Sign-In
Cart
Holding The Horse
Paperback
ISBN13: 9781991177308
Publisher: Cave Books
Published: Oct 26 2022
Pages: 168
Weight: 0.41
Height: 0.39 Width: 5.00 Depth: 8.00
Language: English
Set in post-WWII rural New Zealand, Holding The Horse is a story of dreams, determination, and ultimately sacrifice. J L Williams evokes the 1940s with accuracy and sensitivity.
When Sid embarks on a life-changing struggle he changes more lives than just his own. A fast-paced story of courage, conflict and reconciliation. More than a coming-of-age story, Holding The Horse is a heart-warming tale of healing and hope which will long remain in the heart and mind.
Sid's affection and care for horses is beautifully drawn, and there are some lovely descriptions of riding, especially at night along the beach. The final beachside riding scene will have you dreading the catastrophe that looms ahead in the darkness. What happens next threatens to destroy Sid's dream forever, let alone any chance he has with the girl he loves. And yet that's not the end - another potential disaster for the whole town still lies ahead. A racing good book for anyone who loves horses, history or characters with grit and determination.
Philippa Werry, award winning author.
Set in rural New Zealand in 1946 this story is both engaging and engrossing. Sid's father, not long home from the war, is struggling to cope with a return to a life that now offers few opportunities: his own shadowed past sets him against his son's ambition of becoming a famous jockey. Without knowing the reasons for his father's opposition, Sid does all he can to realise his dream, even to the extent of putting everything he hopes for in jeopardy. The story's momentum is carried swiftly along by pacy dialogue; persuasive family dynamics, including issues concerning a small deaf sibling; a dash of happy coincidence, as well as a low-key romance between Sid and Sarah, the daughter of a local horse owner. The historical background of returned soldiers suffering PTSD, as well as feeling generally abandoned by officialdom, is convincing. With a neatly constructed, satisfying plot this exciting story is also warm-hearted tale that should have wide appeal.
Bill Nagelkerke, award winning author and translator and former children's librarian
1 different editions
Also available
Also from
Williams, J. L.
5 Simple Steps to a Healthier Happier You: Enrich Your Health Even with a Busy Schedule
Williams, J. L.
Paperback
Also in
Young Adult Fiction
The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel: (A Modern Visual Adaptation of Homer's Epic Tale of Greek Mythology for Young Adults)
Hinds, Gareth
Paperback
Piper at the Gates of Dusk: (A Young Adult Dystopian Adventure of Survival, Identity, and a Divided Future World)
Ness, Patrick
Hardcover
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (National Book Award Winner)
Alexie, Sherman
Paperback
Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories
Hart, Kate
Gansworth, Eric
Smith, Cynthia Leitich
Hardcover
Once Upon a Broken Heart Collector's Edition: [Limited Stenciled Edge Edition]
Garber, Stephanie
Hardcover