This was such a charming book. Though some modern, or younger, readers may find it a bit dull in places, I loved it! It did a remarkable job of chronicling the life of a horse in first person, er um... first horse. As it's subtitle suggests it is like reading the autobiography of a horse. If that doesn't sound like an enjoyable read, just give one chapter a chance and I think you'll find that you'll soon be dissuaded of putting this book down. It breathes so much life and personality into the horses in the story. It was a real treat to read. 
I learned a lot about horses and I loved spending time with the main character Black Beauty. You can feel the love of animals, and especially horses, the author Anna Sewell had from her writing. If I could I would climb into the pages of this book, apple in hand, and give Black Beauty a treat for bringing me along with him on many adventures. I loved how personal the narrative was. Black Beauty, and other horses he speaks with, share of their dealings with men that either have a mean or kind demeanor. It was heartwarming to see the change brought about in a horse from their treatment being changed from cruel to kind.
Without spoilers I'll just also say that when certain characters have to part ways it was heartbreaking. This is something that happens more than once so I'm not giving any of the story away in sharing this. That's how real the horses were as characters to me while I read this book.
I also really appreciated the morality shared in this book. It is shown how kindness, even when it requires a more difficult path, is the way that leads to men being persons others desire to be like. It also shares a lesson that when you see something terrible being done, you should do what you can to stop it and not simply go on your way. This book has some great lesson for children, actually everyone, to read.
I was so pleased with the ending that I cried like a little baby reading the last chapter. Man this was a good book. I loved it! I was expecting it to be dull and boring, but it was so heartwarming and lovely. Black Beauty is now a dear friend. What a fantastic read.
Get the book on Amazon:
Black Beauty (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics)
Learn more about the author:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Sewell
Learn more about the author:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Sewell
Oh wow! You read it!! I'm so glad that you loved Black Beauty. This kind, noble horse takes a solid grip on your heart and will forever have a home there, once you have read his story. What a charming review!
ReplyDeleteNow, after reading the book, may I recommend the movie? It isn't often that I have the pleasure of recommending a movie based upon a book, and it was with a certain sense of trepidation that I initially approached it; but the movie version was EXTREMELY well-done. Among the movie's cast of actors, you will find the name Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones), and Black Beauty himself is PERFECTLY narrated by Alan Cumming (whose varied and colorful roles include Nightcrawler in X-Men II). Most horse movies are certifiably cheesy; Black Beauty is decidedly not. Also, they got so many details about horses exactly right — as opposed to suspending reality and causing people who have actually worked with horses to roll their eyes.
The Black Beauty movie will evoke a variety of emotions. It will bring a tear to your eye... possibly more than one. It will change you. All the best stories do that.
I was very surprised by just how much I enjoyed Black Beauty! I will definitely check out the movie. Thanks! Yes a moving story for sure.
DeleteYou're welcome! I forgot to mention that you can find the Black Beauty movie at extremely low prices ($5 or less) on Amazon. I found a copy at Wal-Mart in their five-dollar bin, but that was a long time ago! Anyway, good luck, and enjoy it!
ReplyDelete