HORSE

by Geraldine Brooks

MINI REVIEW

A newly published book by Geraldine Brooks will always make my “Must Read” list.  And Horse surpassed all of my expectations. Based on an actual mid-nineteenth century racehorse, named Lexington, Brooks deftly weaves three stories together.  First we meet Jarrett, a young Black boy, born into slavery in Kentucky, who raises and trains Lexington into the record-breaking racehorse he becomes.  Jarrett’s incredible success constantly clashes with his reality of being a slave in the South as the nation heads into the Civil War.  The second story is set in 2019 and involves Jess, a scientist who works at the Smithsonian who finds herself drawn to Lexington’s skeletal bones and sets out to explain why he was such a successful horse.  Jess combines forces with Theo, a Nigerian American art historian, who is trying to piece together the mystery involving the very few, but very valuable, paintings of Lexington in existence. The third story involves a dealer in modern art in 1950s New York City who finds herself drawn to an 18th century painting of Lexington.  Horse is absolutely  a “must-read.”  Beautifully written and well-crafted, Brooks’ characters will linger with you for a long time. (Liz)