Thursday, 10 July 2014

The Dark Horse by Rumer Godden



The Dark Horse
This is one of those terrific horsy books that will appeal as much to those who don't know their snaffles from their martingales - or indeed, one end of a horse from the other - as to those who are hard-core horsefolk. Based on a true event, it is set in 1930's India: Dark Invader has the makings of a champion racehorse, but due to the demands of his ambitious owner, fails to realise his potential. He is bought as a bargain and shipped out to India in the company of his devoted stable lad Ted Mullins, and the pair of them thrive in their new environment - it is a fresh start for both of them, as Ted has his own private griefs. But just as everything is looking rosy, disaster - naturally - is about to strike the pair, although their misfortune proves to be a godsend for the Sisters of Poverty ... It is lovely to see Rumer Godden's books finally appearing in e-book form, and I'm looking forward to getting re-acquainted with the others. The Dark Horse is one of those books with wide-spread appeal, which teenagers will enjoy as much as adults. As with all of Rumer Godden's books, this is a delight; a feel-good book written with compassion, understanding and considerable charm; it hovers on the brink of mawkishness but never actually falls into it. Read it. You won't be disappointed.









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