War Horse. Michael Morpurgo

This is a powerful short story originally written in 1982 for young readers. It was recently recc'd to me by a close relative, who like myself and maybe 90% of all female children, grew up with a fascination for horses. Black Beauty, Chincoteague and National Velvet and all the various genres and spin offs were and are some of our fondest reading and movie/TV joint recollections. Though published 20 years ago and though I was an Elementary school classroom teacher at the time, I did not come across the story until this very recent conversation, spurred by the upcoming local premiere of the stage touring troupe production with its innovative life-size puppetry. We then researched it. Apparently, it was developed through live interviews of some of the REAL people from WWI mentioned by name, Albert, himself, a villager and Captain Bludgett of the cavalry. The picture of Joey by the soldier is really in a museum. Still I had not read the book nor seen the Spielberg movie (even tho' THAT alone should have peaked my interest in 2011). Anyway, I immediately booked tickets to the stage production here in Rochester, NY for Nov. 2013. Then I ordered the kindle book version so I would be a somewhat enlightened theater goer. I was totally enamored with the book and found it captivating. The narrative style of the book, told primarily from the perspective and 'voice' of the horse, Joey, was a wonderful vehicle to interest a child as well as an adult reader. As a children's book, some caution is necessary for a responsible educator or parent. Some 'scenes', even on the farms, are graphic and war is not a comfortable topic in any event. This book offers a unique opportunity to bring the gruesome reality and history of war and specifically, WW1 to the child audience to open understanding and time for conversation. The message is softened by the bond of loyalty, endurance and total unconditional love between the boy and horse that many kids can identify with, say that between them and their house pets. It also depicts the sadness of loss and death, something many kids are forced to learn to handle. Friendship, kindness and sacrifice are part of the fabric of all our lives. The use of the animal as narrator was a major plus for me, to tell a heart-wrenching/ warming story with a strong anti-war message, in a style suited and familiar to children (think Charlotte's Web). Most of us, at any age, have never had a great understanding of WHY We Go To War at all and this is portrayed in the book, "Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die". To Joey, the farm and what 'his boy', Albert asked of him is answered by Joey's struggles to do what IS asked of him. This ethic carries on to his time in service to England's cavalry, Joey's 'communications' in a teacher/student role concerning how to cope with humans, war and relationships with the other war horses is symbolic of all our life's lessons. The war scenes are graphic, the fighting is frightening and chaotic -- a fluent statement about the insanity of the violence. Horse lovers may find it gruesome abuse, but it was reality. Obviously I cannot say enough good things about this book. As an English major, however, though padding an essay is often worth more grade points, eloquence is often about brevity, being terse and to the point. Think haiku and famous quotes. If this review were so... I would say in ONLY a brief and to the point comment, that; "this book IS brief and to the point".

I had to read the book before seeing the movie. I couldn't watch War Horse without knowing what was going to happen. Michael Morpurgo definitely put together an incredibly touching story when he decided to put pen to paper (so to speak) for this one. * In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again? * This story is told from Joey's point of view. It's unbiased and incredibly observant and completely heartwrenching. Joey's sold right out from under Albert's nose by an alcoholic father who is desperate for money. The man who buys him promises Albert he'll take wonderful care of him. And he does, but it doesn't last forever. Joey's story is full of miracle after tragedy after miracle and it's so sad to read. But warms your heart at the same time. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, they get better. Only to get worse again... only to get better. It's an incredible roller-coaster of a story. War Horse is a fast read. And I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it through without sobbing because I HATE seeing animals hurt or neglected... I can't stand it when they die in movies (seriously, I was a blubbering mess in King Kong and I Am Legend when the dog dies saving Will Smith). It was really interesting to read it from Joey's point of view... kind of gives you a look into the mind and soul of these big, beautiful creatures that we can't get otherwise. He's got an incredibly huge heart and a gentle spirit and there were several places in his story that had me tearing up. I kept having to put my Kindle down because I just didn't think I could read any more. The poor thing just couldn't catch a break! But every time I read something that broke my heart, it was followed by something that put it right back together. I think this would have to be one of my favorite novels. It's absolutely wonderful. I STILL don't know how watching the movie will go (I'll be sure to have lots of tissues) but if it's anything like the book it has to be wonderful. Definitely recommended for everyone.

