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| 2010 Scholastic Edition |
A drunken man purchases a horse at a horse sale. It is a fine horse, but not fit for work on the farm. With the rent needing to be paid, something has to be done. The farmer's son steps in and trains the horse to work on the farm. The two form a deep bond of friendship.
The above paragraph has the makings of an interesting story. Author Michael Morpurgo (known for writing Kaspar: Prince of Cats and Private Peaceful) crafted a tale of a horse who is taken into battle during World War I, the "Great War." This book War Horse was runner-up for Whitebread Book Award in 1982. From it came an award-winning play in 2007, as well as a 2011 Steven Spielberg film.
SUMMARY
The entire book is told from the horse Joey's perspective. The story begins with a five-month old horse being bought by a drunken farmer, Mr. Narracott. He takes the horse home and his son Albert takes an immediate liking to the horse. He names him Joey and quickly teaches him how to work on the farm. The two become close friends.
Trouble comes soon, though. Joey is sold to the British army, specifically to one Captain Nicholls. The British cavalry attacks the Germans, but the battle is disastrous for them and many are killed. They realize they cannot use cavalry in this modern war.
Joey falls into German hands. Later, though, Joey and another British horse named Topthorn find themselves in the care of an elderly man and his granddaughter Emilie. After that, they are again taking by the Germans.
The story continues to the end of World War I, when Joey returns to the British army. The ending is good, and I thought it was appropriate in respect to the entire story.
CONTENT
For a children's book, there is not too much violence, but (as it is during a war) there is enough to make it something younger children probably should not read. There are deaths, injuries, and war violence. There is nothing too descriptive, though, and no gore. Apart from this, Albert's father is drunken and is abusive towards Joey at times.
As the story focuses on a horse, there is really not anything inappropriate. Albert mentions that he has a girl back home and the two are married at the end of the story, but there is nothing immoral in the book.
The language is rather light but still not something for younger children. The word "devil" is used several times, and God's name is used at least that much.
Good lessons appear in this story: loyalty, friendship, and kindness are some of these. For example, Joey is loyal to his friend Topthorn throghout the war and also during their good times with Emilie and her "Grandpapa."
I would recommend this to anyone who likes battle stories, historic books, or just enjoys a good adventure. Although this is a children's book, the violence and language make it more for pre-teens and perhaps any teens who find it intriguing. An interesting thing I would like to add is that the entire story was inspired by a painting and also is based on a true story. I am not sure, however, just how close War Horse is to the life of Captain James Nicholls.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Number of pages: 188 (2010 Scholastic Edition)
Author of book: Michael Morpurgo
Published in: 1982 (Great Britain)
Primary audience: Pre-teens
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