TL;DR
Geraldine Brooks' 'Horse' is a riveting novel intertwining the histories of an enslaved groom, an iconic racehorse, and an evocative piece of art, exploring themes of race, obsession, and American history.
What is Horse about
'Horse' by Geraldine Brooks is a sweeping narrative that spans several centuries, intertwining the lives of an enslaved groom named Jarret, an iconic racehorse, and individuals captivated by their stories. Set in Kentucky, 1850, the novel tracks the bond between Jarret and the racehorse Lexington, leading to record-setting victories. As the Civil War erupts, their journeys cross paths with an itinerant artist. Moving forward to 1954 and 2019, the novel also follows a gallery owner and contemporary researchers who become entangled in the horse's legacy. The book is based on true events and delves into themes of art, science, love, and America's ongoing confrontation with racism.
Horse 6 Key Takeaways
Jarret and Lexington
In Kentucky, 1850, an enslaved groom named Jarret forms a deep bond with a bay foal, Lexington. This relationship propels the horse to become a record-setting racehorse, showcasing the power of understanding and dedication.
Civil War Intersection
During the Civil War, Jarret and Lexington's paths cross with an itinerant artist who has made his name painting the horse. This intersection happens under perilous circumstances, far from the glamor of racetracks.
Martha Jackson's Obsession
In 1954, gallery owner Martha Jackson becomes obsessed with a 19th-century equestrian painting of unknown provenance, reflecting the enduring fascination with Lexington's legacy.
Jess and Theo's Discovery
In 2019, Smithsonian scientist Jess and Nigerian-American art historian Theo find themselves connected through their interest in Lexington, exploring the horse's bones and uncovering the history of Black horsemen essential to Lexington's success.
Art and Science Fusion
The novel brilliantly fuses art and science, as characters from different eras converge around Lexington's legacy, each contributing their unique perspectives and expertise.
Reckoning with Racism
'Horse' delves into America's unfinished reckoning with racism, portraying the unsung contributions of Black horsemen and the societal challenges they faced.
Horse Videos
Geraldine Brooks | The 88th Annual Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards
Top Horse Quotes
- “Horse isn’t just an animal story—it’s a moving narrative about race and art.” —TIME
- “A thrilling story about humanity in all its ugliness and beauty.” —Oprah Daily
Who should read Horse?
'Horse' is ideal for readers interested in historical fiction, animal stories, and narratives that interweave art, science, and social issues. It offers profound insights into America's history of racism and the overlooked contributions of Black individuals in horse racing, making it a must-read for those seeking depth and thought-provoking storytelling.
Horse Best Reviews
- “Brooks’ chronological and cross-disciplinary leaps are thrilling.” —The New York Times Book Review
- “A thrilling story about humanity in all its ugliness and beauty . . . the evocative voices create a story so powerful, reading it feels like watching a neck-and-neck horse race, galloping to its conclusion—you just can’t look away.” —Oprah Daily
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Horse FAQs
What is the book 'Horse' about?
'Horse' is the story of an enslaved groom, Jarret, and his bond with the thoroughbred Lexington, spanning several centuries and exploring themes of race, art, and history.
Is 'Horse' by Geraldine Brooks based on a true story?
Yes, it is loosely based on true events, revolving around the famous racehorse Lexington and involving a discarded painting and a dusty skeleton.
Did 'Horse' win a Pulitzer Prize?
The author Geraldine Brooks is a Pulitzer Prize winner, and 'Horse' has won several awards, including the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.