Books matching: thoroughbred horse racing
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- #1
A rich, panoramic look into the world of horse racing - endearing and immersive for fans of character epics, but its length and meandering structure aren’t for everyone.
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.
1999•634 pages - #2
A thoughtful, character-rich historical romance that stands out with its emotional depth and willingness to tackle tough topics - even if it skips some of the traditional romantic build-up.
HIS WAYWARD BRIDE by Theresa Romain follows the story of Irene and Jonah Chandler, a couple who had a love match but agreed to live apart for four years. The book delves into their complicated relationship dynamics, Irene's involvement in spying and theft, and Jonah's pursuit of training and raising horses. The plot includes unexpected twists, family secrets, and the challenges faced by people of mixed race in 1800's England. The writing style is engaging, with an eclectic cast of characters and soul-satisfying moments that make the love story jump off the page.
Irene knew these London streets as well as the beat of her heart. With the pawnbroker’s money in her pocket, she dashed and elbowed through crowds. I have enough time, she repeated with each ragged br...2019•368 pages - #3
THE SPORT OF BARONETS by Theresa Romain is a novella in the Romance of the Turf series, set in the world of horse racing. The story revolves around the feud between two elite families, the Crosbys and the Chandlers, who raise, train, and race thoroughbred horses. The plot follows Sir Bart Crosby and Miss Hannah Chandler as they navigate the mystery of a stolen prized colt, Golden Barb, just a week before a crucial race. The book is praised for its original concept, meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and engaging dialogues between the main characters.
Despite his preoccupation, the speaker’s femininity was enough to trigger a mannerly response. As Bart crouched on the damp turf of the stable yard, trailing his fingers down Golden Barb’s cannon bone...2015•188 pages - #4
A beautifully written, deeply layered novel that uses the story of an extraordinary horse to explore America's past and present. It's a heartfelt read for history buffs and literary fiction fans, even if its approach to social commentary isn't for everyone.
'Horse: A Novel' by Geraldine Brooks is a captivating historical novel that weaves together two main fictional stories set a hundred years apart, focusing on the intertwined histories of a champion racehorse and his enslaved groom. The narrative skillfully delves into the world of Thoroughbred racing in the 1800s, shedding light on the role of enslaved Blacks in this industry and the subsequent exclusion of Black individuals in racing after the Civil War. Through beautiful writing and emotional storytelling, the author explores themes of slavery, love, loss, and the enduring impact of historical events on modern times.
The novel also incorporates elements of art, provenance, moral development, and science, offering a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of race relations, historical injustices, and the interconnectedness of past and present. The depth of research evident in the book enhances the authenticity of the narrative, drawing readers into a richly detailed world spanning centuries and highlighting the enduring significance of untold stories.
The deceptively reductive forms of the artist’s work belie the density of meaning forged by a bifurcated existence. These glyphs and ideograms signal to us from the crossroads: freedom and slavery, Wh...June 2022•383 pages