While on a long inter-continental flight, with nothing better to do, I watched the movie, "War Horse" produced by Steven Spielberg. I was spell-bound. I then decided to buy the book and read it. To my surprise, it was written with the POV being that of the horse. The "I" in the book is the horse Joey. I cannot help but compare the book to the movie, and this is one of the few occasions when I must say on the whole, the movie is better than the book except for one scene. The story is that of a horse, Joey, and its strength and courage in surviving that horrific war in which it was drafted into serving, first on the British side, then on the German side, all the while thinking of "home" with its original owner, the young man Albert. The various descriptions of the battles and that scene of the German soldier working with a British soldier in freeing Joey from the barb wires, all showed the stupidity and futility of the war. The way the movie handled the situation where, Albert and Joey towards the end managed to get together was very touching and more convincing than the way the situation was handled in the book. The one scene where the book excelled is the scene where Joey met the tank. In the movie, it didn't quite capture the fear in Joey, the fear that led to his running away madly into no-man's land. But the book described that feeling in Joey extremely well. I have not seen the West-End play, but now I would like to see it. In summary, I like this book and would recommend that anyone who has seen the movie, should get this book and read it. It gives a slightly different feel and enjoyment of the "War Horse" experience.

In the tradition begun by Black Beauty, the hero and narrator of this story is a horse. He cares about horse things: water, grass, doing his work well, and a kind master to work for. He does not know what the different colored uniforms mean; he does not care if the person he is working for speaks English, French or German. He does not understand the forces in the human world that compel men to fight and kill one another. This is the story of Joey, a Thoroughbred/draft horse cross who began life working for the son of a British farmer. Young Albert copes with his difficult and drunken father by training the young horse that his father bought at auction to spite a neighbor. Under Albert's loving tutelage, Joey learns to carry a rider and pull a plow. But when war comes, Albert's father needs the money so Joey is sold to the army. And so begins the adventure of a lifetime for Joey. That first separation from Albert is the harbinger of many partings: the fortunes and misfortunes of war sweep Joey helplessly along. He's a horse caught in a world where machines are replacing horses and bringing new horrors and perils into the world. But while cavalry charges become discredited, horses are still needed to pull the big guns, the supply wagons and the ambulances. Machines can't cope with the mud and primitive roads of the era. Horses are also still needed by farmers. Joey's story brings to life the hardship and suffering of the estimated six million horses that were pressed into service during World War I. It's a powerful, gut wrenching story because most of those horses never made it back to their original homes. Some people would consider WAR HORSE by Michael Morpurgo to be an anti-war story. However, I found this story to be uplifting--Joey, despite all he suffers, retains his trust and love for human beings. He doesn't understand the war or any of the causes of his suffering, but he responds to the people who treat him kindly with love and loyalty. And he meets with many people who do their best to ease his suffering and to take care of him. In humanity and horsemanship, the world is redeemed. This is a wonderful story. Highly recommended. Soon to be a motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg.

War Horse is a very touching read that takes you into the depths of World War I in the final days of the Cavalry. Morpurgo has done a very good job writing a story from a very different point of view than normal yet making it a very enthralling story, more so than usual because you are shown the perspectives of many of the different characters. Although this is a young adult book it is suitable for all ages, especially those who have a love for horses. The story is narrated by Joey, a Thoroughbred-cross horse and takes you from his days as a colt with his beloved master Albert throughout his days serving in the calvary, assisting the hospitals, and more throughout the war. The author has taken care to be very descriptive and to develop a very touching work. At one point I had to put this book down because I was laughing and crying at the same time. This is a nice and easy read that can definitely be finished within a weekend, and it certainly makes you appreciate our equine friends all the more. Many of us often fail to take into consideration the needs and feelings of our animals, and this is a book that makes you think twice when spending time with your animals. This book ultimately portrays the dedication and love of man and horse, and is just a truly great read.

Although War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a Scholastic book for children, this endearing story will relate to readers of all ages. No wonder Spielberg is making a movie based on this book. Because of this publicity, I wanted to read this story which was published in 1982 but I had never heard of it. Also, I was curious about the format since it is written in first person point of view - from the horse, Joey! Like Black Beauty, Joey explains his earliest memories as a colt, his traumatic weaning and life with a British farmer's son, Albert. The pair become very close as the teenager teaches him the basics about horsemanship, and later about riding and driving. Then World War I changes their idyllic life. Joey is sold to the military and is trained as a cavalry mount and later pulls military wagons such as canons. He meets interesting horses and people, and the scenes kept me turning the pages. I especially loved the scene in No Man's Land. Although I knew he would be reunited with his beloved Albert, the circumstances were not predictable. Wow, what a fantastic story! I look forward to seeing the movie. Visit the author's site at [...]

