Horse: A Novel By Geraldine Brooks

"Horse" is a riveting tale that spans generations, interconnecting lives through the fascinating journey of a legendary racehorse named Lexington. Set against the backdrop of Kentucky in 1850, the narrative unfolds with an enslaved groom named Jarret forming a profound bond with a bay foal, ultimately leading to record-setting victories in the South. As the nation plunges into the Civil War, an itinerant artist turned Union soldier reunites with the stallion and his groom in a perilous night, far from the glamour of racetracks.

Fast forward to 1954 in New York City, where gallery owner Martha Jackson becomes fixated on a mysterious nineteenth-century equestrian oil painting. The story then leaps to Washington, DC, in 2019, where Smithsonian scientist Jess and art historian Theo find themselves unexpectedly linked through their shared fascination with the horse. Jess studies the stallion's bones for clues to its power, while Theo uncovers the lost history of the Black horsemen crucial to its racing success.

Winner of prestigious awards, "Horse" is not just an animal story; it's a sweeping narrative of spirit, obsession, and injustice in American history. The novel beautifully entwines themes of art and science, love, and the ongoing reckoning with racism, creating a compelling narrative that is both historically grounded and emotionally resonant. 📚❤️