, Our Lisa, I'm in a bit of a bind now - this has been on my TBR for a wee while, I even saw it in the library yesterday and almost grabbed it. Now I am of the mind to give it a dishonoura..."Mark there is a lot here to admire. I think if my grumbles would annoy you, give this one a pass. And if not, give it a whirl. You can always DNF it.
I have read several of her books trying to see why some of my friends love them unreservedly. I just don't see it. So I have finally conceded that her writing isn't a good fit for me.
Antoinette wrote: "I have read a couple of her books and the only one I really liked was her non fiction book- Nine Parts of Desire. Your review solidified my thought to avoid it. Great review, Lisa!"Antoinette I have finally thrown in towel and have decided to stop reading her work.
Barbara wrote: "Thoughtful review, Lisa. While I enjoyed it much more than you, your points are valid."I see that you loved this one. I'm going to pop over to read your review.