This has been an interesting day in that I saw the preview for the film, 'War Horse', and being so moved by that, I had to read the book. I downloaded it to my iPad and proceeded to read it in one sitting, taking time out only to eat dinner. I will not go into a lengthy review, as there are plenty of good reviews of that type already available. I will say that this book has moved me in ways that quite possibly no other book has managed previously. 'War Horse' achieves four things for me, and achieves them in a most brilliant fashion: 1) It is extremely well-written (there is something about the style that reminds me of my favourite author, Hermann Hesse), contains outstanding character development, and seamlessly incorporates the other three achievements to which I refer; 2) It speaks of the futility and madness of war, several times bringing to mind scenes from 'All Quiet on the Western Front' (1930); 3) It deals with horses, and while containing some elements that were difficult to read due to my all too visual mind, it is realistic yet hopeful and inspiring; 4) It is set during an historical event and is believable in its settings. I experienced every emotion while reading this, and became attached to its characters, as though they were old friends. There's not much more you can ask for from a book than that. I have a distinct feeling that this was only the first time I will have read 'War Horse', as I suspect I will revisit Joey, Albert, Topthorn and the others many more times.

I hate having to give only three stars for this pleasant but rather adolescent read. It would be a lovely read for a younger reader than I but I was expecting more. I understand Michael Morpurgo is better known for writing chnildren's books so perhaps that influence comes through clearly in this new approach. Having said that I must say I did enjoy the book, I liked the simplicity, the emotion, the sensitivity and the insight into the awfullness of war as depicted in this lovely story of a horse and his many owners. It takes us from his early days, and beguilingly it is told in his own words - it is the horse who is telling his own story - on a farm, the relationship he enjoyed with his young owner and moves on from there to his rather abrupt removal from his idyllic life to his training to become a war horse. Then it moves on to the reality of life in a war zone. It gives a fine insight into the realities of that ordeal as well as exploring the humanity or man in dreadful conditions and sadly, the inhumanity of man too. I would recommend it for younger readers - just a tad too Disneyland for me particularly the accidental meet of a dear friend. I will not say any more in case I spoil it. Enjoy.

After I heard from a movie in Germany about this book I was interested and bought it. I read it on vacation and was overwhelmed. The author write this story from the side of the horse Joey. You have no problem to follow the horse in his world and how he see the war and everything around. It’s a sad, touching and happy story in one book. The war and every effects of this are explained by Joey without any shoking details but anyway you can imagine how it was in many scenes. Especially the scene when Joey’s best horse friend die and he stay next to him and can’t understand why he is dead. I’m honest, sometimes I was crying during reading this book. But it’s a very good book and the author write in a perfect way. I loved it even it was so sad and frustrating.

Very good book, perfect for all ages. The story is not about a usual plot and show the many different aspects of the life of a horse. I don't want to give any spoilers even though i am very temted to, the story is enjoyable and unpredictable which makes it very fun to read. enjoy :)

War horse blijft een classic die ontzettend mooi is en waarbij ondanks alle ellende, er ook hoop is in de duisternis. Deze editie is heel mooi om in de kast te zetten en vaker te herlezen.

Un beau roman narré du point de vue d'un cheval de ferme qui se retrouve pris dans la première guerre mondiale et qui n'aura de cesse de retrouver Albert, le garçon qui s'occupait de lui et l'aimait. Joey sera utilisé pour charger l'ennemi, tirer l'ambulance qui récupère les blessés, tracter les canons sur le champ de bataille et croisera de nombreux hommes sur sa route. A travers ses yeux on assiste aux petits et grands malheurs en temps de guerre mais également à des moments de bonheur qui réchauffent le coeur. Une bien belle histoire qui serre le ventre. Le film qui en a été adapté est également magnifique, à ne pas louper.

Absolutely loved this story! While I am 34 years old and this is clear a book written for children, I loved every moment of this book. It brought tears to my eyes while on the train today.