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Horse Heaven

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Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley is a novel that delves into the world of thoroughbred horse racing, showcasing the lives of various characters connected to the industry - breeders, owners, trainers, grooms, jockeys, and bettors. The narrative spans over two years, offering a panoramic view of the racing world through the perspectives of both humans and animals, particularly horses and a Jack Russell terrier. The book intricately weaves together multiple storylines, capturing the complexities of human relationships, career disruptions, friendship, tragedy, comedy, and the intricate web of connections within the racing community.

Throughout the book, Jane Smiley employs a unique writing style that balances between being slow-paced yet compelling, drawing readers into the rich cultural and historical aspects portrayed in the narrative. The characters, especially the horses, are vividly depicted, offering insights into their thoughts and emotions, making them as compelling as the human characters. Despite the sprawling nature of the plot and the abundance of characters, the book manages to keep readers engaged with its detailed exploration of the racing world and the nuanced portrayal of both the highs and lows experienced by its characters.

Characters:

The characters present a mixed bag, with humans often lacking depth, while the animal characters are more beloved and engaging.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is skillful and engaging, though it often features extensive internal dialogues that can detract from the narrative flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative is expansive, focusing on interconnected character studies primarily set within the world of horse racing.

Setting:

Set in the intricate world of thoroughbred horse racing, the story unfolds across multiple locations and time frames.

Pacing:

The pacing is inconsistent, featuring draggy introspective moments balanced by compelling narratives, making it a challenging read at times.
“Smiley has written wonderful books before, but in this one she’s stretched her legs, charged forward, and won the race.… Horse Heaven is slyly hilarious—epic in length but never heavy in tone.… Featu...

Notes:

The novel is set in the world of thoroughbred horse racing and spans two years.
It features a wide cast of characters, including 35 humans and 6 horses.
Smiley writes from multiple viewpoints, including the perspectives of horses and a Jack Russell terrier.
The book includes a long succession of character studies linked by the racing world but lacking a singular plot.
Some readers found the characters relatable and interesting, while others felt detached and unengaged.
The book contains significant internal dialogue among human characters about their struggles and relationships.
Key themes include the love of horses, the complexities of human relationships, and the realities of horse racing life.
There are detailed descriptions of daily life in the racing industry, including training and racing periods.
The structure can be overwhelming due to the number of characters and interwoven stories, prompting some readers to take notes.
Readers with a passion for horses and racing found much to appreciate in the depth of knowledge presented.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The narrative delves into themes of mental health struggles, including depression, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK

"A WISE, SPIRITED NOVEL . . . [IN WHICH] SMILEY PLUMBS THE WONDROUSLY

STRANGE WORLD OF HORSE RACING." -People

"ONE OF THE PREMIER NOVELISTS OF HER GENERATION, possessed of a mastery

of craft and an uncompromising vision that grow more powerful with each

book . . . Racing's eclectic mix of classes and personalities provides

Smiley with fertile soil . . . Expertly juggling storylines, she

investigates the sexual, social, psychological, and spiritual problems

of wealthy owners, working-class bettors, trainers on the edge of

financial ruin, and, in a typically bold move, horses."

-The Washington Post

"A NOVEL OF PASSION IN EVERY SENSE . . . [SHE DOES] IT ALL WITH APLOMB .

. . WITH A DEMON NARRATIVE INTELLIGENCE."

-The Boston Sunday Globe

"WITTY, ENERGETIC . . . It's deeply satisfying to read a work of fiction

so informed about its subject and so alive to every nuance and detail .

. . [Smiley's] final chapters have a wonderful restorative quality."

-The New York Times Book Review

"RICHLY DETAILED, INGENIOUSLY CONSTRUCTED . . . YOU WILL REVEL IN JANE

SMILEY'S HORSE HEAVEN."

-San Diego Union-Tribune

Chosen by the Los Angeles Times as One of the Best Books of the Year

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Want To Read (2)

About the Author:

JANE SMILEY is the author of numerous novels, including A Thousand Acres, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and most recently, The Last Hundred Years Trilogy: Some Luck, Early Warning, and Golden Age. She is also the author of several works of nonfiction and books for…

 
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