War Horse

[KP the nut]

Oh my.

I just didn't want to put it down once I'd started reading, so I didn't. I loved it. The way it was written, I was so caught up in the narrative, it transported me into the story, I could see the battle, the guns, the mist/fog over no mans land.

I've always been an animal fan, believing that they can bring comfort. This book showed that, both sides loved and cared for Joey, enough to put up a white flag.

Then the ending, I didn't expect that - so sad.

 

[Mercy]

I got the book War Horse today and can't wait to read it. Good choice. Thanks.

 

[blackemerald1]

I just finished watching a documentary on "The true story of War Horse" it was really distressing in parts. But "Galloper" lived till he was 30 years old after going through so much in the War. That is a grand old age for a horse. At least he retired to the comfort of the hills and sea where he grew up.

It was on SBS and you can watch it on your computer, plus stuff they did not put in the doco.

Just FYI.
Blackemerald1

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Really like this book so far. The writing is great and the story is moving.

Going to save this book for Tuesday though. I have a long doctors appointment that day...waiting time was about an hour. And then afterwards I will not be able to do much.

Going to be a good treat! :) Can't wait.

 

[KP the nut]

I have a long doctors appointment that day

Good luck with your appointment - War Horse will be a great way to pass the time.

(((HUGS)))

 

[anthony]

Yer... that white flag moment, I was like, OMG... how awesome is that. Both sides can put aside their differences to unite for the well-being of a stray horse. Some might have simply put a bullet in it and been done with it, but not in that time for when it was written. It meant something more... like an innocence amongst all the chaos.

 

[CraftyCath]

I read this really quickly. It is not my usual type of book so I was a little board early on but as the story built I was hooked!

Sad bits, happy bits, cruel bits, kind bits, the horrors of WW1, the kindness of people on both sides of the war and a horse who is subjected to so much and holds his own throughout.

No wonder this was made into a film and a play.

 

[Loloma]

Finally got my Kindle. ;)

Read the first 5 chapters last night in bed. What fasinated me is how the book was written, with the narrator being the horse. You see it a lot in childrens books, but not in a indepth adult book. Michael Morpurgo had the ability to write the story without using the emotions of a human, and still portray the fear, excitement, exhileration and pain that Joey felt.

May be a little off the subject however when I was in University my Professor told me I wrote the same whereas I was unable to express emotion. It was a real eye opener to me.

The story is wonderful, where Joey has is past from one owner to the other in such a short period of time. He find comfort in the first two instances from the old draft horse Zoey, and then Topthorn with the Troopers. He was fortunate enough to be shown love and kindness through all his tribulations by his handlers.

I will comment more later today when I have the time.

 

[p-no]

What fasinated me is how the book was written, with the narrator being the horse.

I find this amazing, too. Also, I have never ever thought about the horses in a war. This book has opened up a completely new perspective and I am very grateful for this. I am glad though that the author does not let Joey judge too much, e.g. about the reasons for the humans around him doing what they do. This way, I find, he lets him be a horse although as such allows the reader to get an idea about how he sees the world.

 

[Mercy]

What an amazing narrative choice. This is no Mr. Ed!

 

[Loloma]

I've finished the book and not sure how much I should comment.

Anthony mentioned the waving of the white flags. The discussion between the two soldiers from opposing sides was very civil. Something that would not happen in this day and age. Seems like there was different rules of engagement and boundaries in that era. Nobody wanted to be there, so they both knew how the other felt.

Albert was overjoyed when he finally recognised Joey and spent most of his time tending to his wounds. The way that they saved Joey from dying from Tetanus was amazing, with such a slim chance of survival. Very well researched by the author.

 

[CraftyCath]

it does make you wonder if that kind of thing could happen today Loloma. War is fought at such a distance these days with very little hand-to-hand combat. (Except where gorilla warfare is concerned).

Still, the attrition of the first world war should never be repeated. The loss of life was terrible but I never thought about animals suffering and dying.

A very well written book.