Synopses & Reviews
The Pulitzer Prizewinning author of
A Thousand Acres gallops into territory she first explored in her acclaimed best-selling novel
Horse Heaven (“Deeply satisfying . . . a smart, warmhearted, winning book” –
New York Times Book Review)
with this irresistible account of her lifelong love affair with horses.
Smiley draws upon her firsthand knowledge of horses, as well as the wisdom of trainers, vets, jockeys, and even a real-life horse whisperer, to examine the horse on all levels–practical, theoretical, and emotional. She shares not only “cute stories” about her own horses, but also fascinating and original insights into horse–and human–behavior. To all this she adds an element of drama and suspense as two of her own horses begin their careers at the racetrack. As the sexy black filly Waterwheel and the elegant gray colt Wowie aspire to the winners circle, we are enchanted, enthralled–and informed about what its really like to own, train, and root for a Thoroughbred.
A Year at the Races is charming, funny, and a bit outrageous: a candid exploration of the abiding bond between humans and horses, told with panache, intelligence, and humor.
Review
"Smiley is a close observer, and what she notes is always interesting....The surety and glow of her prose fragrantly convey the author's sensuous and protective love for horses; she's the kind of mother any foal would be lucky to have." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Smiley succeeds brilliantly in portraying horses not only as fully sentient beings but also as beautiful and intriguing creatures of unique intelligence and heart, who have, over the course of centuries, greatly enhanced and graced human life." Donna Seaman, Booklist (Starred Review)
Synopsis
The Pulitzer Prizewinning author of
A Thousand Acres gallops into territory she first explored in her acclaimed best-selling novel
Horse Heaven ("Deeply satisfying...a smart, warmhearted, winning book"
New York Times Book Review) with this irresistible account of her lifelong love affair with horses.
Smiley draws upon her firsthand knowledge of horses, as well as the wisdom of trainers, vets, jockeys, and even a real-life horse whisperer, to examine the horse on all levels practical, theoretical, and emotional. She shares not only "cute stories" about her own horses, but also fascinating and original insights into horse and human behavior. To all this she adds an element of drama and suspense as two of her own horses begin their careers at the racetrack. As the sexy black filly Waterwheel and the elegant gray colt Wowie aspire to the winners circle, we are enchanted, enthralled and informed about what it's really like to own, train, and root for a Thoroughbred.
A Year at the Races is charming, funny, and a bit outrageous: a candid exploration of the abiding bond between humans and horses, told with panache, intelligence, and humor.
About the Author
Jane Smiley is the author of numerous novels, including, most recently,
Good Faith, as well as a critically acclaimed biography of Charles Dickens. She is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2001. Smiley owns several horses and lives in Northern California.
From the Hardcover edition.