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Geraldine Brooks' "Horse": A Journey Through Time and Culture

José Saramago

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Published in Horse: A Novel Geraldine Brooks

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Geraldine Brooks' "Horse" is a sprawling, ambitious novel that explores the relationship between humans and horses throughout history. Through the eyes of three different characters, Brooks tells a story of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of the horse.

Horse: A Novel

by Geraldine Brooks

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	1997 KB
Print length	:	413 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The novel begins in the present day with Miki, a young Japanese woman who travels to Australia to work on a horse farm. Miki is a skilled horsewoman, but she is also haunted by the memory of her father, who was killed in a horse racing accident. As Miki works with the horses on the farm, she begins to learn about their history and their connection to humans.

The second character in the novel is Hassan, a young Afghan boy who is forced to become a horse thief in order to survive. Hassan is a gifted horseman, and he develops a deep bond with the horse he steals. However, Hassan's life is constantly in danger, and he must always be on the run.

The third character in the novel is Bucephalus, Alexander the Great's legendary horse. Bucephalus is a magnificent animal, and he is said to be the only horse that Alexander ever rode. Bucephalus is a symbol of strength and courage, and he helps Alexander to conquer the world.

Through these three characters, Brooks tells a story that is both sweeping and intimate. She explores the role of horses in human history, from their use in warfare to their role as companions and symbols of power. Brooks also explores the complex relationship between humans and animals, and she asks questions about what it means to be truly connected to another creature.

"Horse" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. Brooks' writing is both lyrical and evocative, and she brings her characters to life with vivid detail. "Horse" is a must-read for anyone interested in history, horses, or the human-animal bond.

Character Analysis

Miki is a complex and sympathetic character. She is a skilled horsewoman, but she is also haunted by the memory of her father. Miki's journey to Australia is a journey of self-discovery, and she learns to come to terms with her father's death and her own love of horses.

Hassan is a brave and resourceful boy. He is forced to become a horse thief in order to survive, but he never loses his love of horses. Hassan's story is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, and it shows how even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Bucephalus is a magnificent animal, and he is a symbol of strength and courage. Bucephalus helps Alexander to conquer the world, and he becomes a legend in his own right. Bucephalus' story is a reminder of the power of the horse, and it shows how horses can inspire and motivate humans.

Themes

"Horse" explores several themes, including the relationship between humans and animals, the role of horses in human history, and the indomitable spirit of the horse. Brooks shows how horses have been used in warfare, transportation, and companionship throughout history. She also shows how horses can inspire and motivate humans, and she explores the deep bond that can exist between humans and animals.

Horse: A Novel

by Geraldine Brooks

5 out of 5