
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.
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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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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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